The Tennessee Titans want back some of
Albert Haynesworth's bonus money. And that might be just the start
of the paybacks.
Coach Jeff Fisher told a national radio show Thursday that
Haynesworth _ the defensive tackle suspended five games by the NFL
for stomping on Dallas centre Andre Gurode's face _ may never be
back in the building again. Team spokesman Robbie Bohren also said
the Titans are investigating their options.
``We've moved on,'' Fisher said after practice Friday. ``I have
no intention of addressing the Haynesworth issue now or at anytime
between now and the time he comes back. I'm done with Albert, and
this team is moving on. As far as specifics on his future, I'm not
going to comment any further on that,'' Fisher said.
Under the collective bargaining agreement, punishment from the
commissioner overrides any team sanctions.
But Haynesworth's stomp of a player while defenceless on the
ground without his helmet left Gurode with 30 stitches and cost
Haynesworth US$190,000 in lost salary. It also has resulted in
unanimous condemnation and calls for the Titans to fire the tackle.
Fisher's comments make it appear the Titans may be thinking of
doing just that, or he's trying to sound as if he's cracking down to
send a message to his winless, struggling team.
Seven games will remain when Haynesworth is eligible to return on
Nov. 13 and play against Philadelphia. The Titans could deactivate
Haynesworth each week, which the Philadelphia Eagles did to Terrell
Owens last December after he served a team suspension.
In 2004, Dallas released quarterback Quincy Carter on Aug. 4
after reports of a failed drug test. Tampa Bay deactivated receiver
Keyshawn Johnson for the final six games in 2003 and told him not to
show up at the stadium.
The Titans could release Haynesworth, even though he's under
contract for 2007 for $5.5 million. Considering he started the first
four games, that could be fought by Haynesworth and the players'
union.
General manager Floyd Reese referred reporters to Fisher to
clarify his comments that Haynesworth might not be back. Reese said
he didn't think any decision would be made on Haynesworth until his
suspension ends. Asked if a team could release a player after a
suspension, he said a team could do what it wants.
``Ultimately that is Mr. Adams' decision,'' Reese said of team
owner Bud Adams. ``I think it has been pretty well documented on
what this has done not only to Albert but us and the league. It has
been a tremendous embarrassment to everyone involved.''
That is why Haynesworth's agent, Chad Speck, and the NFL Players
Association received notification Friday that the Titans want back a
percentage of his bonus equivalent to the five games he will miss
starting Sunday.
``We received written notification that he was in default of his
contract,'' Speck said.
The agent said he is waiting for another letter from the Titans
detailing what they want back.
Haynesworth has apologized for scraping his cleat across Gurode's
face last weekend in a 45-14 loss to Dallas. Haynesworth apologized
again at a news conference Thursday where he promised he will be
counselled for his on-field anger.
Speck has heard Fisher's comments on Haynesworth possibly not
returning.
``Those are decisions the Titans will have to make. That's out of
our control. All Albert can do is again moving forward with the
things he discussed (Thursday) at the press conference ... and make
sure he's in the best shape of his life when he returns,'' Speck
said.
Haynesworth can help himself if he returns in the best shape of
his life.
``There's a lot of issues to go through,'' Reese said. ``I'm not
sure that we can make a decision five weeks ahead of time.''
