ASHBURN, Va. – The Washington football team fined quarterback Dwayne Haskins and removed him as captain of the team three days after he was caught in photos at an event with strippers without wearing a mask, said coach Ron Rivera.
Sources told ESPN that the fine was $ 40,000.
“The most important thing is that we hold him responsible for his actions and (Dwayne) was punished and he accepted it,” Rivera said. “In our project, this is what we are looking for, because if you make a mistake, you have to acknowledge it and take responsibility.”
Despite the incident, there is a chance that Haskins will continue as a starter for Washington (6-8), which will host the Carolina Panthers (4-10) on Sunday. Alex Smith did not train because of a twisted calf that made him work just throwing passes while his colleagues warmed up.
“I know my team needs me. I have to go to the beater box and I can’t be selfish, I have to stop thinking only about myself “, said Haskins. “I try to be a better partner and be more responsible and thus solve the problems that brought me to this point.”
Last Sunday, Haskins attended his girlfriend’s birthday party at a hotel with strippers. This is the second time Haskins has violated the protocols for COVID-19 this season. A few months ago, the defender made a reservation for a family friend at the team’s hotel the night before a game against the New York Giants.
“I know I shouldn’t have put my team in danger. I shouldn’t have been there (the party). We were more than 10 people without wearing masks and this is a violation, no matter where it happens “, Haskins admitted.
Rivera said Monday afternoon that he was aware of the posts and contacted Haskins immediately. The coach mentioned that Haskins was asked to go to the team unit to receive the antivirus test and that the team was in constant contact with the NFL.
“Although we are extremely disappointed with Dwayne’s decision, I am pleased that he told me the truth and was honest about the situation,” Rivera said.
Haskins apologized to his teammates and joined the first team in practice on Wednesday.
“I feel it was a sincere apology. As colleagues, our job, as disappointed as we are, is to try to help and support him as a partner, ”said Smith. We are all wrong and we have situations to deal with. There are no attempts here.
Washington also gave practical representatives to Taylor Heinicke and Steven Montez, who were activated last week with Smith out of action.
Haskins, who, like his teammates, was tested daily for the virus, needs to train with face masks and a helmet bar with a special lens. You will practically attend meetings.
The passer-by said it was difficult to discuss the situation publicly.
“When you make a mistake, you have to be able to admit it. That’s what I had to do, “he said.
Rivera said that after consulting with the NFL, part of the plan includes Haskins undergoing two daily tests and practices, socially distancing himself as much as possible, and attending virtually every meeting he is called to.
Haskins has two years left on his rookie contract and there is no guarantee that he will stay in Washington next season, after questions were asked about how he prepared the week before the first of the four games as a starter. feeling that he left the team last season as well.