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Dwayne Haskins Jr. issues a public apology:
After issuing a public apology, QB Dwayne Haskins made his Twitter private. Here is his statement in full. pic.twitter.com/pmNAMgEhsH
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) December 22, 2020
The photos showed up yesterday online, but they weren’t verified. Dwayne Haskins was shown partying at a strip club after Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. It was his first start since being benched after the team lost to the Ravens in Week 4. Haskins made a lot of mistakes in his first start in while, and didn’t play good enough until he got mad late in the game following his 2nd interception.
The Washington Football Team, the NFLPA, and the NFL are all aware of the pictures, and Washington will reportedly handle this internally as they focus on this week’s big game against the Carolina Panthers. Tom Pelissero is reporting that Washington isn’t considering releasing Haskins over his latest COVID-19 protocol violation, but he will almost certainly be fined (the maximum amount allowed is one week’s salary). There is also the possibility of up to a 4 week suspension. Haskins was fined $4,833 on October 23rd for making a reservation at the team’s hotel for a family friend.
This might not seem like a huge deal to some people, but the NFL, and Ron Rivera, are taking COVID-19 protocols very seriously. Multiple teams have been given massive fines, and even lost draft picks due to blatant violations of the new rules. Positive tests have the potential to keep multiple players out for several games, and can also postpone, or even forfeit games, for the violating team. This is also especially reckless for a team who’s head coach has just gone through a very public battle with cancer that he continued to work through. Dwayne Haskins was demoted to 3rd string QB, and is only playing right now due to a season-ending ankle injury to his replacement Kyle Allen, and a calf strain that held Alex Smith out on Sunday.
Washington has the potential to win the NFC East this weekend if the Giants lose and they beat the Carolina Panthers. Now there are question marks surrounding Haskins, and any punishment that he will receive. There are also still questions about Alex Smith, and the calf strain to his surgically repaired leg. If neither on of them can play, the team is left with Tayloe Heinicke who was just signed from the practice squad on Saturday, and undrafted free agent rookie Steven Montez who was Haskins’ backup this week.
I’m told Washington has no plans to release QB Dwayne Haskins, who was fined for a previous COVID-19 protocol violation. Going to a nightclub without PPE is considered “High Risk COVID-19 Conduct,” punishable by a maximum fine of one week’s salary or up to four-game suspension. pic.twitter.com/yUMqpMQrWH
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 22, 2020
Do know the team was aware of this yesterday. But had to decide what direction they wanted to go. Haskins was fined for an issue earlier this season -- inviting a family friend to the team hotel before a game. Violated covid protocols.
— John Keim (@john_keim) December 22, 2020
A source confirms to @JunksRadio that photos circulating on social media do, in fact, accurately depict Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins partying, and flouting COVID-19 protocols, after Sunday's game. https://t.co/9b8YLQ60QU
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) December 22, 2020
Is this Dwayne Haskins? I really hope not. These women are all wearing Washington #7 shirts yesterday and that certainly does look like #7 himself partying maskless last night with strippers after the game. pic.twitter.com/BxgHdjuiCe
— Rudy Gersten (@DCBarno) December 21, 2020
Dwayne Haskins apologizes for 'irresponsible' partying https://t.co/JbzpZXsCMU
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) December 22, 2020