ASHBURN, Va. – The Washington Football Team fined quarterback Dwayne Haskins and removed the role of team captain three days after he was captured in photos at an event with strippers without wearing a mask, coach Ron Rivera said.
Sources told ESPN the fine was $ 40,000.
“Most importantly, we hold him accountable for his actions and (Dwayne) has been punished and he accepted it,” Rivera said. “In our project, what we are looking for is that 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 starter for Washington (6-8), which will host the Carolina Panthers (4-10) on Sunday. Alex Smith didn’t train because of a calf sprained so he only worked by throwing passes while his teammates warmed up.
‘I know my team needs me. I have to go to the batter’s box and I can’t be selfish, I have to stop thinking about myself, ”said Haskins. “I’m trying to be a better partner and more responsible to solve the problems that brought me to this point.”
Last Sunday, Haskins attended his girlfriend’s birthday party at a hotel with strippers. It was the second time Haskins violated protocols for COVID-19 this season. A few months ago, the quarterback reserved the night before a game against the New York Giants for a friend of his family at the team hotel.
“I know I shouldn’t have endangered my team. I shouldn’t have been there (the party). We were more than 10 people without wearing masks and that’s a violation wherever it happens, ”Haskins acknowledged.
Rivera said Monday afternoon he was aware of the posts and immediately contacted Haskins. The coach indicated that Haskins was asked to go to the team’s facilities to receive the test for the virus and that the team was in constant contact with the NFL.
“While we are extremely disappointed with Dwayne’s decision, I am glad 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 like it was a heartfelt apology. As colleagues, however disappointed we may be, it is our job to try to help and support him as our partner, ”said Smith. We all make mistakes and have situations that we face. There are no trials here.
Washington also gave practice replays to Taylor Heinicke and Steven Montez, who were activated last week with Smith out of action.
Haskins, who, like his teammates, is tested for the virus daily, has to train with face masks and a tiller with a special lens. You participate virtually in meetings.
The passer-by said it was difficult to discuss the situation publicly.
“If you make a mistake, you have to be able to admit it. It’s what I had to do, ”he said.
Rivera said that, after consulting with the NFL, part of the plan includes having Haskins undergo two daily tests and practices, taking as much social distance as possible, and attending virtually every meeting he is called for.
Haskins still has two years left on his rookie contract and there is no guarantee that he will stay in Washington next season, after questions were raised about how he prepared in the week for the first of his four games as a starter. feeling that he also left the team last season.