The Redskins suspended the defensive lineman for “conduct detrimental to the club,” the latest incident in a slew of temper tantrums and episodes of misbehavior in Haynesworth’s career.
Washington’s head coach Mike Shanahan clarified in a statement that Haynesworth refused to “abide by the terms of his contract, … refused to cooperate with our coaching staff … [and] consistently indicated to our defensive coaches that he refuses to play in our base defense or on first-down or second-down nickel situations.”
Shanahan called the situation unfortunate but that the two-time Pro Bowler left the team with “no alternative.”
Haynesworth, considered by NFL players to be the most dominant defender in a 2009 Sports Illustrated Poll, has had multiple run-ins with the law and well as top NFL brass.
In 2006, Haynesworth, who was then with the Tennessee Titans, was suspended by the NFL for five games for stomping on the head of the Cowboys’ Andre Durode. The nose tackle has also had to face traffic charges stemming from a car accident in 2006 as well as a lawsuit earlier this year after failing to pay back a $2.4 million loan.
The Redskins signed Haynesworth to a $100 million contract before the 2009 season after he was coming off a year with the Titans when he had a career-best 8.5 sacks and 41 solo tackles.
In 20 games with Washington, Haynesworth has been a disappointment, registering only 6.5 sacks and 53 total tackles.
His agent Chad Speck told the Associated Press that Haynesworth would appeal the suspension.
"All I can say at this time is that the NFLPA is reviewing the details," Speck told AP.
