***OFFICIAL*** Washington Redskins 2011 Off-Season Thread (3 Viewers)

[dgreen]

The Redskins have honored every detail of this contract. Haynesworth now has not.

Speaking of this, what's the max penalty the 'Skins can enforce for skipping mandatory workouts/camps? Can they only fine him (and how much)? Is there a "breach of contract" issue now where they could try and go after some of the bonus money?

$10,000 per day for missed minicamp, $16,000 per day for missed training camp I believe. And they can go after part of the signing bonus (which was $5 million, not the huge lump which was paid to him this year). All that is from what I read this morning, and I think I'm remembering it correctly.

Yeah, everyone gets paid the same during minicamp, training camp, and preseason games. Paychecks only differ based on contract once you reach the regular season.

 

[dgreen]

One note: the Redskins (Snyder/Cerrato) offered Haynesworth a ridiculous, front-loaded contract and this situation is now the result of that.

That's a good part of it. They also promised him he'd be able to play the position he liked to play, the way he liked to play it, which is a big contributing factor here. Unless of course Vinnie pops up soon and says that ain't so, in which case he'd probably be saying something self-serving like he always did.

I'm guessing there's a reason nobody has said those things weren't promised: probably because they were promised. They probably said whatever they had to say to get him here.

 

[Dexter Manley]

IMO, they should play hardball with Haynesworth. I wouldn't accept anything less than a 1st round pick or another stud player (like Vincent Jackson or Logan Mankins who were mentioned earlier) for him.

If he wants to sit out the season in protest, let him. If he wants to sit out next season too, let him. AFAIC I wouldn't trade him unless you get decent value and I would have no problem holding onto his rights and having him never seeing the field again in the NFL.

 

[Don Quixote]

IMO, they should play hardball with Haynesworth. I wouldn't accept anything less than a 1st round pick or another stud player (like Vincent Jackson or Logan Mankins who were mentioned earlier) for him. If he wants to sit out the season in protest, let him. If he wants to sit out next season too, let him. AFAIC I wouldn't trade him unless you get decent value and I would have no problem holding onto his rights and having him never seeing the field again in the NFL.

SD and NE are 3-4 defenses too, so I don't think Jackson or Mankins are options.

 

[Marvelous]

One note: the Redskins (Snyder/Cerrato) offered Haynesworth a ridiculous, front-loaded contract and this situation is now the result of that.

That's a good part of it. They also promised him he'd be able to play the position he liked to play, the way he liked to play it, which is a big contributing factor here. Unless of course Vinnie pops up soon and says that ain't so, in which case he'd probably be saying something self-serving like he always did.

I'm guessing there's a reason nobody has said those things weren't promised: probably because they were promised. They probably said whatever they had to say to get him here.

They probably were promised. But they are not in writing, so there is no way to enforce it. And you have to take a sales pitch with a grain of salt. I am sure Haynesworth knows you can't believe everything a sale person tells you.

 

[netnalp]

IMO, they should play hardball with Haynesworth. I wouldn't accept anything less than a 1st round pick or another stud player (like Vincent Jackson or Logan Mankins who were mentioned earlier) for him. If he wants to sit out the season in protest, let him. If he wants to sit out next season too, let him. AFAIC I wouldn't trade him unless you get decent value and I would have no problem holding onto his rights and having him never seeing the field again in the NFL.

I live in Michigan and Detroit fans felt the same about Barry Sanders, and the way things turned out most people I know wish they traded him, so they'd have at least gotten something and others would have wanted to see him play for a few more years even if it was with another team.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Some reaction to the Haynesworth news:

London Fletcher

"I agree with the assessment that Albert has made a very selfish decision. When you play a team sport, you have to look at it and think about everybody involved in the situation. This is not golf, tennis, things like that where it's an all-about-you sport. What he's decided to do is make a decision based all about him. It's no different than his attitude and his approach to last year's defense, about wanting everything to revolve around him and him making plays. And if it didn't benefit him, he wasn't really willing to do it."

-----

"He can say what he wants to say about him not wanting to be here, wanting to be traded, things like that. There's ways he can not be a Redskin. Give the money back; I'm sure they'd take it. We'll move on without him. I want teammates who I can depend on, who I can count on, who in the fourth quarter of a situation, I know is going to be there to make a play or to do his job that the defense calls -- whether it's responsibilities holding up a lineman or penetrating a gap... I need guys I can depend on. We need people we can depend on. At the end of the day, right now, he's shown that he can't be depended upon."

-----

Question: Is it different if a player misses minicamp over a contractual situation than something like this?

Fletcher: "Yeah, it is. This is a situation that's really hasn't been...basically uncharted waters. Where a guy has gotten their money -- it's not about contract, this is about 'I don't fit the scheme.' Well, you don't know if you fit the scheme because you haven't been here, so until you come here and see if you fit the scheme...if they're gonna pay you what they're gonna pay you to be a 3-4 end or 3-4 nose tackle, come, be the best 3-4 end, 3-4 nose tackle that you can be, and at the end of the day we'll be happy with you."

Mike Shanahan

Shanahan said he spoke with Haynesworth in February and gave Haynesworth permission at that time to find another place of employment. The team was willing to release Haynesworth if he would forgo the $21 million bonus he was due. But Shanahan said Haynesworth was only given until April 1 to locate another potential team.

"But on April 1, when we owed him a check for $21 million, we said, if you do take that check, we expect you to be the best defensive end, best nose tackle and if we played you at free safety, we'd expect you to be the best free safety -- even though he'd have to lose a little weight -- whatever position we wanted to play him at, that he'd do the best job he possibly could that would make him the best football player," Shanahan said.

"Obviously, he took the check, so I was surprised that he wasn't here today. Because I thought he did make that commitment and once he took that check, that he wanted to be a Washington Redskin, that he wanted to do the best thing for the Washington Redskins to help our defense and help our football team win. Obviously it didn't go in that direction, so quite disappointed."

-----

Shanahan said he learned of Haynesworth's intentions to skip this week's minicamp from media reports Tuesday night. He said he hasn't spoken with Haynesworth since the first day of the offseason conditioning program on March 15, the only day that Haynesworth set foot in Redskins Park during the team's offseason program.

"I'm here every day. I'm working every day, part of the offseason program. My doors are always open for any player," he said. "You want me to go down there, chase him around Miami?"

Asked how Haynesworth's absence could affect his team, Shanahan stressed that he's happy with his other nose tackle options and that because Haynesworth has yet to show up to any offseason workouts, nothing is really changed.

"We've been doing very, very well as a football team," he said. "Guys have been working very hard."

Charlie Casserly

The former Redskins GM and current NFL analyst gave them some relief: Casserly said that if he were in charge of the Redskins, there's no chance he would cave to Haynesworth's request, and instead would go to every length not to set a precedent of caving to disgruntlement.

"I've been in that situation, and I would say that 9 times out of 10 - and I can't remember the 1 out of 10 - it's hey, we paid you $31 million, you're part of the team, we're gonna fine you," Casserly said, while admitting that any fines are "inconsequential" to a guy as rich as Haynesworth.

"And if you don't show up to camp, we're gonna keep fining you," Casserly continued. "We're gonna exercise every right we have under the CBA. Shanahan's been clear, about I expect you to come in in shape. The way I interpret that is that if you're not in shape, and if you're not gonna work hard, if you're not gonna do what you're told here, we can fine you, and we can eventually suspend you for lack of effort.

-----

Casserly was then asked if Haynesworth's ploy has crushed his own trade value, making it even harder for the Redskins to make a move.

"Well, I think this is planned and orchestrated," Casserly said. "I can't prove it, but I have my hunch. I think Haynesworth's on strike. And the way you try to get a trade is you don't show up, say you're not gonna play there. If you're writing the book, this is the book.

"Now he hasn't pulled the trump card yet. But there's no question in my mind that Haynesworth and his agent are talking to other teams. And maybe they've got a team to pull the trigger here. I mean, that's the way these things work. Is that right or ethical? No, but does it go on? Sure it goes on.

-----

"The trump card I've always thought is this: ripping the fans is a partial trump card, but when you rip the owner, a lot of times that gets you traded. And I've seen that happen. Now, he hasn't done that yet. Some owners, they understand the drill, they just let it roll off them. Other owners, they react with a knee-jerk, and they'll run right in to the general manager and say get that son of a gun out of here.

"Now, I don't know how Dan Snyder would react in that situation. If I was the owner, I'd understand it's a drill, he can say anything he wants about me. All I would do is call up the GM and say you know what, don't even think twice about this guy, we're not trading him."

 

[dgreen]

Steinberg on Wilbon on Haynesworth:

Wilbon offers Haynesworth a "standing ovation"

Michael Wilbon has made a pretty nice career out of defying conventional wisdom. I know that. I understand it. When D.C. goes gaga for Ovechkin, Wilbon says the kid needs to check himself. When D.C. goes gaga for Stephen Strasburg, Wilbon says he'd rather watch the NBA Finals. When D.C. does the Salsa, Wilbon breaks out a Polka.

Still, Wilbon managed to sneak up on me yet again this week, becoming the only person in America to come out in defense of Albert Haynesworth.

"I hope Albert Haynesworth never reports," Wilbon said on ESPN 980's Sports Fix. "It's great. Standing ovation from the West Coast for Albert Haynesworth."

Why? Well, the answer revolves around Wilbon's deep belief that the NFL's offseason is a joke, and that anything that can help crumble that system is a good thing.

"I love this story, because of course Albert Haynesworth should be at something mandatory, but I love that these offseason workout things [have] so much drama now," Wilbon said. "Because they shouldn't even be having this junk. It's just another management control tool, that they should be around these camps every single day of the offseason. I love it that these things are blowing up in some teams' faces....

"They need to get rid of them. They need to be against the rules of the CBA. It's junk. The general public, they'll stand for anything NFL management says people should do, go along with this stuff. These guys should be off. It's the OFFseason. I don't care how much they get paid, they don't get paid nearly as much as baseball and basketball players, who have OFFseasons. You know, this is just garbage."

Wilbon said a veteran player told him the reason the NFL has so many more injuries now is because players never get a chance to recuperate. He said the Redskins' frequent offseason workouts this year will backfire. He said this is an issue the union should fight, that it's worth walking out or striking over. And so he said that Haynesworth brings him joy.

"It's ridiculous. It's just absurd on every level," Wilbon said. "And again, as media, we're just lapdogs for whatever NFL management says. I mean, we're just like tools. Whatever they say, they're just roasting another player. There's so little questioning of the NFL offseason, I'm amazed by it. But then again, there's so little questioning of the NFL, except for day-to-day coaching decisions of whether a guy should use a timeout or not, some minutiae, some crap. But this thing should be attacked publicly, and it almost never is....

"[Haynesworth] should comply. He signed a deal, he should go comply. The standing ovation for Haynesworth is as a representative of any rebellion against this thing, against The Man, if you will. It's not an applause for Haynesworth specifically. It is what he represents, those players who are basically saying I'm not coming to your garbage, just leave me alone, I'm not even answering the phone....

"Again, Haynesworth has no wiggle room. There's no honor in sort of messing with the contract for Haynesworth; he just signed it a minute and a half ago. But what I love is any situation that calls for a guy to thumb his nose at the NFL alleged offseason."

(Wilbon also said he didn't even know about the latest drama until calling into the show, and that "the greatest thing about being away from Washington for the last two months is not having to hear about Redskins' offseason drama.")

 

[dgreen]

From Adam Schefter:

Nearly three months after they wrote a $21 million check to defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, the Washington Redskins will try to get it back, according to league sources.

Before Haynesworth made the decision not to report to the Redskins mandatory minicamp that kicked off Wednesday, the NFL Players Association assured him that the bonus money on the contract he restructured on March 12 would be his to keep, one source said.

But another knowledgeable NFL source that reviewed Haynesworth's contract and the collective bargaining agreement Wednesday morning said this issue is "open to interpretation" now that the defensive tackle has declined to report to a mandatory minicamp and the Redskins are expected to pursue whatever money they can. The source added, "this is the type of case where a longshot may be given an extra hard look because it is so egregious."

Haynesworth is unhappy with the way the Redskins used him last year and the way they would use him in the 3-4 defense this year. The Redskins are upset that they paid Haynesworth the richest defensive contract in NFL history and he wants to be traded before he has had a chance to play for the new regime in Washington.

At issue is the bonus money paid to Haynesworth -- $26 million overall since the defensive tackle signed the first $100 million contract for a defensive player in NFL history in March 2009.

The NFLPA and Haynesworth's camp will certainly argue that the current Collective Bargaining Agreement Signing Bonus Forfeiture language prohibits the Redskins from going after any of Haynesworth's signing bonus, but there are NFL insiders who believe the Redskins may have a case against Haynesworth given the specific language in his March 12th contract.

The dispute signals that before the Redskins would consider trading Haynesworth, they first will look to get back some of the money they paid him in what could turn into a battle that lands on the desk of the NFL's Special Master.

It also puts the NFLPA in a difficult spot, since it will have to take a stand publicly defending Haynesworth. While players such as Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson and New England Patriots guard Logan Mankins want lucrative new deals, Haynesworth became the highest paid player in history at his position -- and then chose not to honor the contract because he didn't like the way he was going to be used in the Redskins defense.

In the end, the NFLPA will have to defend Haynesworth. But that will not endear it to the public at a time when it is gearing up to battle the NFL on a new collective bargaining agreement.

 

[VaCatFan]

More players speaking out about Haynesworth:

ASHBURN, Va. (AP)—Washington Redskins players are calling Albert Haynesworth(notes) selfish for skipping the team’s mandatory minicamp and demanding a trade.

Haynesworth wasn’t present Wednesday morning when the team took the field for practice. The two-time All Pro defensive tackle is staying away because he doesn’t want to play in the Redskins’ new defensive scheme.

“Albert made a very selfish decision,” veteran linebacker London Fletcher(notes) said. “When you decide to play a team sport, you have to look at it and think about everybody involved in the situation. This is not golf, tennis, things like that, where it’s an all-about-you sport. What he’s decided to do is make a decision based on all-about-him.

“It’s no different than his attitude and approach to last year’s defense, about wanting everything to revolve around him and him making plays. And if it didn’t benefit him, he wasn’t really willing to do it.”

Coach Mike Shanahan revealed that the Redskins told Haynesworth in February that they would agree to release him and let him go to another team—in exchange for not paying him a $21 million bonus due April 1.

“Obviously, he took the check,” Shanahan said, “so I was surprised he wasn’t here today. … Don’t take our check and then say that, hey, you don’t want to be part of our organization.”

The Redskins can fine Haynesworth up to $9,442 for missing the minicamp practice, hardly a dent in the money he’s received from the team for one season’s worth of work. He been paid $32 million of the $41 million guaranteed in the seven-year, $100 million contract he signed as a free agent last year.

Shanahan did not say what the Redskins will do next. They could release Haynesworth, try to trade him, try to find a way to get some of the bonus money back, or keep him on the roster and force another showdown when training camp opens July 29.

“We’ll make some decisions here shortly,” the coach said.

Having pocketed his money, Haynesworth simply wants out of Washington. Unhappy that the Redskins are switching to a 3-4 defense, he prefers a scheme that would allow him the type of freedom he had during his seven seasons with the Tennessee Titans. He has not participated in any team’s offseason conditioning program and skipped two voluntary minicamps.

“After many years in the NFL, I know what it takes for me to perform at my highest level,” he said in a statement released Tuesday night.

His teammates, including several respected veterans, were scathing in their comments Wednesday. If Haynesworth does show up for training camp, there will be some fences to mend.

Defensive end Phillip Daniels(notes): “I think I speak for every guy on this team: We all feel like he turned his back on us.”

Center Casey Rabach(notes): “It’s getting to be selfish. He’s hurting the team. It doesn’t sit well with the players. … You can’t really count on him right now.”

Fletcher: “There’s ways he cannot be a Redskin: Give the money back. We’ll move on without him. I want teammates who I can depend on, who I can count on, who in the fourth quarter I know is going to be there to make a play or do his job that the defense calls (for). We need people that we can depend on. And at the end of the day, right now, he’s showing that he can’t be depended upon. … Last year we had a lot of selfishness that took place, and we got 4-12 out of that. This year, we can’t have that.”

Cornerback DeAngelo Hall(notes) was one of the few willing to publicly empathize with Haynesworth, saying that “promises were made” about the way Haynesworth would be used when the contract was signed.

Still, even Hall conceded that Haynesworth is all about Haynesworth.

“We know Albert’s going to do what he wants to do,” Hall said, “whether it’s going to benefit him, benefit the team, or if it’s a stupid idea or a good idea, he’s going to do what he’s going to do. It’s kind of hard to change his mind.”

 

[fatness]

The roots of the problem:

1.

In a phone conversation during the early hours of free agency and during a face-to-face meeting at the complex before Haynesworth signed, Snyder told Haynesworth he would be granted the freedom to play his way, according to people familiar with the conversations. Snyder told Haynesworth he wanted him to be the same dominant force he had been during the 2007-08 seasons with the Tennessee Titans, they said

2. Tons of guaranteed money given in the contract.3.

Haynesworth quickly clashed with former defensive coordinator Greg Blache over Blache's reluctance to give Haynesworth the freedom he wanted in Washington's 4-3 as Snyder promised.

In a meeting with former head coach Jim Zorn last season, Haynesworth voiced concerns about his role and Blache's overall handling of the defense. Zorn agreed that Haynesworth should have more freedom but said he did not have the authority to make that type of change, current and former team employees said.

4. And this one is a real head-scratcher:

So Haynesworth was stunned, team sources said, when Shanahan during a meeting in March told Haynesworth he did not want him to penetrate the backfield and did not expect him to pressure the quarterback or produce many sacks.

In fact, Shanahan told Haynesworth he would be displeased if Haynesworth had more than two sacks this season, according to people familiar with the situation.

Jason Reid articleThe bit about the talk with Shanahan and the "no more than 2 sacks" business was reported back in April by Jason LaCanfora, so that's legit.

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 08:57:57 -0400

Jason La Canfora, of NFL.com, reports Washington Redskins DL Albert Haynesworth has been upset with the team since head coach Mike Shanahan told the lineman that he wanted him to clog space in the middle and that if he got more than two sacks in a season, something was wrong. Haynesworth views himself as a defensive tackle who attacks opposing quarterbacks.

LinkCould the team have done this any more wrongly? Seriously, this entire thing from negotiations to signing to first coaching staff to second coaching staff has been mishandled badly.

 

[fatness]

David Elfin, who I always enjoyed reading before the Washington Times fired their entire sports department.

Shanahan was cagey about what's next w/Haynesworth, but since coach said news could happen shortly, it wouldn't shock if #Redskins cut him.

 

[fatness]

From Adam Schefter:

The NFLPA and Haynesworth's camp will certainly argue that the current Collective Bargaining Agreement Signing Bonus Forfeiture language prohibits the Redskins from going after any of Haynesworth's signing bonus, but there are NFL insiders who believe the Redskins may have a case against Haynesworth given the specific language in his March 12th contract.

Haynesworth talked to the NFLPA before deciding to skip minicamp, about what effect not attending would have on his pay. I'm guessing that he got more reliable advice there than Schefter got by talking to "NFL insiders" today.

 

[delusional]

POS. Thats all he is. I hope the skins sue him for some money back.

 

[dgreen]

From Adam Schefter:

The NFLPA and Haynesworth's camp will certainly argue that the current Collective Bargaining Agreement Signing Bonus Forfeiture language prohibits the Redskins from going after any of Haynesworth's signing bonus, but there are NFL insiders who believe the Redskins may have a case against Haynesworth given the specific language in his March 12th contract.

Haynesworth talked to the NFLPA before deciding to skip minicamp, about what effect not attending would have on his pay. I'm guessing that he got more reliable advice there than Schefter got by talking to "NFL insiders" today.

Schefter mentioned that in the second paragraph.

 

[fatness]

Well who are you going to believe --- Adam Schefter or a guy on a message board named 'fatness'?

 

[fatness]

Link

Haynesworth seems fairly convinced the Redskins intend to plop him in the middle of the line in the 3-4 defense, something he has no interest in doing. So if he doesn't do it -- which is to say, if he never again sports burgundy and gold -- who will play nose tackle? Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan didn't seem too concerned on Wednesday. "We've got four guys lined up there," he said.

The Redskins' current roster lists three nose tackles: Maake Kemoeatu, Howard Green and Anthony Bryant. Kemoeatu, who is recovering from a torn Achilles' tendon, says he's about 90 percent healthy and hopes to be ready for training camp. If healthy, he seems like a good candidate to top the depth chart.

Adam "Carriker can play the nose tackle position as well," Shanahan said. "We can put a number of people in there that play defensive end that can also play nose tackle, but Adam can play nose tackle as well."

I could be very wrong, defensive play on the field this year might be good. But this change to a 3-4 while disregarding personnel on the team, then picking up a bunch of journeyman to try to staff the 3-4 line positions, and planning to misuse their best d-lineman --- all that looks like a plan that wasn't thought out very well and won't work very well.

 

[B-Deep]

man you guys bought a load of crap with this guy. I hope the skins stick it to him on general principle

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

trade im to the Lions for a 4th rounder next year and problem solved

 

[dgreen]

trade im to the Lions for a 4th rounder next year and problem solved

If anyone was offering a 4th, I'm sure they'd take it.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Could the team have done this any more wrongly? Seriously, this entire thing from negotiations to signing to first coaching staff to second coaching staff has been mishandled badly.

I think the only thing that went badly was the Snyderatto era, which includes the load of crap they pushed to get Haynesworth to sign and the horrible micro-management of Zorn.If Snyderatto hadn't made ridiculous promises to Haynesworth, we aren't talking about this today.If Snyderatto hadn't neutered Zorn like they did, this situation could have been cut off by Zorn telling Blache to use Haynesworth better. If you're not going to let your head coach be the head coach, then don't hire him as a head coach.I certainly can't blame Shanahan for inheriting the mess Cerratto left behind. Once he was brought in, I think he had every right to make the team, including the defense, the way he wants it. I'd be willing to bet that Shanahan knew about those promises when he signed on and basically said, "That's too bad, because now me and Bruce are in the drivers seat now and that's not how we run things." Personally, I don't have a problem with that.

 

[Sidewinder16]

If Snyderatto hadn't made ridiculous promises to Haynesworth, we aren't talking about this today.

Oh, and, if Haynesworth would stop being such a baby, we wouldn't be talking about this today.I think I've heard Haynesworth say how Reggie White is one of his football heroes and that he'd someday like to be considered as great as Reggie. Well, Reggie White played in 4-3 defenses and in 3-4 defenses and he dominated wherever he got lined up."...and you, sir, are no Reggie White."

 

[buster c]

if he did show up tomorrow after making all those statements, he was pretty much going to have egg all over his face and pretty much look like he was full of crap, and take a lot of heat for it, from both the Team and the folks who've felt this is all much ado about nothing. Like an annoyingly increasing amount of folks in todays society who don't want to face the music and be held accountable for their actions, it's easier for him to pull a no-show, and pout from a distance, and make demands.

Fat Albert is an immature petulant child who wants to have his way, and I hope the Redskins do what any good parent should do it that situation: break him. Without mercy, and for his own good..

I'd like Shanahan and Allen to walk into Dan's office and describe to him exactly what capitulating to the demands of that worthless egotistical piece of crap would be akin to, perhaps spitting on the Redskins logo for emphasis.

I call him Human Excrement for a very valid reason. Break him. Suspend his fat self and do not deal him or cut him. I'd sue to get the money back and see to it he never plays a damn down again.

 

[Sidewinder16]

I could be very wrong, defensive play on the field this year might be good. But this change to a 3-4 while disregarding personnel on the team, then picking up a bunch of journeyman to try to staff the 3-4 line positions, and planning to misuse their best d-lineman --- all that looks like a plan that wasn't thought out very well and won't work very well.

To me it looks like Shanahan is taking the team in one direction and Haynesworth insists on going another direction. I think Shanahan has known that for a long time which is why we see the DL pickups we've seen.Also, from the rest of the post you linked:

"All our players play multiple positions," Shanahan said. "If you are a defensive end, you have to play nose tackle. You got to do what is best for our football team."Haynesworth clearly doesn't want to play in the Redskins' 3-4 defense, whether he lines up at nose or end. But Shanahan says it's difficult to say where he projects because coaches have yet to see him on the field."Albert hasn't been here. He has no idea what type of scheme we're running," Shanahan said. "All he envisions is a typical nose tackle from what I read."

That seems to strongly suggest that the coaches were/are willing to play him "atypically", or however he would best help the D, if he were at NT.

 

[buster c]

Six Flags

In a deal drawn up in early April and approved by the court at the end of the month, the creditors said Shapiro would be allowed to choose a director to put on the board after the reorganization, with one hilarious caveat: "[P]rovided, however, that such remaining director shall not be Daniel M. Snyder[.]"

One sign of the animus toward Snyder: The italics are part of the filing.

 

[fatness]

Break him.

This isn't an interrogation of a terrorist at Guantanamo, kids.

 

[fatness]

I certainly can't blame Shanahan for inheriting the mess Cerratto left behind.

I agree there. Everything before that point had been done wrong, and none of it was done by Shanahan or Allen.

Once he was brought in, I think he had every right to make the team, including the defense, the way he wants it. I'd be willing to bet that Shanahan knew about those promises when he signed on and basically said, "That's too bad, because now me and Bruce are in the drivers seat now and that's not how we run things." Personally, I don't have a problem with that.

If the defense goes noticeably downhill a lot of people will have a problem with it. Since when is Haslett a defensive genius? There's nothing in Haynesworth's contract that gave the team the right to sit him down this past April and tell him that he had to agree to not want a trade once they paid him the bonus they were obligated to pay him. They were having buyer's remorse about the $22 million bonus. But they don't get to change the contract on their own because of that.

Since April the sides haven't talked. And now here we are. Nobody on either side looks admirable now.

edited to add a link to the pre-bonus-paying conversation: LINK

coach Mike Shanahan now claims that Haynesworth received an opportunity to leave the Redskins before accepting a $21 million bonus payment on April 1. We've got a feeling that we'll be hearing more about this specific contention from Haynesworth's camp eventually.

 

[fatness]

This could be quite a long, drawn-out mess.

There are four possible end-game scenarios: The Redskins release Haynesworth and seek a return on some of the guaranteed money he’s made; they trade him; they have him report to training camp but don’t play him; or, the sides kiss and make up.

The most unlikely are a trade (Haynesworth has no value) or making up – the Redskins basically have no use for him anymore after he continues to challenge Shanahan’s authority. Keeping Haynesworth on the roster – he will report to training camp July 29 if still a Redskin – does more harm than good. Yes, the Redskins get to stick it to Haynesworth, but he could be a huge distraction to a team trying to rebound from a 4-12 record.

Hello, buyout. But not until there is a likely grievance and subsequent hearing with the NFLPA. “It would be a pretty drawn-out process because the union will be opposed to it,” said salary cap analyst J.I. Halsell.

Ryan O'Halloran

 

[dgreen]

Cerrato speaks:

Cerrato: Haynesworth would like playing for Shanahan

Former top Redskins official Vinny Cerrato, who played a major role in luring Albert Haynesworth to Washington, joined in the criticism of the disgruntled Pro Bowl defensive tackle Thursday, saying Haynesworth "should stop thinking only about himself."

Invited to Redskins Park to participate in the team's alumni barbecue event, Cerrato expressed disappointment that Haynesworth skipped the team's mandatory two-day minicamp that ended Thursday and has requested a trade after only one season with the team. In February 2009, Haynesworth received a then-record $41 million in guaranteed money based, in large part, on Cerrato's strong recommendation.

The Redskins signed Haynesworth in free agency because they believed in

him, Cerrato said, and it's time for him to do the right thing.

"When he signed, he said he wanted to prove everybody wrong," said Cerrato, the team's executive vice president of football operations during the 2008-09 seasons. "He said he wanted to show everybody that it's not about the money. He said he wanted to be the best that ever played. He said he wanted to be like Reggie White. He said Reggie White was his hero, so live up to what you said. Don't have it change just because a coach changed."

Cerrato, who was forced to resign Dec. 17, and owner Daniel Snyder were convinced that Haynesworth would be a difference-maker on defense. Snyder spoke briefly on Thursday, too, but declined to elaborate on the Haynesworth situation.

"I think Coach [Mike] Shanahan said everything for our franchise. I'm just looking forward to this season," Snyder said.

Haynesworth appeared in just 12 games, but he participated in the second-largest number of plays among Redskins defensive linemen (defensive end Andre Carter led the group).

Haynesworth had four sacks -- his lowest total since the 2006 season -- but Carter and defensive end/outside linebacker Brian Orakpo each had 11 sacks, benefiting from Haynesworth's presence along the line, former Redskins coaches said. Carter had just four sacks in 2008. The team improved from 28th in the league, with only 24 sacks, in 2008 to eighth, with 40 sacks, last season.

But Haynesworth quickly clashed with former defensive coordinator Greg Blache over Blache's reluctance to give Haynesworth the freedom he wanted in Washington's 4-3 defense. Haynesworth contends Snyder promised him that. And Haynesworth skipped Coach Mike Shanahan's first off-season program in protest of the coaching staff's plans to use him as a nose tackle in Washington's new base 3-4 defense.

"I just think Albert should have been here in the offseason, so he would have understood what his role in the defense was going to be," Cerrato said. "I think his perception and what reality is are two different things. They weren't going to just play him at nose tackle from everything that I read. And if he can't understand that then that's his fault. If he was here, he would know where he fits in. By not being here he doesn't know. All he knows is what he wants to know."

Regardless of what Haynesworth was told before he signed his contract, he did sign, Cerrato said.



"To me, he signed with the Washington Redskins and not the 4-3 defense when he signed that contract," Cerrato said. "He's got to be concerned about team, you know? There's no 'I' in team. He needs to quit thinking about himself and worry about the team and how he can help these guys, you know?"

Haynesworth did not enjoy playing under Blache and former head coach Jim Zorn in his first year with the team, Cerrato said, but he would have a blast this season with Shanahan leading the team, if only he would give Shanahan and the new regime a chance.

"If he just came in, he'd realize how much happier he'll be if he has Mike Shanahan to work for," Cerrato said. "He'd be a lot happier than he was in the past. But he has to be here to know that."

 

[buster c]

Break him.

This isn't an interrogation of a terrorist at Guantanamo, kids.

Do you spend as much time on terrorism-related news as you do Redskin news? If not, your moral high-ground comes off pretty phoney.to "break" Albert, all they need to do is what Philly did to TO. waterboarding him would be cruel and unusual punishment to the water. (actually, I'd prefer to see the dude he crippled in the road-rage accident get to decide)

 

[Sidewinder16]

Cerrato speaks:

Two words that generally cause me to reflexively cringe.

Oh, and, if Haynesworth would stop being such a baby, we wouldn't be talking about this today.

I think I've heard Haynesworth say how Reggie White is one of his football heroes and that he'd someday like to be considered as great as Reggie. Well, Reggie White played in 4-3 defenses and in 3-4 defenses and he dominated wherever he got lined up.

"...and you, sir, are no Reggie White."

"When he signed, he said he wanted to prove everybody wrong," said Cerrato, the team's executive vice president of football operations during the 2008-09 seasons. "He said he wanted to show everybody that it's not about the money. He said he wanted to be the best that ever played. He said he wanted to be like Reggie White. He said Reggie White was his hero, so live up to what you said. Don't have it change just because a coach changed."

 

[Marvelous]

Cerrato speaks:

Two words that generally cause me to reflexively cringe.

Oh, and, if Haynesworth would stop being such a baby, we wouldn't be talking about this today.

I think I've heard Haynesworth say how Reggie White is one of his football heroes and that he'd someday like to be considered as great as Reggie. Well, Reggie White played in 4-3 defenses and in 3-4 defenses and he dominated wherever he got lined up.

"...and you, sir, are no Reggie White."

"When he signed, he said he wanted to prove everybody wrong," said Cerrato, the team's executive vice president of football operations during the 2008-09 seasons. "He said he wanted to show everybody that it's not about the money. He said he wanted to be the best that ever played. He said he wanted to be like Reggie White. He said Reggie White was his hero, so live up to what you said. Don't have it change just because a coach changed."

Sounds like Haynesworth made some promised to the Redskins too, that he did not live up to. I know those are exactly promises, but it could be getting close.

 

[Snotbubbles]

What's the big deal. We're talking about practice. Not a game. Practice. There are way too many OTAs anyway. As long as Haynesworth shows up for training camp I wouldn't worry about missing OTAs. Although, this has been blown up so much that it might be beyond the point of no return for him.

 

[fatness]

The Dallas Morning News' Rick Gosselin ranked the Redskins as the 25th best team in the NFL, or four spots above where he rated them at the end of the 2009 season.

His rationale? He wrote this about Washington: "The Redskins will be an old team this season. Veteran Pro Bowlers Donovan McNabb, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker have been added to the roster along with former first-round draft picks Philip Buchanan, Adam Carriker, Joey Galloway and Vonnie Holliday."

He could also have mentioned an offensive line that has new, and in some cases unproven, parts and a defense that is switching to a 3-4 as well as a receiving corps that has a lot to prove. But it's still hard to think they'll be better than only seven teams in the league. At this point I'd say their ceiling is around .500. I do agree that they are an old team; it's hard to disagree considering the players they've added. But I would think the new coach/quarterback combination will be worth three more wins.

Here's another thing you might not like about this: Dallas is ranked second and Gosselin predicts the Cowboys will face Indianapolis in the Super Bowl.

John Keim

 

[fatness]

Break him.

This isn't an interrogation of a terrorist at Guantanamo, kids.

Do you spend as much time on terrorism-related news as you do Redskin news? If not, your moral high-ground comes off pretty phoney.

I guess you'll have to break me too, buster.

 

[fatness]

This is a good thing for the team, a very good thing. Cerrato (the same ####### being talked about in some of the previous posts) made ex-Redskins feel unwelcome around Redskins Park. Add to that the long history of mediocrity and losing, and a lot of former Skins have lost contact with the team. It's hard to blame them.

Bruce Allen has been making an effort to get them re-connected to the team again. There's a good article on it here from Dan Steinberg: Link

"The first thing it means is that the change in the administration from Cerrato to Bruce Allen is a good thing for the Washington Redskins, because Vinny didn't like us around," said legendary Hog George Starke. "He didn't like former Redskins. He wasn't part of this family. And as a result of that, the Redskins never went anywhere. You know, [most] of these guys out there on that field have never been in the playoffs. On this side, you've got guys here with four rings.

"And so Bruce, when he came in, the first thing he did was he called Brig Owens up, he called me up, he said the Redskins will never be successful as an organization unless we all come together. He's absolutely right. He says 'I want everybody to come out, I want you to come out all the time, I want you to be part of the deal, otherwise this team won't be successful.'

"And that's absolutely right. And that's what he did, so that's why we're here.....Whereas the Vinny guy was the exact opposite. He wanted to do it himself and he didn't know how to do it.... "

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Portis would have found another team if Jim Zorn was Redskins coach

Jun

17

6/17/2010 11:42:57 PM | More

According to Jim Iovino and Dan Hellie of NBCWashington.com, there are two things Clinton Portis wants you to know: No.1-There's no way he's a selfish NFL player who puts himself before the team. and No.2- He's perfectly content with all of the competition the Redskins have created at the running back position headed into camp this summer.

So despite all of the radio chatter and all the words written online and in the newspapers, Portis isn't upset about his current role with the Redskins -- whatever that may be. While some have questioned Portis's effort at mid-week practices during the regular season, he said he has given everything to the team on game days. And perhaps unlike some other players on the current roster, he doesn't think of himself first.Portis said he actually practiced more with coach Jim Zorn than he did during the Joe Gibbs era. But when the losses started mounting, focus turned to his lack of practice during the week. Portis said that wasn't the problem, however.

"All of a sudden in the Coach Zorn era, that's what it was," Portis said. "All the problems that we had, the main problem was Clinton not practicing. It was whatever Clinton was doing, that was the cause of what was going on at Redskins Park. Therefore I stopped coming around Redskins Park. Then the cause was I wasn't a team guy, I didn't care. But when I was there, it was always, 'Well he's just standing around.' No matter what I did, it was a no-win situation."

So all of those rumors last season and during the off-season took a toll on his reputation. And when rumors started flying about who was going to be the team's next head coach after Zorn, there was definitely some uncertainty about his own future with the team.

But in the end, Mike Shanahan got the job. Portis said that if someone else was head coach besides Shanahan, he might have been looking for work elsewhere.Anybody else would have bought into the criticism of me," Portis said. "You're talking a year ago from the day they claimed I 'lost it,' I was leading the NFL in rushing. Then a year later it is, 'He's was washed up.' I can't do it."

Even still, the Redskins brought in plenty of competition for Portis over the off-season, adding Larry Johnson and Willie Parker, making the Skins' backfield one of the most-crowded in the league.

Once again, rumors started flying that Portis wasn't happy and that he thought the team was trying to push him out.

Not so, Portis said.

"Once I talked to Coach Shanahan and Bruce Allen, I realized I was a part of the plan, that their goal was to go out and make sure the Redskins were in position to compete," Portis said. "They brought in competition. They brought in guys who got the same hunger and desire. If anything happens, knock on wood, or goes wrong, we -- as in the Redskins organization -- will be fine. Whoever is in the backfield will be able to carry the load. I think that was a great idea."

During the interview, Portis made it clear that he would have found a way out of D.C. if Jim Zorn was still the coach. Portis had the worst year in his career last year and hopes the Shanahan/Portis connection will renew his drive and put him back in the status of elite running backs.

http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryId=7555

 

[Sidewinder16]

What's the big deal. We're talking about practice. Not a game. Practice. There are way too many OTAs anyway.

Thank you, Allen Iverson.

As long as Haynesworth shows up for training camp I wouldn't worry about missing OTAs. Although, this has been blown up so much that it might be beyond the point of no return for him.

This is what Haynesworth's agent said on Wednesday:

"He has made it clear to me that he does not want to play for the Washington Redskins."

That's kind of a big deal, and it really has nothing to do with practices, OTAs, minicamp or training camp.

 

[fatness]

I don't think it's clear to anyone, including the Redskins, Haynesworth, or his agent, whether he'll report to training camp or not. Both sides are gambling now, and seem to be making up strategy as they go along. I wish this crap wasn't happening. I'd love to have offseasons without drama. I guess it'll take a few more years to flush out the remains of the confused mess Cerrato made (promises to players, blurred lines of authority, coaching decisions made by the front office) and for players and coaches to just settle in to a more predictable pattern.

 

[Marvelous]

Interesting analysis on PFT by Mike Florio:

Redskins will have a very hard time getting Haynesworth's bonus money

Posted by Mike Florio on June 18, 2010 3:34 PM ET

We've finally gotten our hands on the full contract between the Redskins and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. And it appears based on the language of the contract and the relevant terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement that the Redskins have little or no chance of recovering any of Haynesworth's bonus money in the wake of his decision to skip this week's mandatory minicamp.

Based on the terms of the contract itself, the Redskins have the right to recover not only the $21 million in signing bonus money paid on April 1 but also $4,285,716 of the $5 million paid to him in 2009. But the contract ignores specific language in the 2006 CBA, which dramatically limits the forfeiture of cash money from signing bonuses to two specific circumstances.

Here's the relevant language, from Article XIV, Section 9(a) of the CBA: "No forfeitures of signing bonuses shall be permitted, except that players and Clubs may agree: (i) to proportionate forfeitures of a signing bonus if a player voluntarily retires or willfully withholds his services from one or more regular season games; and/or (ii) that if a player willfully takes action that has the effect of substantially undermining his ability to fully participate and contribute in either preseason training camp or the regular season (including by willfully withholding his services in either preseason training camp or during the regular season or willfully missing one or more games), the player may forfeit the greater of: (a) 25% of the prorated portion of his signing bonus for the applicable League Year for the first time such conduct occurs after the beginning of training camp until the end of the season for his Club, and the remaining 75% prorated portion of his signing bonus for the applicable year for the second time such conduct occurs during that period that year; or (b) the proportionate amount of his signing bonus allocation for each week missed (1/17th for each regular season week or game missed)."

In English, this means that skipping a mandatory minicamp places none of the signing bonus in jeopardy. Ever.

If Haynesworth fails to show up for even one day of training camp, the Redskins then can pursue 25 percent of the 2010 allocation of the initial $5 million signing bonus, and 25 percent of the 2010 allocation of the $21 million signing bonus paid this year. But if he shows up for training camp (and he reportedly plans to do) and for every game, he gets to keep his money.

And the Plaxico Burress grievance from 2009 means that Haynesworth keeps the money even if the team eventually suspends Haynesworth for conduct detrimental to the team. Basically, unless he holds out or retires, he keeps the money.

The only tangible consequence at this point arises with respect to the guaranteed nature of Haynesworth's $3.6 million base salary in 2010 and his $5.4 million base salary in 2011. By ditching the mandatory minicamps, the guarantees have been voided. This means that, if they cut him, the Redskins most likely won't have to pay him $9 million in future guaranteed money.

Still, as far as we can tell, Haynesworth and the NFLPA are right on this one. He gets to keep his money, even if he doesn't really deserve to do so.

My question is what exactly constitutes "willfully withholding services". For instances, if Hayneworth reports for minicamp but refuses to line up at NT, is seems like that should count. How about if he shows up woefully out of shape and the first month of minicamp is just trying to get him back into football shape?

 

[buster c]

while I profess no love for Vinny Ceratto, he was less than 50% responsible for the chaos that has guided this team. Little Danny Snyder (LDS) is still here and while it's nice that he seems to have delegated the running of the football operations to Allen/Shanny, let's not forget that he's the same guy who ran Marty out of town after an 8-3 finish to the 2001 season because he preferred having his hand constantly in the cookie jar. Allen/Shanny are doing essentially what Marty was doing and we know how LDS liked that.

 

[fatness]

while I profess no love for Vinny Ceratto, he was less than 50% responsible for the chaos that has guided this team. Little Danny Snyder (LDS) is still here and while it's nice that he seems to have delegated the running of the football operations to Allen/Shanny, let's not forget that he's the same guy who ran Marty out of town after an 8-3 finish to the 2001 season because he preferred having his hand constantly in the cookie jar. Allen/Shanny are doing essentially what Marty was doing and we know how LDS liked that.

While I think Snyder will keep his hands off from now on, I do agree with you about him sharing the responsibility for the chaos with Vinnie. It started at the top.I was thinking today about why the idea of trying to get back the $21 million from Haynesworth bothers me, and I finally realized why. So many slapdash free agent signings have been made by this team in the past based on current emotion ("hey, I want this guy bad!") rather than on what's best for the team. If they try to get that $21 million back it'll just be more of the same, a reaction to the current emotion of "hey, we really hate this guy now!" rather than responsible team behavior. They won't get the money back unless Haynesworth skips training camp or games. Until then they should drop the idea and figure out what plan helps the team most, given the current cluster-####.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Kevin Mawae rips Albert Haynesworth

In case you haven’t heard enough people ripping Albert Haynesworth, let’s listen briefly to Kevin Mawae, who’s not only the NFL Players Association president but also was Haynesworth’s teammate in Tennessee from 2006 to 2008.

Mawae, currently a free agent, appeared on Sirius radio with Bryan McGovern and Gil Brandt Thursday night and didn’t hold back.

“You talk about someone putting a mask on and going in backwards to get his paycheck,” Mawae said. “I mean, if you don’t want to be there, don’t take the $21 million contract. How things turned out, it’s no surprise to guys that have played with him in Tennessee. You know, what do you say?

“I mean, you’re getting paid a ton of money to play less and you’re complaining about it,” he continued. “At the end of the day, it’s one thing to be a football player and get paid lots of money, but there’s a whole lot more to be said about being a man. You know, he’s a [inaudible] player when he wants to be and he can be one of the best in the league and I’ve said that to him in his face before. But to this point he doesn’t want to do it on a consistent basis.”

“At some point in time in the game, you know, you got to do what’s right for yourself and what’s right for you and your family. I think $32 million guaranteed in one year pretty much takes care of those issues. I think the other issues go beyond the football field.”

 

[Sebowski]

Looks like we just got a new starting Right Tackle! Jamaal Brown should be a HUGE upgrade from Heyer. Still some work to do on the line, but this helps a lot. Hopefully it is closer to a 5th rounder than a 3rd.

 

[southeastjerome]

Looks like we just got a new starting Right Tackle! Jamaal Brown should be a HUGE upgrade from Heyer. Still some work to do on the line, but this helps a lot. Hopefully it is closer to a 5th rounder than a 3rd.

Its a little complicated:

Washington will now be without its third- and fourth-round draft picks in 2011, but it will also get back a later pick from New Orleans, according to a league source.Washington owes the Eagles a third- or fourth-round pick in 2011 for McNabb, based on how the quarterback plays or the team performs. If the Redskins win nine games, go to the playoffs or McNabb gets selected to the Pro Bowl, Philadelphia will receive Washington's third-round pick and New Orleans will get Washington's fourth. If none of those happen, the Eagles will get the Redskins' fourth-round pick and the Saints will get the Redskins' third-round pick.If New Orleans receives Washington's third-round pick, then the Redskins will get a 2011 fifth-round pick back from the Saints. However, if Washington's third-round pick goes to Philadelphia, then the Saints will send a 2011 sixth- or seventh-round pick back to the Redskins.There is also a conditional 2012 sixth-round pick involved. Should Brown play 90 percent of the plays next season or get voted to the Pro Bowl, then Washington will send its 2012 sixth-round pick to New Orleans. After Saturday's trade, Washington has six picks left in the 2011 draft.

 

[southeastjerome]

My first reaction to this trade is that I can't say I am enthused trading away more draft picks. With Cerrato gone, I really thought that would change. I think the McNabb deal is an exception, if you can get a top tier QB for a draft pick, you do it. At least it was for a tackle and not something like a WR. This team is in dire need of good, young, cheap talent. Brown is talented, but he's not cheap or young.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Hmm...one of the best OT in the game for a 3rd or 4th rounder, GREAT DEAL!!!! Our weakest position last season (after Samuels went down) now appears to solidified by a top OT and a young soon to be stud. LOVE THIS DEAL!!!!

Nice off-season, barring the need to kick Fat Al's butt!

 

[Warrior]

Hmm...one of the best OT in the game for a 3rd or 4th rounder, GREAT DEAL!!!! Our weakest position last season (after Samuels went down) now appears to solidified by a top OT and a young soon to be stud. LOVE THIS DEAL!!!!Nice off-season, barring the need to kick Fat Al's butt!

Looks to me like a third AND a fourth rounder

 

[thayman]

Hmm...one of the best OT in the game for a 3rd or 4th rounder, GREAT DEAL!!!! Our weakest position last season (after Samuels went down) now appears to solidified by a top OT and a young soon to be stud. LOVE THIS DEAL!!!!

Nice off-season, barring the need to kick Fat Al's butt!

Looks to me like a third AND a fourth rounder

Washington will now be without its third- and fourth-round draft picks in 2011, but it will also get back a later pick from New Orleans, according to a league source.Washington owes the Eagles a third- or fourth-round pick in 2011 for McNabb, based on how the quarterback plays or the team performs. If the Redskins win nine games, go to the playoffs or McNabb gets selected to the Pro Bowl, Philadelphia will receive Washington's third-round pick and New Orleans will get Washington's fourth. If none of those happen, the Eagles will get the Redskins' fourth-round pick and the Saints will get the Redskins' third-round pick.

If New Orleans receives Washington's third-round pick, then the Redskins will get a 2011 fifth-round pick back from the Saints. However, if Washington's third-round pick goes to Philadelphia, then the Saints will send a 2011 sixth- or seventh-round pick back to the Redskins.

There is also a conditional 2012 sixth-round pick involved. Should Brown play 90 percent of the plays next season or get voted to the Pro Bowl, then Washington will send its 2012 sixth-round pick to New Orleans. After Saturday's trade, Washington has six picks left in the 2011 draft.

Depending on how McNabb plays we have to send a 3rd OR a 4th to Philly. Whichever one Philly gets New Orleans will get the other.

 

[fatness]

Happy Father's Day, men.