The ongoing concern about the relationship between Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan and star quarterback Robert Griffin III took another turn this week, when Griffin went out of his way to clear the air.
“Just want everybody to know if there’s any questions about if there’s a rift between me and Coach, or if there’s a conflict, there is no conflict,” Griffin said. “Coaches coach. I’m the player. Coach has a plan, and I’m abiding by that plan. I’m doing everything the coaches are asking me to do. I trust those guys. They want me to have a long career. And that’s what part of this plan is about.”
This was necessary because on Monday Griffin said he did not like, nor understand, the limited practice plan Shanahan devised for him. That created a firestorm and speculation that he and his coach did not get along.
“Yesterday I voiced my opinion about it because I was asked about it, and that’s been twisted and turned and tried to put against his team,” Griffin said. “And that’s not what we want.”
Griffin has been limited to 7-on-7 drills as he returns from reconstructive surgery on his right knee. He has been publicly lobbying to do more, saying on Monday that he’s “dang near close to 100 percent.” He also wants to play in a preseason game, an idea vetoed by Shanahan.
Griffin is scheduled to take his first 11-on-11 snaps Wednesday, albeit on a limited basis. “I’m excited about tomorrow,” the second-year QB said.
Shanahan seemed undeterred by Griffin’s angst.
“Robert is an energetic guy who wants to play. He shared with you how bad he wants to play,” Shanahan said. “I do talk to Robert. I talk to him about different ways that I think that you can lead or different ways to handle different situations. I will throughout the year, but it doesn’t change a person’s personality.”
“Me and John Elway used to have knock-down, drag-out fights all the time. And that’s part of being a competitor, and that’s another reason you have great relationships with your quarterbacks.”
How much will Griffin practice on Wednesday?
“I’m going to try to keep this very exciting for everybody so you guys can count the reps,” Shanahan said. “We’ve got a plan. Each week will be a little bit different, and we’ll see how the plan goes. Once I share the plan with you, if I do change it, then all of a sudden the world starts tumbling down. I don’t need it on SportsCenter every time he takes a rep.”
