Honor wears a coward’s mask

By Ryan John Estorninos

We all grow up learning knowing that something in this world merit hard work, and once the task has been accomplished we can reap the reward.  Well the NFL has something that puts this practice at ends, and it is called “guaranteed money”.  Looking to be one of the richest defensive players of all time, Albert Haynesworth joined the Washington Redskins.  In 2007 and 2008 Haynesworth was playing great football, somewhat bouncing back from his ugly encounter with Andre Gurode.

Mike Shanahan said today at the park:

"“he decided to take our check and we’re very disappointed he wasn’t here today”"

I am not asking for any sympathy for the Redskins.  This was brought upon themselves by themselves, but the absolute vile Haynesworth is displaying is unprofessional on all levels.  Who does this effect? That much is uncertain, players who are undeserving will still get top dollar. That will not change.  Players will still be lazy, that will never change.  But a part of me feels that athletes in high school and college are getting the wrong message.  They say, players who play their sports for the love of the game do it for the challenge, and the money is extra.  Its great, but extra.  Haynesworth has not shown he “loves” this game.  To be a student of the game, you learn to adapt, to change to to continuing evolution that occurs.  Deep down, I believe Haynesworth knows this.  Does he care? Probably not, he just wants to get paid.  However, because he has been in the locker room and around guys that do care, he is aware.  The Titans were 13-3 in 2008 and thought to be runaways as the AFC leaders, that was a winning team on the cusp of greatness.  He may not have cared,but he was around it.  He came to Redskins so he could be like Charles Mann or Dexter Manley, instead he came as Garfield the cat.  Lazy and only here to eat lasagna.

Last night CSN Washington aired a statement from Haynesworth:

"“The Washington Redskins are a great and storied franchise with an owner in Mr. Snyder that will do anything in his power to win and a fan base that is unrivaled in the NFL. When I signed here after meeting all day with the staff and top executives, and talked about the defense that we would run and what my role would be, I was assured I would have the freedom to play to my strengths and I was excited about the future. After many years in the NFL, I know what it takes for me to perform at my highest level. My number one goal has always been to help my team win -period. It’s also important at my position to help free my teammates to make plays, which I’ve done throughout my career when I’ve been allowed to play to my strengths. I will continue to work individually to prepare for training camp and the start of the 2010 season.”"

12 times Haynesworth refers to himself (I, my, I’ve…).Twice he refers to contributing to his teammates and making them better.  Once does he mention the Redskins.  Once he mentions Dan Snyder.  Bottom line…he doesn’t care.  From here on out, he will seek a way out so he can whore another team, as he did the Redskins.  I feel however, his days of pimping teams will end and end soon.  I doubt he is in shape. I doubt he will return for training camp on July 29th.  He will continue to demand a trade, and the Skins will not budge, at least they shouldn’t. He will be finally dealt somehow, when a team is desperate with an injury.  He will join that team and shortly thereafter he will be rolling around in pain.  He will be injured, and he will be cut.  And never again, will he see more than the veteran minimum.  That’s just my guess, and I suppose my hope.