The Robert Griffin III soap opera in Washington has been going on for a long time and it may be finally coming to an end. ESPN is reporting that some in the Redskins organization believe the time has come to trade Griffin and put the future in the hands of Kirk Cousins. Washington has even had trade talks with other teams about Griffin, but Redskins ownership has been reluctant to make a move.
Just three short years ago, the Redskins traded three first round picks and a second round pick to the St. Louis Rams so they could take Griffin with the second overall pick. Griffin burst onto the NFL scene with an impressive rookie season where he tossed 20 touchdowns and had just five interceptions. Robert lead Washington to the playoffs, but he suffered a knee injury against the Seattle Seahawks and that is where his troubles began.
Griffin started 13 games in 2013 and the team struggled to a 3-10 record in those games. Head coach Mike Shanahan was fired after the season and that was supposed to give new life to Griffin. Jay Gruden was brought in to resurrect the Redskins and revive Griffin’s career, but neither has happened. Gruden and Griffin butted heads in 2014 and it ended with Robert riding the pine in December. Now in 2015, Griffin has suffered a concussion and Gruden has moved on to Cousins and doesn’t seem to want to give Griffin his starting job back when he returns to health.
The Redskins couldn’t even catch a break with Griffin’s concussion screening this past week. Robert was supposed to be cleared to play against the Baltimore Ravens this weekend, but after analyzing more data the independent neurologist decided not to allow Griffin to step foot on the field. ESPN is reporting that Gruden wanted to make it clear that the Redskins were not to blame for Griffin being on the sidelines.
“We’re all as confused as you are. People have to understand this has nothing to do with the Washington Redskins. I know people want to make it out that we’re incompetent, but this had nothing to do with us. It was totally an independent doctor. A verbal [report] being said to our doctor, and then, all of a sudden, the written report is different. We followed proper course and did what we thought was right for Robert and what the report said.”
The time may have come for the Washington Redskins and Robert Griffin III to part ways, and it is what many believe is best for both parties. Griffin is just 25-years-old and it would be sad to see him not get another shot at a starting job in the NFL. He has talent and a trade may be just what is needed to put his ego in check and make the most of the promise he showed just three short years ago.
[Image by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images]
