12-26-2018, 02:03 PM
(12-26-2018, 01:18 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: So you don't want players to be held accountable? Swearinger was released not just for making critical comments about the coaching to the media, but for doing it repeatedly, after his HC had clearly established that it was unacceptable.
Let's not forget that players are team employees, they must follow the policy established by their superiors, in this case it was his HC. I don't know about this particular case, but many NFL contracts include language that establishes limitations on players being critical of their employers to the media.
It's not like Gruden dropped the hammer when Swearinger first started calling people out. This had been going on for 2 years:
'The Redskins cut D.J. Swearinger because for two years he established a clear pattern of criticizing coaches, teammates and the entire organization after losses.'
'Sources inside Redskins Park made clear that the team sat down with Swearinger multiple times to explain that the safety should not go to the media any more with criticisms about the team.'
'Previous conversations had mentioned possible discipline for Swearinger, but this time, the staff inside the Ashburn headquarters felt they had no choice. The safety had already caused significant friction around the building, and with the intensified comments aimed directly at Mansuky, the staff felt they had no option but to release the Pro Bowl alternate.'
IMO, it's not like Gruden made some bold move here that sent a statement. It seems more like Swearinger forced their hand (finally) and left them no other alternative after 2 years of this behavior.
