The Redskins won’t hold training camp at George Mason University, in part because the Fairfax school did not think it had the appropriate facilities for what the team would want.
According to statements by GMU athletic director Tom O’Connor and Redskins general manager Bruce Allen, there was interest — and may be more in the future — but now isn’t the time. Allen had toured the campus with O’Connor.
It’s uncertain where the Redskins will now turn and a week ago it appeared there top choices were GMU or staying at their Ashburn facility.
O’Connor’s statement:
“Bruce Allen and his staff have been terrific through the preliminary process as they evaluate George Mason University as a possible training camp site. As a result of the current situation, at this time we cannot provide the Redskins organization with certainty that all the necessary facilities will be available during the time needed this August. We hope to continue the relationship and potentially bring the Washington Redskins to the campus in the future.”
Allen’s statement:
“We recently had the opportunity to explore George Mason University as a possible site for training camp. We are excited about the first-class facilities at the university and will continue to work with their administration for a future partnership.
“Once a decision is made, we will make an announcement at the appropriate time.”
Redskins coach Mike Shanahan has said he likes going away for camp. Washington used to train at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., and Frostburg State in Maryland. But the Redskins last held camp in Carlisle in 2002 and have been at their Ashburn, Va., facility ever since.
They have flirted with other schools, such as Old Dominion and William & Mary.
According to Redskins.com, Shanahan reitirated his stance on camp in an interview with broadcaster Larry Michaels.
“When I was in Denver, we went up to Northern Colorado, which is about an hour and 15 minutes away from the facility,” Shanahan told him. “You have a chance to get away for three weeks. You have a chance to isolate your team in an atmosphere that is really conducive to learning. You get away from your facility and it was 24 hours a day of football. I thought it was really good for the football team.”
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