Albert Haynesworth Releases Statement; Confirms Suspension Will Be Appealed

The Washington Redskins kept Albert Haynesworth on the inactive list last Sunday in their loss to the New York Giants. Earlier in the week Haynesworth had been late to practice amid reports he was out late the night before. The Redskins have now suspended Haynesworth the final four games of the season for conduct detrimental to the team.

"I have reviewed the Notice of Suspension letter sent to Albert by Bruce Allen as well as the comments made by Coach Shanahan. Albert and I have discussed the claims made in the Notice of Suspension & we disagree with the Redskins' decision.

He was surprised by the suspension, the maximum permitted under the CBA, and will certainly appeal it. The accusations made by Coach Shanahan and Bruce Allen are vague and without merit. Since training camp began, today's notice was the first that Albert received informing him that his conduct was not consistent with the "terms of his contract" as Coach Shanahan claims. Bruce confirmed to me today, that there have been no other letters or formal notices of any kind sent to Albert during the regular season suggesting that he was engaging in conduct detrimental to the team.We will begin the appeal process immediately and expect the facts to come to light during arbitration. Albert has repeatedly asked for a bigger role in the defense - he simply wants to play and maximize his contribution to the team.

It is unfortunate that he has not been utilized more, as the Redskins defense causes more turnovers and gives up fewer total yards, rushing yards, passing yards, first downs, third down conversions and points when Albert plays in the game."