The Washington Redskins didn’t just lose a game Sunday. They lost some pride. Offensive tackle Trent Williams and running back Fred Davis reportedly tested positive for marijuana and will be suspended for the season’s final four games.
They snuck out the back door of the locker room accompanied by guards to ward off reporters and other evil spirits. The front door stayed closed a little longer than NFL rules require to ensure their escape.
Coach Mike Shanahan said he hadn’t received any information about the suspension. The Pony Express probably couldn’t get stadium parking.
Two pro athletes failing recreational drug tests is beyond shameful. It’s flat out stupid. They’re lucky they aren’t facing the usual one-year suspension. The union couldn’t save them even though it negotiated amnesty for nine other players who tested positive.
It’s one thing to lose for the seventh time in eight games, this time a 34-19 defeat by the New York Jets that included a shameless late touchdown run allowed with 1:47 remaining. It’s bad enough to fall to 4-8 with little chance of winning again without their top two offensive players.
But the Redskins sidestepped the suspensions, saying the NFL must announce it first. That’s correct, but it’s a convenient way of failing to man up to an ugly incident.
Coach Joe Gibbs once made a player who was arrested the previous day for drunken driving come into the press room to discuss it. Davis and Williams will fade into the offseason and never be forced to say anything publicly. Davis may never return because he’s a free agent.
The Redskins are like most big businesses. They do everything to avoid sullying the brand. But this is a great opportunity for a teachable moment.
Smoking pot is not the greatest sin, though it is technically a criminal offense. Still, it’s not something we want our children to see their idols do. Davis and Williams should come forward once their suspensions are announced and explain to all those 8- to 15-year-old Redskins fans why they were wrong.
Maybe their contrition will save one kid from trying drugs. Maybe it will keep that kid from escalating into harder drugs and then stealing to support that habit. If that sounds extreme, read reports on who’s in jail and how things went bad in life. It’s almost always about drugs.
Williams and Davis reportedly failed multiple drug tests. That means they have a problem and/or no common sense. They need help or their promising careers will end prematurely. Davis surely will take a large financial hit on his next contract because he’s now a risk. Williams will lose $1.847 million while he’s suspended.
The Redskins don’t want to admit they’re rebuilding, much less concede two players have a problem. Show some pride. Show some community leadership and face the suspension with honesty and humility.
Otherwise, it’s just another stain on a once-proud organization that no longer deserves its followers.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
