The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

Countertrey wrote:Shanahan has noted that those who were involved in the Redskins off season conditioning program did not need to take the test.

Who, other than Haynesworth, did not participate?


per Ray Wright:

Haynesworth is the only player on the team that had to take the test, according to both Wright and Coach Mike Shanahan. Wright said it was not a Haynesworth-specific test, but that he was the only player who did not meet a 50-percent attendance mark during the offseason.

"The guys that were under 50-percent [attendance] were notified, 'You got to get over 50 percent or there's going to be a test,'" Wright said. "Andre Carter was close, Rocky McIntosh was close, so we let them know. They're over 50 percent [attendance]. Our team was so high, we're 90.4 as a team, so no one was in danger of having to do a test."

Redskins Insider

Knowing this, don't you think that it would be "making a special exception" for Haynesworth if they "just let it slide?"

To me that means Shanahan is following the rules he set forth no matter who the player is. I think it would be special treatment if Shanny "let him off the hook." He has to earn respect from the team and I think if/when he completes the conditioning test, he will have earned the respect of his teammates.

Irn-Bru wrote:

PulpExposure wrote:

PMG12569 wrote:

frankcal20 wrote:Don't forget this: Haynesworth is in such great shape that he felt he would be better than the guys who would train at Redskins Park. So now he's being asked to put his body where his mouth say's it is. Another thing is that if he were to come in and play NT, he wouldn't have to go through that but Albert did this by dropping all the weight, saying he's in tip top shape to play the DE position well his responsibilities have changed when he, Haynesworth, decided he would decide what position he was going to play. That's just my thought on it.

He cant put his money were his mouth is because no one else has to do this. So we dont know if any other lineman can do this...

That's exactly the point. I have no way of judging whether or not he should be able to pass this test...because NO ONE ELSE HAS, EITHER.

I really don't understand this perspective. Since Haynesworth wasn't with the team for OTAs, they want to test him to make sure he's in shape for training camp. Do we know for sure that no other players (rookies, others who may have missed) have to do this?

I can see criticism if Shanahan and Haslett came up with this in their lair of evil in the middle of the night a couple of weeks ago . . . a test designed only for Haynesworth that only Albert would have to take, the sole purpose of which was to make a point. OK, if that's true, then there's something to the critique.

But what if this is just the standard they have for players who weren't there? What if Haynesworth isn't special? What's to get upset about?

Who is upset (well, besides Haynesworth)? Admittedly, I don't know the whole story, and I don't think anyone of us really does. But when I read things like:

Meanwhile, some players have privately expressed concern that Coach Mike Shanahan is simply trying to make an example of Haynesworth because he skipped all but one day of Shanahan's first offseason program. One Redskins defensive player said few players are capable of passing the test only Haynesworth has been required to take because he failed to attend at least 50 percent of the Redskins' offseason workouts.

Other defensive linemen have said that while they ran the same drill as part of the offseason conditioning program, they weren't timed.

Seems to me that it's an Albert-specific test, because he's timed. Apparently, if Albert was held to the same standard as the other players were, i.e., untimed, he would have passed the test yesterday. But he's apparently not.

Shanahan has made his point pretty clear. So tomorrow, let him run the test untimed...

Ray Wright has already explained the program... ALL players were told that if they participated in less than 50% of the off season conditioning program, they would be required to take and pass the test before being allowed to practice. That means that this rule applied to ALL players.

If they let Albert take the test untimed... then they are, in fact, making a special rule for him...

It doesn't seem to me that he will pass this thing, so how long do you drag it on? Doesn't he need to practice eventually? He has lost 30 pounds and wants to play, maybe alter the requirements? Admit its too hard? Its not soccer, linemen only need to have a reasonable level of conditioning.

My point is that EVERYONE should have to take the test or no one. Realistically thinking, this test isn't a joke. It takes effort.

And OTAs were a month prior. I would want to know that my players were at a certain level. Coincidence that big Al, the guy that gave him a problem, is the only one that has this fairly strenuous test? I think not.

They explained that. All he had to do was participate in the the TEAM's off season conditioning. He knew at the time that the Redskins required the test for anyone who had less than 50% participation. He made his choice.

It's not about OTA's. It's about participation in the conditioning program.

Why is this a problem? He knew what he was doing. Why should he be exempted from the consequence of his decision?
Why is that a problem?

I think the people who have a problem with this test are afraid we might lose big Al to this. Oh and yes this is a real possibility.
Either Big Al takes on the challenge or Big says screw it and quits. Quitting meaning he will be disgruntled and be a distraction to the team, complaining to the media, demanding a trade etc. If he gets with the program and grinds it out we will have ourselves the best DT in the game.

This situation is being handled like an old high school or college coach. The rules are the rules.

So basically people you have to hope Big Al will grind it out and take on the team concept.
If the test and its passing requirements are already set? Then Big Al knows what he has to do. Two three hundred yard sprints in a certain amount of time. It is simple not easy. But, it is clear and concise so there should be no misunderstandings here. Just pass the test big fella.

If he does not want to fall in line it shows me he is still being defiant. If he were to give 120 percent? I am sure he could pass this test.

I only have have 1 thing to say... When our opponents are running a 2min drill and or defense has to run back to da line, I'm not worrying about LBs and Dbs, I'm worrying about our DL. So if these tests seem like 'punishment' or coach being a jerk, remember the 2min drill... It isn't only for offense. That's all and GO SKINS!

I don't get the argument "no one else had to take the test, why does he?" No one else missed offseason. Isn't it that plain to see?

If you miss offseason, you take a test to make sure you are in shape. If you don't you won't.

What's the argument now that he failed it a second time. Yesterday, it was 'Shanny is being a jerk and made him run it a third time.' Well, he took the test agian today and failed again.

In my opinion the guy is out of shape. I also don't get those siding with AH right now. Shanny asked him to be at OTA's. No show. He asked him to be at manditory offseason workouts. No show and he requested a trade. All his teammates called him selfish. I don't want a player who lies on the ground after a play and fakes an injury because he is out of shape like this guy did to us last year, and that is what they are insuring doesn't happen. The guy comes into camp and Shanny makes him run two 300 yard shuttles and on the first he has to take a $hit in between and fails, and on the second he fails again. Don't tell me that you are siding with this fat a$$ after what he has put us through over the past year. I'm sick and tired of his elitest attitude. It's not like he is getting sent home after the failed test either. I read he is working with Haslett after practice to learn the terminology and position, so it's not wasted time. If it takes a week of endurance to make sure he is in tip top shape, than I am all for it. I would only request to hold the timer.

PMG12569 wrote:1.) People with normal jobs dont get any near the amount of attention or money, its foolish to compare being in the NFL to your financing job.(Not saying you did just something I hear on the radio all the time)
2.) The Armed forces are not a sport. If you dont cooperate it could mean your life or the life of a fellow soldier not a missed blocking assignment or long run play.
3.) There's a reason its called PROFESSIONAL Sports because its a whole new set of rules and regulations then coaching a high school football team.

...One more thought if Peyton Manning is "caught in the stacks with the coaches daughter" who do you think gets let go first??....Not a sermon, just a thought

1. I never compared it to my job. you did. and you are dead wrong. people making that much DO get much more attention. Think CEO's.

2. No joke, but require as much disipline as a football team does, and it's is definitly a team sport.

3. Different rules, but same team concept. No one is bigger than the team and there is only one person in charge...the coach.

I can't even believe that you are arguing for AH.

As for your thought, I don't follow, along with your entire post

Some people just arn't going to do get it. Makes total sense to me that Mike is doing this.

frankcal20 wrote:Some people just arn't going to do get it. Makes total sense to me that Mike is doing this.

Ohh man Let justs agree to disagree fellow Skins fans and hope that tomorrow when we wake up hell have passed and it all be over. Im tired of this subject......Hail to the Redskins!

if portis had been treated like this during his time with us, he would be a HOFer for sure...

no special treatment for anyone, period! AH knew he would have to take this test if he didn't come to OTA's. now he is doing it. if shanny let him off the hook, it would undermine his authority and it would adversely affect overall team moral. screw deangelo, he is showing himself to be a cancer...

PMG12569 wrote:

frankcal20 wrote:Some people just arn't going to do get it. Makes total sense to me that Mike is doing this.

Ohh man Let justs agree to disagree fellow Skins fans and hope that tomorrow when we wake up hell have passed and it all be over. Im tired of this subject......Hail to the Redskins!

Good point...

plus... a few wins will soothe a lot of feelings...

I'm just trying to see him in training camp. Season's a long ways away.

It's best for AH to be in "Football Shape" now then have him laying on the ground exhausted during the game. I agree, hold his a$$ to the fire and make him a better football player that can help the team in the 4th Q.

perfect example - see the New Orleans game last year and many many more.

PulpExposure wrote:

Irn-Bru wrote:

PulpExposure wrote:

PMG12569 wrote:

frankcal20 wrote:Don't forget this: Haynesworth is in such great shape that he felt he would be better than the guys who would train at Redskins Park. So now he's being asked to put his body where his mouth say's it is. Another thing is that if he were to come in and play NT, he wouldn't have to go through that but Albert did this by dropping all the weight, saying he's in tip top shape to play the DE position well his responsibilities have changed when he, Haynesworth, decided he would decide what position he was going to play. That's just my thought on it.

He cant put his money were his mouth is because no one else has to do this. So we dont know if any other lineman can do this...

That's exactly the point. I have no way of judging whether or not he should be able to pass this test...because NO ONE ELSE HAS, EITHER.

I really don't understand this perspective. Since Haynesworth wasn't with the team for OTAs, they want to test him to make sure he's in shape for training camp. Do we know for sure that no other players (rookies, others who may have missed) have to do this?

I can see criticism if Shanahan and Haslett came up with this in their lair of evil in the middle of the night a couple of weeks ago . . . a test designed only for Haynesworth that only Albert would have to take, the sole purpose of which was to make a point. OK, if that's true, then there's something to the critique.

But what if this is just the standard they have for players who weren't there? What if Haynesworth isn't special? What's to get upset about?

Who is upset (well, besides Haynesworth)? Admittedly, I don't know the whole story, and I don't think anyone of us really does. But when I read things like:

Meanwhile, some players have privately expressed concern that Coach Mike Shanahan is simply trying to make an example of Haynesworth because he skipped all but one day of Shanahan's first offseason program. One Redskins defensive player said few players are capable of passing the test only Haynesworth has been required to take because he failed to attend at least 50 percent of the Redskins' offseason workouts.

Other defensive linemen have said that while they ran the same drill as part of the offseason conditioning program, they weren't timed.

Seems to me that it's an Albert-specific test, because he's timed. Apparently, if Albert was held to the same standard as the other players were, i.e., untimed, he would have passed the test yesterday. But he's apparently not.

Shanahan has made his point pretty clear. So tomorrow, let him run the test untimed...

Don't believe everything you read.

posters on redskins.com are floating the rumor that some of the players are going to run the fitness tests with haynesworth tomorrow. i hope it's true...

Scottskins wrote:posters on redskins.com are floating the rumor that some of the players are going to run the fitness tests with haynesworth tomorrow. i hope it's true...

I also hope thats true. That would be great for team chemistry.

Saturday morning update:

Haynesworth was not tested.

Seems he's already in midseason form -- go two, take one off.

Yep, another missed practice. Moving on...

If and when Brian Westbrook signs here, Shanahan HAS to put him through this test.

The Hogster wrote:If and when Brian Westbrook signs here, Shanahan HAS to put him through this test.

Why? It's clear that this is a punitive measure. I like what I'm seeing here, although I admit to a cringe of sympathy for Haynesworth. The coach is running the team. Westbrook will undergo the same tests that any free agent must pass before signing.

good to see that avatar again TC - welcome back

IMO - Haynesworth is being 'handled' properly and fairly by the coach - end of story

IMO - things are just fine on the defensive side, it's the offense that concerns me a little


hopefully this guy can be a huge factor for our defense this season

hopefully we get a great deal when his sorry big ass is shipped out of here