Patrick Peterson apologized on Thursday evening for the six-game suspension he received earlier in the day for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
The Cardinals' star cornerback said he was "definitely, definitely sorry" for the infraction that will keep him out until the team's Week 7 game against the Giants.
"I think you guys understand my character, and also understand my commitment on and off the field, and also to my teammates and the Arizona Cardinals organization," Peterson said. "That's why this is very, very hard for me, because I've obviously never been in this situation before and never wanted to have my name attached to anything like this."
Peterson, who didn't elaborate on why he failed the test, said he had known about the suspension for months and was relieved it was out in the open so he could begin to move forward.
Peterson admitted the timing wasn't ideal, as it came during a pre-planned media availability meant to promote his charitable foundation, the Patrick Peterson Foundation for Success. Peterson hosted a welcome party on Thursday in Scottsdale and has a charitable golf tournament on Friday morning, with the proceeds geared toward improving the lives of low-income and inner-city youth.
"I hope this doesn't damper the vision on the foundation -- because obviously my name is attached to it -- but this is for the kids," Peterson said. "I still want to show that I have that commitment."
Peterson was asked if he planned to participate in the Cardinals' voluntary OTAs beginning on Monday but it doesn't seem like he will attend.
"I have to be a father," Peterson said. "My wife's a doctor and I'm the only one right now that can really take her to school. So I have to take her to school each and every day and make sure she gets there secure, that she's picked up. But I'm still working out, doing my due diligence to make sure that I'm in shape come mandatory minicamp."
Peterson was asked about his relationship with the organization after some cryptic Instagram posts in April, and he denied any friction.
"The relationship is great," Peterson said. "I know you guys speculated, me erasing the pictures, but I had a lot going on. Now I want to have a new look. I want to put a lot more fashion pictures up there right now. Instagram can definitely promote life after football, so I wanted to put some more fashionable looks on there. .. But for the most part, our relationship is great. I had a conversation with Steve (Keim) earlier, so I'm just looking forward to moving forward."
Peterson has not missed a game in his NFL career but will now be away from the team for its first six of 2019.
"I'm looking forward to getting back Week 7, and I'm going to continue to try to keep that smile on my face and get back to being the best DB in the league," Peterson said.
