The strong statement issued yesterday by Fletcher Smith, Donovan McNabb’s agent, has prompted a response from Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan. Yesterday, Smith said that the Redskins, specifically Mike and Kyle Shanahan, have “disrespected” his client and created a relationship that is “very difficult to maintain.”
Mike Shanahan Responds To Donovan McNabb’s Agent’s Statement About His Benching
In response, Mike Shanahan issued the following statement, via SB Nation D.C.:
"As I stated earlier, when I traded for Donovan McNabb I had hoped that he would lead us to the playoffs. No one wanted him to be more successful than me. When the team was 5-8 and mathematically out of the playoffs, I made the decision to evaluate our other two quarterbacks. This was not personal, but strictly professional. The decision was made in the best interest of the Washington Redskins and I stand by my decision. I will attempt to talk to Fletcher Smith directly to clear up every one of his misconceptions."
Shanahan isn’t saying anything here that is different than what he has said publicly, but the nature of Smith’s attack forced him to respond. Anyway, the real issue on McNabb’s side is that he thinks the Shanahans are the ones responsible for leaking information to the press about his inability to grasp the offense. Mike Shanahan isn’t going to address something like that in a statement sent through the team.
Still, at this point, there really is no high road for either side to take. Trading dueling statements back and forth is not necessary, since the deed is done. It’s unclear what Fletcher Smith was trying to accomplish with his statement, and even though it was pretty mundane, it’s also unclear what Mike Shanahan was trying to accomplish with his.
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