AP sources: Snyder agrees to $6.05B sale of NFL's Commanders
Two people with knowledge of the situation tell The Associated Press that a group led by Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales and including Magic Johnson has an agreement in principle to buy the Washington Commanders from longtime owner Dan Snyder.
Snyder to buy out other Washington owners, pending approval
FILE - Washington Football Team owner Dan Snyder walks off the field before the start of an NFL football game against Dallas Cowboys in Landover, Md., in this Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, file photo. Dan Snyder is buying out the Washington Football Team's minority owners and will become the sole owner of the club. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)Dan Snyder will soon be the sole owner of the Washington Football Team. Fred Smith, Dwight Schar and Bob Rothman currently own 40.5% of Washington Football Inc. A new name โ or making โWashington Football Teamโ permanent โ is expected in time for the 2022 season.
AP source: Washington tells Alex Smith he's being released
Washington has informed Alex Smith the team is releasing the veteran quarterback, according to a person with direct knowledge of the decision. The team informed Smith he's being released, according to a person with direct knowledge of the decision. AdThose warm and fuzzy feelings evaporated not long after Smith led Washington to its first playoff berth in five years. When Allen injured his right ankle, Smith started at Detroit on Nov. 15 and threw for 390 yards in a 30-27 loss. Washington went 11-5 in games Smith started during his time with the team and 5-26 in games he didn't.
Washington replacing cheerleading team with coed dance team
FILE - Washington Football Team cheerleaders perform before an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Landover, Md., in this Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, file photo. The Washington Football Team will not have cheerleaders for the 2021 season as part of an organizational rebranding. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr., File)Washington will not have cheerleaders for the first time since the NFLโs longest-running cheerleading team was founded in 1962, with a coed dance team taking its place. Wright has said he expects โWashington Football Teamโ to continue for 2021 with a new, permanent name to be ready in 2022. โMy goal is to create this team, reinvent this team and make it more modern.โ___AdMore AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Ex-Washington employees ask NFL to release report findings
Owner Dan Snyder hired lawyer Beth Wilkinson to conduct an independent investigation in July after several female former employees made allegations of workplace sexual harassment. The NFL in July took over control of the investigation. โThere must be accountability for the actions we believe are detailed in this report,โ the employees wrote in their letter to Goodell. AdSeventeen former employees signed the letter to Goodell by name and three others anonymously. โFor its own credibility, it is crucial that the NFL release the investigative report, while also protecting from disclosure any witnesses who requested confidentiality.
QB Heinicke re-signs with Washington for $8.75M over 2 years
Washington re-signed quarterback Taylor Heinicke to an $8.75 million, two-year contract, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021. โI think thatโs the best way to do it. I think thatโs best for everybody.โWashington could also trade for or sign a veteran to compete with Heinicke and Allen or use the No. AdโThat dude plays with no fear, and heโs going to give his playmakers a chance to make plays,โ receiver Terry McLaurin said. โHeโs going to extend plays, run and take hits.
The Latest: Packers' Aaron Rodgers wins 3rd MVP Award
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers passes during the first half of the NFC championship NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Green Bay, Wis., Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021. Rodgers received 44 votes, followed by Buffaloโs Josh Allen with four, and Kansas Cityโs Patrick Mahomes, the 2018 MVP, with two. ___9:52 p.m.For turning around a moribund Cleveland franchise, overcoming injuries and COVID-19 concerns, Kevin Stefanski is The Associated Press 2020 NFL Coach of the Year. Ad___9:20 p.m.Justin Herbert is the latest quarterback to win The Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year award. ___8:08 p.m.Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll has won The Associated Press NFL Assistant Coach of the Year award.
Washington's King 1st Black female assistant position coach
(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)Washington promoted Jennifer King to assistant running backs coach Tuesday, making her the first Black female assistant position coach in the NFL. She is the second woman in league history to be an assistant position coach after Tampa Bayโs assistant defensive line coach Lori Locust. King spent the 2020 season as a full-year coaching intern under Ron Rivera and worked with running backs coach Randy Jordan. โI am very pleased to have coach King back to assist me full time in the running backs room,โ Jordan said. Tampa Bay had two: Locust and assistant strength and conditioning coach Maral Javadifar, and coach Bruce Arians called women in coaching โthe wave of the future.โโThis game, itโs a tremendous game,โ Rivera said.
Sarah Thomas to be 1st female to officiate at Super Bowl
Sarah Thomas will cap her sixth NFL season by becoming the first female to officiate the Super Bowl in NFL history. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)NEW YORK โ Sarah Thomas will cap her sixth NFL season by becoming the first female to officiate the Super Bowl in NFL history. โSarah Thomas has made history again as the first female Super Bowl official,โ said Troy Vincent, Sr., the NFL's executive vice resident of football operations. "Her elite performance and commitment to excellence has earned her the right to officiate the Super Bowl. This will be the first Super Bowl for Coleman as well as Thomas and second for Cheffers, Bryan, Baynes, Hall and Paganelli.
AP sources: Eagles won't be penalized for QB decisions
(AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)PHILADELPHIA โ The Philadelphia Eagles wonโt be penalized after the NFL looked into the way the team handled its quarterback decisions in the final regular-season game against Washington, two people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday. Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they werenโt authorized to reveal the conversations. The Eagles trailed by a field goal when Sudfeld, who hadnโt thrown a pass in a game since 2018, entered. Giants players and their fans were angry that Pederson benched Hurts, feeling the Eagles tanked. Eagles running back Miles Sanders, who was one of several starters inactive for the game, also was critical of Pedersonโs decision to bench Hurts.
Brady vs. Brees: A matchup for the ages and aged
(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)The NFL has never seen a playoff matchup quite like the upcoming one between Tom Bradyโs Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drew Breesโ New Orleans Saints. Brees has thrown for more yards than any QB in the regular season with 80,358 and ranks second in TD passes with 571. Brady holds the mark for touchdowns with 581 and trails only Brees in yardage with 79,204. The combined age of the starting quarterbacks will be an NFL-record 85, surpassing the 84 from their two starts in the regular season this season. The team that swept the regular season series won 14 of the previous 22 matchups, which bodes well for the Saints this week.
The Latest: Browns open 28-0 lead over Steelers
The Browns have raced to a 28-0 lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Brownsโ 28 points are the most by any team in the first quarter of a playoff game since the 1970 merger. So, this will be the first NFL playoff game ever pitting two quadragenarian quarterbacks. Drew Brees is trying to join Brett Favre and Tom Brady as quarterbacks to win a playoff game after turning 40. That was his third career playoff game with 150 or more rushing yards, one game shy of Hall of Famer Terrell Davisโ record.
The Latest: Longtime Penguins announcer out as precaution
___The Atlantic Coast Conference says Virginiaโs womenโs basketball game Tuesday against Wake Forest has been postponed and it has rescheduled the previously postponed Syracuse-North Carolina menโs basketball game for Tuesday. 19 Clemson has postponed menโs basketball games at North Carolina on Saturday and at Syracuse on Tuesday. LSU will visit Mississippi on Saturday night after both teams had their originally scheduled games postponed. ___The Washington womenโs basketball team has postponed games scheduled at No. ___The Georgia State menโs basketball team postponed games against Troy on Friday and Saturday and paused all team activities following multiple positive COVID-19 tests.
Browns don't practice again as COVID-19 wreaks havoc on team
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Cleveland. However, a league spokesman said Thursday there โis no change to the status of the gameโ at Heinz Field. As his first postseason appearance draws near, Mayfield said he's been doing all he can at home to get ready. For special teams coordinator Mike Priefer, Sunday's game is a scenario he knew was possible due to the pandemic. โMake no mistake, this is Kevinโs team,โ said Priefer, a Cleveland native.
Washington beats the Eagles 20-14, captures NFC East title
Washington Football Team's Logan Thomas (82) catches a touchdown against Philadelphia Eagles' T.J. Edwards (57) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Philadelphia. Alex Smith threw two touchdown passes and Washington beat the Philadelphia Eagles 20-14 Sunday night to capture the lowly NFC East. Washington opened the season with a 27-17 victory over the Eagles. Dwayne Haskins started that game for Washington and Carson Wentz for Philadelphia. Eagles: They face difficult decisions in the offseason, including figuring out which quarterback they plan to build around for 2021.
Washington beaten by Panthers, fails to clinch NFC East
Haskins' failed second chance coupled with a special teams blunder and defensive miscues added up to Washington blowing its first chance to clinch the NFC East by losing to the Carolina Panthers 20-13 on Sunday. With Christian McCaffrey out again, Curtis Samuel had five catches for 106 yards and was the Panthers' leading rusher with 52 yards on seven carries. 2 pick forced Bridgewater to fumble on a sack in Washington territory early in the third quarter to prevent Carolina from putting up even more points. Washington: Played without top WR Terry McLaurin, who couldn't keep gutting through a nagging ankle injury. Washington: Gets another chance to win the NFC East next Sunday at Philadelphia.
The Latest: NFC East will produce sub-.500 champ next week
(AP Photo/Mark Tenally)The Latest on Week 16 in the NFL (all times EST):___8 p.m.For the first time since 2014 there will be an NFL playoff team with a losing record. The winner will remain alive in the NFC East playoff race if Washington loses to Carolina. ___6:05 p.m.Washington is well on the way to blowing its first chance to clinch the NFC East. ___6 p.m.Eleven teams in the NFC are still harboring hopes of making a playoff run with Week 16 winding down. 1 seed in the NFC with a win Sunday night against the Titans and a Seattle loss or tie.
Haskins fined, in line to start for Washington if needed
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) as he prepares to throw the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)Dwayne Haskins was handed a hefty fine Wednesday for partying with several people not wearing a mask but will start at quarterback for Washington on Sunday if Alex Smith isnโt healthy enough to go. The organization fined Haskins $40,000 for violating COVID-19 protocols, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Washington can clinch the NFC East title Sunday if the New York Giants lose to Baltimore and it beats the Panthers. Smith had led Washington on a four-game winning streak before straining his right calf Dec. 13 against San Francisco.
Haskins apologizes after photos show mask-less partying
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins warming up before the start of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins publicly apologized Tuesday after photo evidence came to light of him partying with several people unmasked after playing Sunday. Haskins said on Twitter he spoke with coach Ron Rivera and took full responsibility for putting the team at risk during the pandemic. โIt was irresponsible and immature of me and I accept responsibility for my action,โ Haskins said. Haskins got the start against Seattle essentially by default as the last healthy quarterback on the roster.
Seahawks hold on to beat Washington, clinch playoff spot
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) points upwards before the start of the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Landover, Md. โ Russell Wilson asked Carlos Dunlap to make a play to get the Seattle Seahawks into the playoffs, and the veteran defensive end was all too eager to deliver. Dunlap shook off a lingering foot injury and sacked Washington's Dwayne Haskins to shore up a 20-15 victory Sunday that clinched a playoff spot. It was only fitting Dunlap had the big sack on third-and-15 with just over a minute left, given his lengthy playoff drought. UP NEXTThe Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday with first place in the NFC West at stake, while Washington hosts Rivera's old team, the Carolina Panthers.
AP Interview: Indians owner says name won't change in 2021
(AP Photo/David Dermer, File)CLEVELAND โ The Cleveland Indians are changing their name โ they just don't know to what or when. โThe new name, and I do not know what it is, will not be a name that has Native American themes or connotations to it.โThe decision was welcomed by Native American groups that met with the club. "Iโm not just a fan of the Cleveland Indians, Iโm a fan of Cleveland baseball. In recent months he met with fans, business leaders and researchers focused on Native American culture and issues. โWeโll be the Cleveland Indians of 1915 to whatever year is that we ultimately change.
Report: Cleveland Indians changing name after 105 years
FILE - In this July 10, 2020, file photo, Cleveland Indians' Francisco Lindor runs the bases after hitting a home run during a simulated game at Progressive Field in Cleveland. The Indians are changing their name after 105 years, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020. (AP Photo/David Dermer, File)CLEVELAND โ The Cleveland Indians are changing their name after 105 years. Cleveland's move away from Indians follows a similar decision earlier this year by the NFL's Washington Football Team, which was previously known as the Redskins. A few days after Dolan's statement, Indians manager Terry Francona said it was time to "move forwardโ with the name change.
Washington leads NFC East after gritty 23-15 win over 49ers
Washington is the first team to get defensive touchdowns from two rookies in the same game since the Rams against the Texans in 2013. The game was in Arizona because of coronavirus restrictions in the 49ers' home county of Santa Clara. The 49ers pulled within 23-15 on a 6-yard pass from Mullens to Kyle Juszczyk and a 2-point conversion with 10:18 left. Washington won without scoring a touchdown in a road game for the first time since 1992. 49ERS ASSISTANT COACH OUTSan Francisco offensive line coach John Benton tested positive for COVID-19 and didn't coach against Washington.
Chiefs regain top spot in AP Pro32 poll; Steelers at No. 3
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) stands on the sideline during the final minute of the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team in Pittsburgh, Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)NEW YORK โ Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are No. After holding off the Denver Broncos, the Chiefs moved up a spot and regained the top place in the latest AP Pro32 poll. The Pittsburgh Steelers slipped from the top spot to No. The Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts, tied for the top spot in the AFC South, round out the top 10.
Surprise! Washington ends Pittsburgh's perfect season 23-17
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington (13) celebrates with JuJu Smith-Schuster after scoring on a 50-yard pass play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team in Pittsburgh, Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)PITTSBURGH โ The Pittsburgh Steelers spent three months shaking off whatever 2020 threw at them. pointing out time and again the only thing perfect about them was their record. Washington won the Super Bowl that season. The Bills beat the Steelers โ minus Roethlisberger โ 17-10 at Heinz Field last December to lock up a playoff berth.
Unbeaten Steelers focusing on Washington, not perfection
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) tries to fend off Baltimore Ravens cornerback Tramon Williams after making a catch during the second half of an NFL football game Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, in Pittsburgh. So forgive the Pittsburgh Steelers if they're not exactly caught up in the hype โ or maybe lack of hype โ surrounding their perfect start. Yes, the Steelers are unbeaten. โEvery week is a test,โ Rivera said. โIt really is about feel and opportunity as far as those things are concerned," Rivera said.
Prater's 59-yard FG lifts Lions to 30-27 win over Washington
(AP Photo/Tony Ding)DETROIT โ Matt Prater made a 59-yard field goal as time expired, lifting the Detroit Lions to a 30-27 win over Washington on Sunday. Stafford threw a 9-yard pass to Marvin Jones to set up the kick. Washington (2-7) pulled into a tie by scoring touchdowns on three straight series in the second half in Alex Smith's first start in nearly two years. In the second half, Washington got into the end zone on 82- and 84-yard drives and had the ball midway through the fourth quarter down a touchdown. Lions: WR Kenny Golladay (hip) missed his second straight game and has played just five times this season because of different injuries.
Jones, Giants hold on to beat Washington for 2nd victory
Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) warming up before the start of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. Jones absorbed contact on a blindside sack, held on to the ball, and Logan Ryan intercepted Alex Smith not long after to seal a 23-20 victory against Washington. "That's been a focus of mine: I obviously know the importance of holding on to the ball," Jones said. Allen injured his left ankle late in the first quarter, forcing Smith into just his second NFL game since gruesomely breaking his right leg in November 2018. UP NEXTThe Giants host the Philadelphia Eagles in their second-last NFC East game this season, while Washington visits the Detroit Lions.
The Latest: Home teams now 65-65-1 in this pandemic season
That means that going into tonightโs Saints-Buccaneers showdown, home teams are 65-65-1 so far this season. That homefield advantage has largely been erased with sparse crowds or no fans at games because of the coronavirus pandemic. Las Vegas though has taken control on its first two drives of the second half. Neither had started an NFL game, but both have been in the league much longer than DiNucci. The Tennessee Titans already lost left tackle Taylor Lewan for the season, and now they are without left guard Rodger Saffold.
Cowboys QB Dalton out vs Eagles, rookie set for 1st start
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is hit by Washington Football Team inside linebacker Jon Bostic (53) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Landover, Md. Dalton left the field after this hit and Bostic was ejected from the game. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Cowboys QB Dalton out vs Eagles, rookie set for 1st start
Dalton left the field after this hit and Bostic was ejected from the game. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)FRISCO, Texas โ The Dallas Cowboys declared quarterback Andy Dalton out Saturday for their game in Philadelphia because of a concussion, clearing the way for rookie Ben DiNucci's first start. Prescott was the last rookie to start at quarterback for Dallas four years ago. The Cowboys activated linebacker Sean Lee from injured reserve, setting up the veteran for his season debut. The 11th-year player has been out since the start of training camp because of a core muscle injury that required surgery.
McCarthy upset Cowboys didnโt confront Washington linebacker after illegal hit on Andy Dalton
โ Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy voiced his disappointment after his team failed to respond to the illegal hit that knocked quarterback Andy Dalton out during the Cowboys loss to Washington on Sunday afternoon. McCarthy said he was bothered that his players didnโt go after Washington linebacker Jon Bostic for his headshot on Dalton in the third quarter. โIt definitely was not the response you would expect.โThe hit on Andy Dalton that sent him to the locker room ๐ฌBostic was ejected. The Cowboys said Dalton was alert after the game and flew home with the team. You canโt help the team from the locker room.โCowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence wondered after the game if this Dallas team has any fight left in it.
The Latest: Seahawks lead Cardinals 27-17 at halftime
___10:09 p.mArizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Irving has been carted off the field after a collision on a kickoff just before halftime against the Seattle Seahawks. Jacksonville rallied from a 16-0 deficit and took the lead, but the Jaguars have been blanked in the fourth quarter. ___7:10 p.m.Tom Brady moved one touchdown pass ahead of Drew Brees for the career lead. Mayfield threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Harrison Bryant to even the score in the second quarter. New York leads 3-0.
The Latest: NFL's Washington team not yet allowing fans
___Toledoโs menโs basketball team has halted all activities after six players tested positive this week, the school said Wednesday. The moves donโt necessarily mean those players have tested positive; they could have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive. The LPGA also says a child care provider tested positive at the LPGA Drive On Championship-Reynolds Lake Oconee. ___Inter Milan defender Achraf Hakimi has tested positive for the coronavirus and will miss the Champions League match against Borussia Mรถnchengladbach. ___UEFA says Bayern Munich will be able to play Atletico Madrid in the Champions League despite a positive coronavirus test for forward Serge Gnabry.
Giants and Judge finally win, beat Washington on fumble TD
In fact, the 38-year-old Judge barely had time to celebrate as the Giants rode a wild final four minutes, a decisive play by Mr. Irrelevant โ scooped up a fumble and ran 43 yards for a touchdown to give New York a 20-13. Washington coach Ron Rivera rolled the dice and went for the win with a 2โpoint conversion. The only way to learn to win is to play to win. Thatโs what I want those guys to understand.โThe stop allowed the Giants to avoid a second 0-6 start since 2013.
The Latest: Md. allowing up to 10% capacity at NFL stadiums
The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___Maryland will allow up to 10% capacity at the two stadiums in the state that are home to NFL teams, Gov. The announcement affects M&T Bank Stadium, where the Baltimore Ravens play, and FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, where the Washington Football Team plays. M&T Bank Stadium has a total capacity of 71,008 and FedEx Field has a capacity of 82,000. ___Toronto FC will play before fans at its Nov. 1 game against Inter Miami CF in East Hartford, Connecticut. That group was limited to staff, family members and friends and was a test for State Farm Stadiumโs COVID-19 protocols.
Smith returns as Goff-led Rams beat Washington to get to 4-1
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Landover, Md. Smith played his first NFL game 693 days since breaking his right tibia and fibula, entering when new Washington starting quarterback Kyle Allen injured his left arm. โYou watch guys like Aaron all the time and as effective as he is, you guys have no idea how impressive it is with all the attention he gets week after week,โ Rams linebacker Troy Reeder said. Rivera said if Allen can play next week, Smith would back up and Haskins would again be inactive. UP NEXTThe Rams visit the 49ers next Sunday, while Washington is at the NFC East rival New York Giants.
Washington benches QB Haskins, switches to Allen vs. Rams
Rivera benched Haskins for Washington's next game Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams and turned to Kyle Allen as the new starter. Thatโs what Iโm doing.โAlex Smith will back up Allen with Haskins inactive after not having enough time to learn a new system in his second year in the NFL. Rivera ended the Haskins experiment after a third consecutive loss in just his 11th pro start. โWe gave him every opportunity,โ Rivera said. Haskins completed 72 of 115 passing attempts, threw three touchdowns and three interceptions and was sacked 10 times during Washington's three game skid.
Jackson shows MVP form to help Ravens beat Washington 31-17
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against the Washington Football Team during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Landover, Md. โ Lamar Jackson ran for a 50-yard touchdown and threw for two scores in a bounce-back performance by the reigning NFL MVP and the Baltimore Ravens, who took control early against Washington in a 31-17 victory Sunday. The game was tough to watch for Washington coach Ron Rivera, and not just because of the score. Facing a 4th-and-9 at the Washington 43, the Ravens pulled off a fake punt. Washington: host Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, the first of five straight games vs. NFC foes.
Murray runs for 2 TDs, Cardinals roll past Washington 30-15
Washington (1-1) finally scored a touchdown with 12:20 left in the fourth quarter when Dwayne Haskins hit Terry McLaurin for a 24-yard score. The Cardinals' revamped defense had a big day, holding Washington scoreless until Dustin Hopkins hit a 24-yard field goal late in the third quarter. Murray's pass into coverage was picked off by Landon Collins, giving Washington great field position at the Arizona 19. He was completely alone in the back of the end zone on third down and Murray hit him for the 4-yard score to make it 7-0. ... Washington right guard Brandon Scherff (knee) was hurt just before halftime and gingerly walked off the field with the help of medical staff.
The Latest: 2020 NFL season is here at long last
Members of the Washington Football Team and Philadelphia Eagles form an oval on the field before the start of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)The Latest on Week 1 in the NFL (all times EDT):___Itโs here! The 2020 NFL season kicks off today with 14 games after a strange offseason in which teams learned their playbooks via videoconference and didnโt play any preseason games. The Washington players and members of the Philadelphia Eagles lined up together, forming an oval prior to their game. --Arnie Stapleton reporting from Denver..___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
NFL takes over investigation of Washington Football Team
The NFL has taken over the independent investigation into workplace conduct within the Washington Football Team, owner Dan Snyder confirmed Monday. Last month, after The Washington Post reported 15 female former employees saying they were sexually harassed during their time with the team, Snyder hired Washington law firm Wilkinson Walsh LLP to review the teams culture, policies and allegations of workplace misconduct. Lawyers Lisa Banks and Debra Katz, who represent more than 15 former team employees, met with NFL senior vice president and special counsel for investigations Lisa Friel on Monday. We are pleased and encouraged that the league is taking this matter seriously and we expect that it will take appropriate action against Daniel Snyder and the Washington Football Team upon conclusion of the investigation," they said. Snyder vowed to change the culture inside the organization amid 42 women speaking out about their experiences working for Washington.
9 NFL teams cancel practice in response to Blake shooting
An empty field is seen at the New York Jets NFL football team's training camp in Florham Park, N.J., Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020. The New York Jets canceled their practice in an apparent response to the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, in Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)FLORHAM PARK, N.J. Empty practice fields made for loud and powerful statements at nine facilities across the NFL. They included arresting and charging police officers responsible for shooting Blake and killing Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky, in March. San Francisco running back Raheem Mostert didn't rule out NFL players also considering sitting out games when the regular season begins.
Post: Snyder involved in harassment, Washington owner denies
WASHINGTON The Washington Post on Wednesday reported additional examples of workplace sexual harassment inside the Washington Football Team organization, and allegations that owner Dan Snyder was personally involved. The Post reported a former cheerleader saying Snyder invited her to a hotel room with one of his friends, and that longtime team executive Larry Michael made extra cheerleading videos for the owner showing sensitive material that wasnt made public. Snyder released a statement denying those specific allegations and saying he was unaware of the incidents until now. The latest story cites 25 more women who said they experienced sexual harassment while working for the team. I take full responsibility for the culture of our organization, Snyder said.
Washington Football Team gets hitting at 'fresh start' camp
Everywhere else around the Washington Football Team's practice facility has been scrubbed of the Native American logo that was synonymous with the storied franchise and its three Super Bowl titles. There's a new coach in Ron Rivera running the show, and his custom-made staff ensuring practice goes his way. It was football practice during a pandemic, even if it had a different feel than Redskins training camp that was held in Richmond, Virginia, the past seven years. The team would like to see Haskins take another step forward in the wake of rookie growing pains. But this is also a transitional year for the team that should have a new, permanent name in 2021, when the expectations will also rise.
Washington releases RB Guice after domestic violence arrest
The Washington Football Team released running back Derrius Guice on Friday after he was charged in multiple domestic violence incidents. The Loudoun County Sheriffs Department told The Associated Press that Guice was arrested on one count of strangulation, three counts of assault and battery and one count of destruction of property. The Loudoun County Sheriffs Department said the incidents were reported to the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland where the victim lives. Guice, 23, turned himself in and was released on $10,000 bond, according to the Sheriff's Department. Washington selected Guice in the second round of the 2018 draft out of LSU.
AP source: Ex-Redskins become 'Washington Football Team'
The NFL team formerly known as the Redskins will go by the Washington Football Team until a new name is chosen, a person with knowledge of the move told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Thursday because the temporary name had not yet been announced. It was not immediately clear how quickly the team would choose a new, full-time name. Washington will keep its burgundy and gold colors and replace the Indian head logo on helmets with a players jersey number. ___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL