ASHBURN — Donovan McNabb questioned the way his benching was handled, saying he learned part of his fate via media reports. But coach Mike Shanahan denied that was the case.
It’s the second time this season there’s a discrepancy in what McNabb said he was told and what the coaches say they told him. After getting benched in Detroit, both coach Mike Shanahan and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said they told McNabb before the game there was a chance of this happening if things weren’t going well and he appeared injured.
This time, McNabb said on his weekly paid radio show on ESPN 980 that he learned that he would be the No. 3 quarterback the final two games from media reports.
“I did sit down with Donovan in detail and told him why he’d be No. 2 in Dallas and why he’d be No. 3 in the following two games,” Shanahan said. “I felt very good about our conversation.”
McNabb, who declined to talk Wednesday, also didn’t like that several stories appeared on ESPN and Fox at least two days before the move was made, speculating that it could happen. McNabb even said on his show he knew where the leaks were coming from.
“These reports circulate all the time,” Shanahan said. “I didn’t share with anyone what would happen until [Dec. 16].”
The benched quarterback also said he wanted to return next season, adding that he believes the relationship between he and the coaches is salvageable. He’s under contract, though the Redskins could cut him before next season, costing them $3.5 million. Shanahan said last week there’s no guarantee that McNabb will return.
Meanwhile, running back Clinton Portis, on injured reserve for a lower abdominal injury, said during his paid weekly radio show on 106.7 “The Fan” that some players looked like they were playing scared vs. Dallas. His point: If McNabb could get benched, anyone could.
“Clinton better worry about his stomach and getting well,” Shanahan said.
