Same Old Haynesworth

As fans continue to cling to the memories of the Joe Gibbs era, it's obvious that the Redskins have long been overdue for a major overhauling, and the Greater Washington Area has been buzzing (to say the least) about what exactly the future may hold as the new season kicks off in Ashburn. With the addition of Coach Mike Shanahan and a new quarterback line-up, not to mention the elimination of veteran players such as Antwaan Randel El, Fred Smoot, and Ladell Betts, it became clear that Dan Snyder really meant business this year.

Just as things were starting to look up for the Skins and seemed as though there really was some sort of light at the end of the tunnel, there came along one little problem. Okay, it's actually a huge problem-Albert Haynesworth. As a man who has been known to cause drama, he is certainly staying true to himself in Washington.

After an extremely disappointing debut with the Burgundy and Gold, the ex-Titan just does not seem to fit in the Skins' line-up. To add insult to injury, Haynesworth neglected to participate in the mandatory mini-camp that took place this week. Shanahan told the Washington Post "Albert hasn't been here. He has no idea what type of scheme we're running." It seems as though Haynesworth will not submit to anything unless he truly wants to. Nonetheless, the team has been working with what they have, and Shanahan seems rather optimistic about the progress that is being made. According to Shanahan, the position of nose tackle will be well filled with or without Albert Haynesworth.

After the behavior Haynesworth has displayed to coaches, teammates, and fans alike, it seems as though everyone is ready for him to make a choice. Either he needs to do his job and do it well or he can just get out of Washington. According to DC's 106.7 The Fan, London Fletcher stated on Tuesday "I agree with the assessment that Albert has made a very selfish decision. What he's decided to do is make a decision that is all about him."

As for rumors that Haynesworth will report to the main training camp in July, I guess we can all believe it when we see it.

Sources:

Reid, Jason. Washington Post: Redskins Insider. "If Albert Haynesworth won't play nose tackle for the Redskins, who will?" http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/albert-haynesworth/if-albert-haynesworth-wont-pla.html

Russell, Chris. Haynesworth to Report...In July. 106.7 The Fan D.C. http://1067thefandc.cbslocal.com/2010/06/16/haynesworth-to-report-in-late-july/