The Redskins suspended defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth for the final four games of the season without pay, citing conduct detrimental to the team.
Here’s what coach Mike Shanahan said in a statement released by the team:
“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 [Haynesworth] 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.”
Haynesworth was deactivated for Sunday’s 31-7 loss to the New York Giants. He had practiced poorly according to the coaches on Thursday and then was limited with an illness on Friday. That led to players, notably end Phillip Daniels, expressing dissatisfaction with their teammate.
