Redskins Park remains closed to the players. That’s what general manager Bruce Allen told Redskins union representative Vonnie Holliday Monday night.
But that might not be the case; and some players, including receiver Anthony Armstrong, will try to find out this morning when they show up for work.
After Holliday had spoken with Allen, the NFL said facilities must be open. It’s uncertain if they’ll be able to work out and it’s also unclear how many players will head to Redskins Park, knowing it might just be for show. Armstrong said via text he will be at the facility this morning, but was uncertain if he’d be able to work out.
Despite Judge Susan Nelson’s decision earlier Monday that temporarily lifted the lockout, it was not business as usual. Rather, it was just confusion.
“I guess they have to figure out how they handle it now,” Holliday said before the NFL released its statement late Monday. “The explanation I got is there’s a lot of lawyers involved and the owners aren’t clear [about the situation] I don’t know how much clearer it can be….I had players calling me up and asking, ‘Can I go in?’ “
Though players felt buoyed by the news, saying it validated their arguments, Holliday took a more cautious approach. With the owners filing an appeal, this will stay in the courts.
“I guess that’s not surprising,” he said. “But if you want to get a deal done, we’re ready to get it done as players. So why not deal with the players as opposed to the courts and the judge?”
At least one player, linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, was ready to report Tuesday. Alexander has a workout bonus in his contract.
“I’ve got to protect my bonus,” Alexander said. “If the lockout is lifted, I don’t want them to say, ‘You had two weeks to come in, but you never came in and you can’t get your [workout] bonus.’ ” If I didn’t have anything invested I probably wouldn’t go because there probably won’t be any other players there.”
Corner Kevin Barnes, who has been working out at the University of Maryland, said his initial plan was to continue working at his former school until he hears otherwise.
“I’ll stick by my phone; I hope I get a call saying to go back to work,” he said. “I would love to get back in with the coaches and get back around them. A lot of teammates are out of town so as far as I’m concerned it’s still a lockout.”
But Monday’s ruling did please the players.
“I am encouraged,” Alexander said. “Even though it could still draw out…the judge ruling in our favor shows we have validity to our arguments.”
Still, the players are realistic about this latest news.
“I think it will speed everything up,” Redskins end Phillip Daniels said. “Pretty much everything has gone our way so far; we’ve had two rulings that fell our way…But knowing the owners they’ll appeal and it’ll be another lengthy process before we get started.
“It’s not the end of the road but it’s a positive.”
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