So after the Washington Redskins signed Albert Haynesworth to that ridiculous contract 6 hours after free agency opened last year the NFL did a token investigation to see if the Redskins had tampered with Fat Albert. Despite the obvious facts that there was no way that deal could have gotten done in 6 hours the NFL determined there was no foul play.
Well now (shockingly!) Albie is laying down after getting all of that money, and he is running his mouth- which could end up being a good thing for the Titans.
Here is the statement Albert released yesterday:
"The Washington Redskins are a great and storied franchise with an owner in Mr. Snyder that will do anything in his power to win and a fan base that is unrivaled in the NFL. When I signed here after meeting all day with the staff and top executives, and talked about the defense that we would run and what my role would be, I was assured I would have the freedom to play to my strengths and I was excited about the future. After many years in the NFL, I know what it takes for me to perform at my highest level. My number one goal has always been to help my team win -period. It's also important at my position to help free my teammates to make plays, which I've done throughout my career when I've been allowed to play to my strengths. I will continue to work individually to prepare for training camp and the start of the 2010 season."
(emphasis mine)
Pretty obvious that it would have been tough for an all day meeting to take place between midnight and 6 a.m. This is one of those worst kept secret deals that everyone does, but still there are rules against it. What is the point in having those rules if you aren't going to enforce them?
Back in 2008 the 49ers were found to have tampered with Bears LB Lance Briggs and were forced to switch picks with the Bears in the third round and forfeit their 5th round pick. I couldn't care less about the Skins having to forfeit any picks, but it would be nice to see the Titans get some compensation out of this deal.
(hat tip to the Old Coach for pointing out the Haynesworth quote)