Crime in Sports · James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman

Dead Player Battleship - Adrian Peterson - Part 1

March 3, 2026·2 hr 25 min·5 clips

Adrian Peterson's dad went to prison for laundering money for a crack ring—how did that shape the NFL star's life?

This episode marks the 500th installment of the comedy podcast Crime in Sports, hosted by James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman, who analyze the criminal histories of athletes. The hosts begin by celebrating their milestone and promoting their Patreon before introducing the subject, NFL legend Adrian Peterson. They establish Peterson as a top-ten all-time running back with nearly 15,000 career rushing yards and an MVP award, contrasting his on-field greatness with his frequent legal troubles. Peterson's athletic pedigree is detailed, noting his mother was a college sprinter and his father was a college basketball player who missed an NBA tryout after being shot by his own brother. The hosts describe Peterson's childhood in Texas, where corporal punishment was common, and his father frequently used belts or switches for discipline. They reference an article stating Peterson's father stopped the beatings when Adrian was a teenager because he was imprisoned for eight years for money laundering for a crack ring. The hosts recount a traumatic event where Peterson, at age eight, witnessed his older brother Brian being killed by a drunk driver and later removed from life support. Peterson's mother, Bonita, is quoted saying her faith prevented her from becoming a "sodomite" after the tragedy, which the hosts criticize. Peterson's stepfather was a Baptist pastor, and the hosts read a quote where Peterson describes his mindset using biblical terms, framing negative thoughts as "darts" from the devil. They share an article where Peterson's father, Nelson, explains he turned to drug dealing not to support his ten children but due to entitlement after his basketball career was ended by the shooting. Nelson claims he had amassed between one and one-and-a-half million dollars and owned several houses by the time of his arrest. The hosts mock the father's justification and his large family while judging others. A surprising insight is the legality of corporal punishment in Texas schools, where teachers can paddle students as long as no medical attention is required. The hosts express disgust at a story of Peterson's football coach, Booker Bowie, administering paddlings that left players unable to sit for hours. They find it hypocritical and pathetic that parents or coaches would use violence against children who cannot defend themselves. The hosts are also struck by the casual brutality of Peterson's father's story, where his NBA dreams were destroyed because his brother accidentally shot him in the leg. The tone is irreverent and conversational, filled with sarcastic commentary, dark humor, and tangential riffs from the hosts. The style is comedic critique, blending biographical facts with the hosts' exaggerated reactions and personal anecdotes. Fans of dark comedy who enjoy mocking the hypocrisies and downfalls of famous figures will love this episode. Listeners offended by profane humor, critical takes on religion, or discussions of child abuse should skip it.

As heard by us

Episode 500 turns Adrian Peterson’s rise into research, disbelief, and deadpan chaos.

Crime in Sports turns episode 500 into a loud anniversary lap and a sharp look at Adrian Peterson’s rise. The mix of track medals, 100-meter times, five-star recruiting buzz, and All-American Bowl attention keeps the story moving between scouting report and disbelief, with the…

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

If you want a 500th-episode victory lap with Adrian Peterson's early rise and track-speed hype.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Crime in Sports