The coach and the star didn’t get along. It was heated in the locker room and chilly on the field.
After two horrific opening losses, Washington Redskins coach Marty Schottenheimer cut quarterback Jeff George in 2001. Just like that, a healthy starting quarterback was gone.
Don’t say the Redskins can’t cut Albert Haynesworth. If a starting quarterback can be booted in September — leaving the team to endure journeyman Tony Banks at its marquee position — then a defensive malcontent can go, too.
After Haynesworth’s clueless and bitter postgame comments Saturday following an ugly 23-3 preseason loss to Baltimore, coach Mike Shanahan must decide whether this circus can continue. It has been the major distraction of the offseason and training camp for the new coach. Haynesworth essentially called Shanahan a liar, saying the coach didn’t tell the truth about the nose tackle’s recent practice absences.
Shanahan has taken a hard line in trying to regroup an organization that spent two years under free spirit Jim Zorn. Schottenheimer faced a similar task in 2001.
Both coaches knew they couldn’t be undermined in any way. Both faced tough choices with key players. George was so hated by his teammates that offensive linemen didn’t defend him after he was dragged down the field following a sack. Haynesworth hasn’t generated such animosity among his teammates, but several Redskins’ Twitter accounts show a growing restlessness.
Both sides seemed to be moving on once Haynesworth passed a conditioning test after missing eight days of camp. The disgruntled player appeared happy to be on the field. Now he’s whining over playing in the third quarter as part of the second team. Well, that’s when the second team plays. If he wants back with the starters, Shanahan said Haynesworth has to “earn” it. The only thing Haynesworth seems intent on earning is a bus ticket and not his $21 million offseason bonus check.
Haynesworth isn’t changing. He’s a self-centered brat as proved by multiple on- and off-field episodes. The Redskins blew it when they signed him. Now they’ll blow it if they don’t rid themselves of him.
Washington wants a mid-round pick, but nobody will buy the Redskins’ problem. They just need to cut him already and let Oakland get a decent player for free.
One former Redskins lineman explained his personal media blackout by saying, “I’ve had some problems inside my head.” Maybe Haynesworth should call him for advice. For now, it’s shut up and move on.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
