JimmiJo
February-27th-2009, 10:15 AM
ES Coverage: 2009 FA - Haynesworth Presser
02/27/09
http://skinscast.com/redskins/2009/fa/HAYNESWORTH.JPG
:helmet:
Good morning everybody! JimmiJo here, back where I belong, at Redskins Park in the press room. I've missed the place.
So we all woke up to some pretty exciting news. First the team agreed to a deal with DeAngelo Hall last night just before midnight that is reportedly for six-years and worth $54-million with $22.5 million guaranteed.
Then early this morning was the even bigger news that the team has agreed to terms with Albert Haynesworth. Haynesworth was the biggest name on the free agent market this year. The deal is said to be worth $100 million and includes $41 million in guarantees. According to reports, during the first 13 months of the contract, Haynesworth will earn approximately $32 million.
As you know the Haynesworth press conference is scheduled for 5PM today. I am here early to see if anything else develops in the meantime.
So what is the consensus with my fellow fans?
I will say that I love getting a guy this good in Haynesworth at the defensive tackle position. The money that is being reported however is staggering. I'm not a capologist so don't really know where the Redskins were before this deal or where they are now, but the consensus here in the press room is that with the Hall and Haynesworth signings, there is probably little left in the tank for other players in free agency and there are probably some guys going away from here this weekend.
My guess would be Shawn Springs and Jason Taylor. I don't know this definitively, but that is my sense.
So feel free to share your questions and thoughts. I will be around today and give you any tidbits I get.
Stand by...
12PM
We've been checking and right now the Haynesworth deal appears to be the biggest NFL contract ever in terms of guaranteed money.
12:15PM
Still nothing official on Springs from the team, but another writer just got off the phone with him and he confirmed he's been released.
12:30PM
Albert Haynesworth just arrived accompanied by his mother and a few others to surely include his agent. He came in wearing designer jeans and a blue sweater with a dress shirt underneath and his shirt tail hanging out slightly.
His group was greeted in the lobby by Vinny Cerrato.
I would guess he is on his way to sign his new contract.
1:05PM
And just like that, Albert Haynesworth is gone. Like I said before, he probably came to sign his deal. He will be back at 5PM.
2:13PM
I hear that Haynesworth is off getting his physical and that he will probably will not actually sign his deal until after that is completed.
Other than that it is pretty quiet here. The press room is slowly filling up but that's about it.
No word on Dockery or anyone else the team may be talking to.
Carter/Rogers' Quotes
I spoke to Andre Carter and Carlos Rogers a short while ago and got a few quotes on the addition of Albert Haynesworth and the release of Shawn Springs:
Andre Carter
On Haynesworth’s contract:
“On a personal level, more power to him.”
On what Haynesworth will bring to the team:
“He will definitely contribute to the defensive line. He’s a big guy, very physical, and with him in there it will create more and more 1-on-1 opportunities for [Cornelius] Griffin and for the defensive ends, Jason Taylor and myself.”
On Shawn Springs being released:
“It’s unfortunate for him. He’s been a real professional in this league for over 10 years. I didn’t really get to know him on a personal level, but I wish him the best.”
6:30PM
Just back in the press room. I've got some audio to upload beyond just the presser. Stand by...
Carlos Rogers
On if he is happy to have Haynesworth on the Redskins:
"Hell yea I'm happy about that. Alone with a healthy season from Jason Taylor, we can be the #1 defense in the league."
4:30PM
The press room has filled up. Other than that there is not much to report. We will probably start filing in the auditorium in short order and if they allow us to place our recordings on the podium, I will have audio following the event.
:helmet:
Audio
To listen to the Albert Haynesworth press conference click HERE (http://skinscast.com/redskins/2009/fa/HAYNESWORTH.WMA)
To listen to comments by Vinny Cerrato click HERE (http://skinscast.com/redskins/2009/fa/CERRATO.WMA)
To listen to comments by Coach Zorn click HERE (http://skinscast.com/redskins/2009/fa/ZORN.WMA)
To listen to comments by Coach Blache click HERE (http://skinscast.com/redskins/2009/fa/BLACHE.WMA)
To listen to comments by Anthony Montgomery click HERE (http://skinscast.com/redskins/2009/fa/MONTGOMERY.WMA)
To listen to comments by Lorenzo Alexander click HERE (http://skinscast.com/redskins/2009/fa/ALEXANDER.WMA)
To listen to comments by Kedric Golston click HERE (http://skinscast.com/redskins/2009/fa/GOLSTON.WMA)
:helmet:
Writeup
Albert Haynesworth got the call at 3:45 AM and had to confirm the number he thought he heard the voice on the phone say. Haynesworth opened one eye and asked, “They said what?” After his agent repeated the figure, Haynesworth agreed to it and became the highest paid defensive player in the league and the highest in guaranteed money ever.
Despite this, Haynesworth appears to be a very down-to-earth guy. In his introductory press conference at Redskins Park, he was open and frank with his answers, and didn’t shy away from any questions or topics.
The presser started off with Coach Zorn speaking introducing Albert Haynesworth. Zorn spoke about how excited he was to have Haynesworth, and how excited he got as it became clear this morning that the Redskins were going to land him. For an offensive coach, Zorn struck me as more than pleased to be introducing Haynesworth. Zorn spoke for a few moments and then turned the podium over to the team’s newest star.
Haynesworth opened up with a few prepared words. He immediately referenced the incident involving Andre Gurode in 2006 when Haynesworth was suspended for five games for kicking off Gurode's helmet and stomping his head. Haynesworth was contrite in talking about it, saying that it is not representative of who he is.
“What happened that day was really a bad day for me, and really tested my character,” he said. He explained that he has apologized to Gurode and that they spent time hanging out during the week of the NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii.
Haynesworth acknowledged that as the highest paid defensive player there is a lot of pressure on him. When one writer suggested that though expectations are high, it will take the contributions of the other players on defense, Haynesworth said, “With the contract, it’s going to be all on me.” He said this in a manner that suggested that with this huge contract, he understands that he will be subject to a lot of scrutiny.
When asked about interest from other teams and what made Washington attractive, Haynesworth said that Washington reminds him a lot of Tennessee when he was drafted. “It really reminded me of being drafted by Tennessee, coming into the league,” he said. “A team that was like 9-7, 8-8, right there on that verge, a team that needed only a couple little pieces to put you over that top.”
Haynesworth spoke about the history of the Redskins and said, “I really wanted to be a part of it.”
In response to a question by Doc Walker, Haynesworth paid homage to Reggie White. “I want to be Reggie,” he said. “Just to be in the same sentence; Albert Haynesworth and Reggie White in the same sentence is amazing. Like I told my agent, all I have to do is go out and play ball.”
Haynesworth was asked about his motivation having now signed such a large deal. “You’re not going to remember Albert Haynesworth as a bust or the guy who had the Dallas incident,” he said. “You’re going to remember him as a great player. That’s what I live for. The money’s awesome, it’s great, but when I line up and I put that helmet on, it’s to kick butt and to make sure that guy knows that I’m the best player out there.”
“If you look at my game, I’m a player that goes straight forward. I’m a disruptive player. I take on the double-team, I free up guys. And that’s what I want to play like. I want to be able to attack my gap and make plays, and have other players make plays off of me,” he said.
“This is going to be fun,” he said.
Haynesworth was asked if coming into free agency he thought he would be the most sought-after player and command such a large contract. “I wanted to be the best player out there so I guess, ‘yes’ to your question. My goal is to be the best player out there.”
There was some comic relief towards the end of the presser when he was asked if there was one player or member of the organization that he felt affinity for more than others. Without hesitating Haynesworth responded, “Definitely I would say Dan Snyder.”
Well gang, I’m going to wind this up and read up on what you thought of the presser. I had a great time covering today and depending on what the team does, you will either hear from this weekend or not. It does appear that there will be a press conference Monday for DeAngelo Hall.
:helmet:
02/27/09
http://skinscast.com/redskins/2009/fa/HAYNESWORTH.JPG
:helmet:
Good morning everybody! JimmiJo here, back where I belong, at Redskins Park in the press room. I've missed the place.
So we all woke up to some pretty exciting news. First the team agreed to a deal with DeAngelo Hall last night just before midnight that is reportedly for six-years and worth $54-million with $22.5 million guaranteed.
Then early this morning was the even bigger news that the team has agreed to terms with Albert Haynesworth. Haynesworth was the biggest name on the free agent market this year. The deal is said to be worth $100 million and includes $41 million in guarantees. According to reports, during the first 13 months of the contract, Haynesworth will earn approximately $32 million.
As you know the Haynesworth press conference is scheduled for 5PM today. I am here early to see if anything else develops in the meantime.
So what is the consensus with my fellow fans?
I will say that I love getting a guy this good in Haynesworth at the defensive tackle position. The money that is being reported however is staggering. I'm not a capologist so don't really know where the Redskins were before this deal or where they are now, but the consensus here in the press room is that with the Hall and Haynesworth signings, there is probably little left in the tank for other players in free agency and there are probably some guys going away from here this weekend.
My guess would be Shawn Springs and Jason Taylor. I don't know this definitively, but that is my sense.
So feel free to share your questions and thoughts. I will be around today and give you any tidbits I get.
Stand by...
12PM
We've been checking and right now the Haynesworth deal appears to be the biggest NFL contract ever in terms of guaranteed money.
12:15PM
Still nothing official on Springs from the team, but another writer just got off the phone with him and he confirmed he's been released.
12:30PM
Albert Haynesworth just arrived accompanied by his mother and a few others to surely include his agent. He came in wearing designer jeans and a blue sweater with a dress shirt underneath and his shirt tail hanging out slightly.
His group was greeted in the lobby by Vinny Cerrato.
I would guess he is on his way to sign his new contract.
1:05PM
And just like that, Albert Haynesworth is gone. Like I said before, he probably came to sign his deal. He will be back at 5PM.
2:13PM
I hear that Haynesworth is off getting his physical and that he will probably will not actually sign his deal until after that is completed.
Other than that it is pretty quiet here. The press room is slowly filling up but that's about it.
No word on Dockery or anyone else the team may be talking to.
Carter/Rogers' Quotes
I spoke to Andre Carter and Carlos Rogers a short while ago and got a few quotes on the addition of Albert Haynesworth and the release of Shawn Springs:
Andre Carter
On Haynesworth’s contract:
“On a personal level, more power to him.”
On what Haynesworth will bring to the team:
“He will definitely contribute to the defensive line. He’s a big guy, very physical, and with him in there it will create more and more 1-on-1 opportunities for [Cornelius] Griffin and for the defensive ends, Jason Taylor and myself.”
On Shawn Springs being released:
“It’s unfortunate for him. He’s been a real professional in this league for over 10 years. I didn’t really get to know him on a personal level, but I wish him the best.”
6:30PM
Just back in the press room. I've got some audio to upload beyond just the presser. Stand by...
Carlos Rogers
On if he is happy to have Haynesworth on the Redskins:
"Hell yea I'm happy about that. Alone with a healthy season from Jason Taylor, we can be the #1 defense in the league."
4:30PM
The press room has filled up. Other than that there is not much to report. We will probably start filing in the auditorium in short order and if they allow us to place our recordings on the podium, I will have audio following the event.
:helmet:
Audio
To listen to the Albert Haynesworth press conference click HERE (http://skinscast.com/redskins/2009/fa/HAYNESWORTH.WMA)
To listen to comments by Vinny Cerrato click HERE (http://skinscast.com/redskins/2009/fa/CERRATO.WMA)
To listen to comments by Coach Zorn click HERE (http://skinscast.com/redskins/2009/fa/ZORN.WMA)
To listen to comments by Coach Blache click HERE (http://skinscast.com/redskins/2009/fa/BLACHE.WMA)
To listen to comments by Anthony Montgomery click HERE (http://skinscast.com/redskins/2009/fa/MONTGOMERY.WMA)
To listen to comments by Lorenzo Alexander click HERE (http://skinscast.com/redskins/2009/fa/ALEXANDER.WMA)
To listen to comments by Kedric Golston click HERE (http://skinscast.com/redskins/2009/fa/GOLSTON.WMA)
:helmet:
Writeup
Albert Haynesworth got the call at 3:45 AM and had to confirm the number he thought he heard the voice on the phone say. Haynesworth opened one eye and asked, “They said what?” After his agent repeated the figure, Haynesworth agreed to it and became the highest paid defensive player in the league and the highest in guaranteed money ever.
Despite this, Haynesworth appears to be a very down-to-earth guy. In his introductory press conference at Redskins Park, he was open and frank with his answers, and didn’t shy away from any questions or topics.
The presser started off with Coach Zorn speaking introducing Albert Haynesworth. Zorn spoke about how excited he was to have Haynesworth, and how excited he got as it became clear this morning that the Redskins were going to land him. For an offensive coach, Zorn struck me as more than pleased to be introducing Haynesworth. Zorn spoke for a few moments and then turned the podium over to the team’s newest star.
Haynesworth opened up with a few prepared words. He immediately referenced the incident involving Andre Gurode in 2006 when Haynesworth was suspended for five games for kicking off Gurode's helmet and stomping his head. Haynesworth was contrite in talking about it, saying that it is not representative of who he is.
“What happened that day was really a bad day for me, and really tested my character,” he said. He explained that he has apologized to Gurode and that they spent time hanging out during the week of the NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii.
Haynesworth acknowledged that as the highest paid defensive player there is a lot of pressure on him. When one writer suggested that though expectations are high, it will take the contributions of the other players on defense, Haynesworth said, “With the contract, it’s going to be all on me.” He said this in a manner that suggested that with this huge contract, he understands that he will be subject to a lot of scrutiny.
When asked about interest from other teams and what made Washington attractive, Haynesworth said that Washington reminds him a lot of Tennessee when he was drafted. “It really reminded me of being drafted by Tennessee, coming into the league,” he said. “A team that was like 9-7, 8-8, right there on that verge, a team that needed only a couple little pieces to put you over that top.”
Haynesworth spoke about the history of the Redskins and said, “I really wanted to be a part of it.”
In response to a question by Doc Walker, Haynesworth paid homage to Reggie White. “I want to be Reggie,” he said. “Just to be in the same sentence; Albert Haynesworth and Reggie White in the same sentence is amazing. Like I told my agent, all I have to do is go out and play ball.”
Haynesworth was asked about his motivation having now signed such a large deal. “You’re not going to remember Albert Haynesworth as a bust or the guy who had the Dallas incident,” he said. “You’re going to remember him as a great player. That’s what I live for. The money’s awesome, it’s great, but when I line up and I put that helmet on, it’s to kick butt and to make sure that guy knows that I’m the best player out there.”
“If you look at my game, I’m a player that goes straight forward. I’m a disruptive player. I take on the double-team, I free up guys. And that’s what I want to play like. I want to be able to attack my gap and make plays, and have other players make plays off of me,” he said.
“This is going to be fun,” he said.
Haynesworth was asked if coming into free agency he thought he would be the most sought-after player and command such a large contract. “I wanted to be the best player out there so I guess, ‘yes’ to your question. My goal is to be the best player out there.”
There was some comic relief towards the end of the presser when he was asked if there was one player or member of the organization that he felt affinity for more than others. Without hesitating Haynesworth responded, “Definitely I would say Dan Snyder.”
Well gang, I’m going to wind this up and read up on what you thought of the presser. I had a great time covering today and depending on what the team does, you will either hear from this weekend or not. It does appear that there will be a press conference Monday for DeAngelo Hall.
:helmet: