By RedskinsGab Columnist Keely Diven
The Redskins have suspended the talented but dissatisfied defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth without pay for the remaining 4 games of the season. The team blamed his suspension on “conduct detrimental to the club.” According to The Washington Post’s Jason Reid, on Monday Mike Shanahan learned that Haynesworth would no longer speak to him, a message that Haynesworth delivered through General Manager Bruce Allen. More information to come as it emerges.
Shanahan released the following statement about the suspension.
“Despite the club’s numerous attempts to persuade Albert Haynesworth to abide by the terms of his contract, he has repeatedly refused to cooperate with our coaching staff in a variety of ways over an extended period of time. Among other things, he has consistently indicated to our defensive coaches that he refuses to play in our base defense or on first-down or second-down nickel situations. He has also refused to follow the instructions of our coaches both during weekly practices and during actual games as well.
Yesterday, when Albert was at Redskin Park, he told our General Manager Bruce Allen that he would no longer speak with me. Although suspending any player is not a decision that a head coach enters into lightly, I believe the situation has reached the point where the club clearly has no alternative.”
This has been a long time coming, for whatever reason this guy thinks he would win the power struggle he’s been in with Mike Shanahan. This is not the head coach to screw around with. The question here is what can be done to salavage something out of what was one of the most lucrative contracts in NFL history, releasing him may be the best option.