On February 2009, Albert Haynesworth was introduced as a Washington Redskins where he quoted, ” I want to be Reggie. I definitely do. Just to be in the same sentence–Albert Haynesworth, Reggie White– to be in the same sentence is amazing. And what I’m doing is, I just want to go out here and play ball. (very evident, and not practice with your teammates?) Like I tell my agent, everything else ‘ll take care of itself. I’ll go out there and do what I’m supposed to no matter what, everything else ‘ll take care of itself.”
After reading the last quotes, its not hard to read between the lines what Haynesworth actually means, if I were Albert Haynesworth I would be embarrassed to revisit these quotes. Character wise, leadership and professionalism, there is so much difference between Haynesworth and White. At this point, its almost an insult to add both names in the same sentence, after all the disappointment that players, coaches and fans feel in Washington from a person who they expected to be a leader, a person who they though would do the things that are expected of a leader, who would be there with teammates from day one, to improve and motivate, to never again repeat a 4-12 season.
It’s been known that Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan is not happy with Albert Haynesworth’s approach to work out on his own, and not willing to show up at the “voluntary” mini camps.
Albert’s teammates are working hard to try to set the right tone for a successful season, Phillip Daniels recently expressed, “he should be here now”, “there is no room for negotiations when you were 4-12, you make it mandatory to be here” Daniels said.
Albert’s decision to work out on his own, has not set well in many of his teammates, they will tell you the right things, they trust that Albert will show up to the “mandatory” training camp in the best shape of his life, and have clearly expressed they would like to have him at Redskins park participating in the “voluntary” mini camps and in the off season conditioning program with the rest of the group.
Haynesworth’s talent is unquestionable and he is the best in the business, we know he doesn’t like the idea of playing in a 3-4 defense but he needs to understand an organization has put the trust in him to perform on the field to lead his team, set the example for the young guys, he was part of a 4-12 team why can’t he show some courtesy, profionalism or perhaps shame? Is that too much to ask? His actions make it seem as if the world evolves around him, why can’t he be humble himself and set in disposition of Jim Haslet and his new coaches? Like a warrior he needs to let the coaches know he is willing to play anywhere as long as it can translate to wins.
Reggie White,that man can’t be compared, that honorable man wouldn’t have taken Albert’s measurements, he was a real teammate and leader.
It’s a shame that a man who has been paid almost 32 million dollars thus far, only managed to play part time last season, spending half of the time on the side lines, trying to catch his breath for being so out of shape, a man who once questioned the system used by Greg Blache as an excuse as to why he was not performing at a high level.
Haynesworth has disrespected the organization, teammates and fans, a team that invested a lot of money in him, with his decision to work out on his own and not with his teammates, something that Shanahan saids he respects, but is not in favor of. The Redskins paid him, not only because of his talent, but gave Albert all the support, they trusted that he was a changed man and rewarded him financially so that he can play at a high level, they believed that he could be a leader, who could commit and support his team, despite all the negative things said about him.
After the incident where he stepped on an opponents face in 2006, his temper and leadership was still in question by many, Washington still gave him the opportunity to prove all those critics wrong that he could be that leader and phenomenal player who would give it his all and stick together with his teammates, no matter what the circumstances, and many would think that after a 4-12 season, he would show up and motivate his teammates to have a winning season, but as we all know he has set his own rules over Shanahan, sadly.
When Shanahan was introduced at Redskins park, he clearly said whoever doesn’t want to be here, he would not waste anytime and only work with those who are willing to commit to his program. Corner back DeAngelo Hall said Shanahan was a man “people are going to respect off his name alone”, a man who won super bowls, managed great players and systems that helped players like John Elway and Terrell Davis succeed.
That statement stands, more than 98 % of the team have participated in the off season conditioning program and “voluntary” mini camps, with exception of a handful of players that due to injuries have not participated in all work outs, but have made an effort to show up and workout lightly to their strength despite their injuries, and of course the sad note, is the big and happy paid Albert Haynesworth decided to work on his own.
Redskins nation at this point are so disappointed with Haynesworth, this is an ongoing topic in the local radios in the Washington metropolitan area, fans expressing their dissapointment with a man who they call “selfish”, “robber”, a man who has let down many fans.
Looking back at his press conference when he was introduced in Washington, this man who once said he wants to be like Reggie White and be one of the greatest players ever, first of all he has a long way to go before being the class act and professional that White was. This man cannot possibly be part of the Washington Redskins before the season starts, many say they will forgive him is he shows up the training camp in shape, I personally cannot tolerate this, a man who has not earned his stripes in the burgundy and gold, cannot possibly set his own rules, is not possible he had the nerve to disrespect Shanahan and and tell him he would work on his own, that ladies and gentleman is unacceptable.
Before and after the draft there were rumors he was being shopped around, but the rumors have disappeared at least for know, recently Mike Shanahan said they are not trading him. I believe that statement is not written in stone, if Shanahan really is in charged and believes in discipline, this guy cannot possibly be part of the Washington Redskins before the first game against the Dallas Cowboys on September 12th.
Haynesworth is the best in the business, no question about that, but no one is indispensable, this man is arrogant, his actions clearly show he is selfish, has the nerve to tell his coordinators he doesn’t want to play in a 3-4 defense, not even as a nose tackle, instead of showing he is a team player, who is willing to play anywhere, as long as they can win. Albert you got paid, you are not showing any professionalism, show some courtesy and respect at least to your teammates, who you will be going to war with during the season and show up to training, you have a lot to learn, you have new management, show some support and leadership.
I’m sure a lot of Redskins fans are ready to see this guy leave the organization, many feel so much disappointment with his actions, I wonder how in his mind can he compare himself to Reggie White? Albert get on with the program, you may still have time.
