Haynesworth Likely To Be Dropped By Tennessee Titans

By Mark Hoerrner

In the most unprecedented set of punishments ever handed to a National Football League player, Albert Haynesworth’s woes may not yet be complete. Tennessee Titans spokesman Robbie Bohrman confirmed today that the franchise has notified Haynesworth that he is in breach of contract with the organization and that he will have to forfeit some of his bonus money.

But even that may not be the end. Jeff Fisher, Haynesworth’s head coach confirmed on a national sports radio show that the team may release him from his contract by the end of his record-setting five-game suspension.

"We've moved on," Fisher told the Associated Press. "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.

Looking over a history of violence towards others – mostly his own teammates—it would seem that condemning Haynesworth is a no-brainer. Certainly, his attack on Andre Gurode of the Dallas Cowboys was vicious, leaving Gurode with 30 stitches and the sympathy of an entire nation of fans. But the refreshing thing about Haynesworth is that his remorse for the event seems genuine. He’s not tried to defend his actions and was the first to condemn what he did. It’s a tough decision for any franchise if the player is salvageable, but Haynesworth’s record against his actions present a rather unique conundrum for management.

Perhaps the only light in the tunnel for Haynesworth is that Gurode announced Thursday that he would not press criminal charges against his attacker.

General manager Floyd Reese was less candid with reporters. When asked about the team’s intentions for Haynesworth remaining a starting player, Reese said that the decision would ultimately lie with Bud Adams, the team’s owner, though he doubted Adams would consider the matter until after the suspension..

"Ultimately that is Mr. Adams' decision," Reese told the AP. "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."

Haynesworth’s agent, Chad Speck, was non-committal about his client’s future. "We received written notification that he was in default of his contract," Speck said. He did not have additional information on the possibility of his client being deactivated by the Titans.

"Those are decisions the Titans will have to make," Speck said. "That's out of our control. All Albert can do is again moving forward with the things he discussed at the press conference ... and make sure he's in the best shape of his life when he returns."