They bonded over barbecue and Albert Haynesworth, taking shots at the latter while enjoying the former. Mostly, though, they reveled in their new status: welcomed alumni of the Washington Redskins.
For the first time under owner Dan Snyder, the Redskins held a barbecue for their former players, who watched practice, slapped one another on the back and took the obligatory shot at the absent Haynesworth.
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“He’s an idiot,” former Hog George Starke told reporters.
The reunion was spearheaded by new Redskins executive vice president/general manager Bruce Allen (though, ironically, one of his moves this offseason involved firing former Redskins great Donnie Warren, who did not attend).
More than 60 alumni showed up. Monte Coleman did not; he apparently is still steamed about being asked to leave the practice field while visiting one time earlier in Snyder’s regime.
“I recall 10 years ago when I was asked to leave FedEx Field one time,” former Redskins kicker Mark Moseley said. “Dan lost track of how important the Redskins’ history has been and should be. The players have to realize that the fans come to FedEx Field because of the old days. … This is a good move.”
Said Snyder: “I don’t think it’s mend the fences as much as embrace the relationship. … Bruce has really brought about that change, and Mike [Shanahan] has brought that change.”
For some, it was fun to be around the Redskins — and not have to deal with the Haynesworth saga.
“I’m taking the day off,” former GM Charley Casserly said.
“Retirement is great; I don’t have to deal with that stuff,” former GM Bobby Beathard said.
If only we could say the same.
