The moment of truth came for the Redskins' most highly paid player, Albert Haynesworth, who they picked up from the Tennessee Titans. When the Skins signed Haynesworth last year to a 7-year $100 million dollar contract, they expected results. They didn't see as much production from him as they had hoped for last year, but he did have a decent season last year. The biggest complaint from the Skins was his conditioning. They guy just wasn't in shape. It wasn't a surprise to see Haynesworth sitting on the bench gasping for breath and reaching for the oxygen. At the end of the 2009 season, it wouldn't be an understatement to say the team's performance was pretty pathetic. A lot of players were worried about their contracts and their jobs. Not Haynesworth. He was still sitting on his $100 million dollar deal. He should be a happy camper right? Not exactly. With the change in the Redskins' coaching staff, change in the Skins' defensive scheme came with it. Instead of a 4-3 defense which Haynesworth was accustomed to, the team is switching to a 3-4 defense. It's not too complicated to understand these systems. A 4-3 defense has 4 defensive linemen with their hands on the turf ready to rush the quarterback and 3 linebackers to protect anything that gets past the linemen. A 3-4 defense is different in that there are only 3 linemen with 4 linebackers behind them. With this switch, Albert Haynesworth's job would change from a pass rusher charging the quarterback and hoping for a sack to a nosetackle which isn't as exciting. A nosetackle doesn't get any stats or sacks, and this causes some problems for Fat Albert.
Big deal! What ever happened to the concept of TEAM! It isn't always about you Albert. If the Redskins are moving in a new direction and need you to adjust, then adjust! Especially when they're paying you $100 MILLION DOLLARS! I get it. Albert won't get as many stats playing nosetackle, and he's not happy about it. Despite the fact that he isn't being a team player, the Redskins offered Haynesworth a way out. He had until April 1st to fish for teams who would be interested in trading for him. He had the chance to put himself out on the market for a trade. He didn't. Instead, he waited until April 1st, led the Redskins to believe he was staying on the team, and then took a $21 million dollar check from the team. Well, mandatory camp came and went, but still no Haynesworth. If that's not stealing, what is? Now the Redskins are left with some decisions to make. According to this video released today, a trade is still an option,.....but only if he gives the $21 million back. Unfortunately, you have to watch the video on YouTube.
Like the video said, Albert Haynesworth is treading some dangerous waters by not showing up to the mandatory camp today. If the Redskins want to burn him, they have a very legitimate case against him. He could end up without a job, and without the money. However, maybe this is a blessing in disguise for Washington. For a team desperately trying to bond together around a new system, they need all hands on deck and all players focused on the common goal. Throwing a guy who is only concerned about himself into the mix might do more harm than good, despite his talent. In my opinion, get lost Albert Haynesworth.
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