Would you give Tony Washington a Shot on your Team

[1niksder]

Here's why Washington went undrafted and remains unsigned after being projected as a second-round talent by NFL scouts:

As a 16-year-old growing up in New Orleans, Washington was convicted of having consensual sex with his biological sister.

He served two weeks in jail, was given five weeks of probation and had to register in Texas as a sex offender.

[VetSkinsFan]

Yes, I would provided it was an isolated incident and he has no other legal issues.

[frankcal20]

It grosses me out but of course, we don't know all the details. I think given the results of a psycological exam, I would be fine with that. There's a lot to the story - I would imagine but with everything else that goes on with players in the NFL who are legally, Adults, he was still a kid (16) when this whole thing happened.

Also, I can imagine that Tony would say in an interview that this sort of thing happens all the time where he comes from. I think that he may have said something similar to that but come one. The scout probably heard what he wanted to hear.

[TeeterSalad]

That depends...

Did he know she was his sister or was it like a Joe Dirt incident?

"I'm your sister"
"I'm your sister!!"



I'd give him a second chance just have the sister stay in N.O.

[langleyparkjoe]

Wow man, initially I didn't even know what to think. He was 16 though and now he's a man.. big difference. If the dude can play, I want him here so I voted "yes".

[Irn-Bru]

If you read the story, it's very clear that he sees it as an inexcusable mistake and has spent the last seven years trying to demonstrate that he is on the right path. The agent talks about how they have loads of documentation, testimony, etc., that he has been a good kid. He's even attended daily worship services at his school.

All that, and a one-time, non-violent mistake he made at age 16 might keep him from a career in the NFL. My heart breaks for this guy.

[Countertrey]

The behavior was, in my mind, completely unacceptable. It was also done by a 16 year old, and has the lowest rate of recidivism of all sexual "crimes" (if it must be called a crime). I know it's incredibly complex, but it's time to stop punishing this young man. Make him a Redskin. I'd be fine with that.

I cannot conceive the embarassment, even humiliation, this young man must live through every day. I agree with IB's sentiment on this.

[Bob 0119]

Wow. Part of me wants to say "hell no." That's the part that is grossed out by the event, even if it was seven years ago.

The other part of me hates the fact that I would think that way. The kid was punished. He served his time, and isn't trying to spin it to make himself out to be the victim. He should get a shot if he can play.

Give him a chance to "redeem himself" and maybe be remembered for something other than his youthful indiscretion; or will that always be an asterisk next to any of his accomplishments.

It's like the old joke about the scottish bartender.

A man from out of town walks into a bar. The bartender seeing he was from out of town walks up and says:

"Lemme ask you something, laddie. You see that rock wall out there? I built that wall wit me own two hands. Stone by stone, it took me years; but do they call me 'Willie the Wall-builder?'"

The man, stunned doesn't know.

"No," says Willie. "Y'see this here bar? I built this bar m'self; hammered in every nail, polished 'er all oop. Took me years; but do they call me 'Willie the Bar-Builder?'"

The man, getting the hang of it says "No?"

"NO!" screams Willie waving his finger, "BUT Y'SCREW ONE GOAT..."

[Chris Luva Luva]

My heart breaks for this guy.

But this like anything else that requires some reading and some bit of heart will not get any type of attention.