Dec 7, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) catches a pass against Washington Football Team free safety Deshazor Everett (22) during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Deshazor Everett pleads guilty to reckless driving in fatal crash

Former Washington defensive back Deshazor Everett pleaded guilty to a count of misdemeanor reckless driving Tuesday in Loudoun County (Va.) Court following a single-car accident in December 2021 that killed his girlfriend.

Everett, who is currently a free agent, will be sentenced on Sept. 8.

An investigation of the incident by the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office resulted in a February warrant for involuntary manslaughter, after which Everett turned himself in.

His charge was later reduced from involuntary manslaughter to reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor in Virginia that carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500.

On December 23, 2021, Everett’s 2010 Nissan GT-R “left the right side of the roadway, struck several trees, and rolled over” at approximately 9:15 p.m. EST, per a report from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. Everett was driving “over twice the posted 45 mph speed limit just prior to the crash,” according to police.

Everett’s girlfriend, Olivia S. Peters, 29, died of her injuries at StoneSprings Hospital Center in Dulles, Va.

Everett himself sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries in the crash.

The 30-year-old Everett was Washington’s longtime special teams captain and played all seven seasons of his NFL career with the franchise. The Commanders cut Everett in March.

–Field Level Media

Feb 2, 2022; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Commanders co-owner Dan Snyder speaks as co-owner Tanya Snyder (L) listens during a press conference revealing the Commanders as the new name for the formerly named Washington Football Team at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Former U.S. Attorney to investigate Dan Snyder, release findings

The NFL hired former U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White to conduct its investigation into the latest allegations made against Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder.

Crucially, the NFL said it will release a written report to the public. When the franchise hired lawyer Beth Wilkinson in 2020 to investigate initial allegations of a culture of sexual harassment in its workplace, her complete findings were never released.

White previously worked with the NFL to investigate sexual and racial harassment allegations against Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, who eventually sold the team in 2018.

In a House Oversight Committee roundtable earlier this month, six former team employees testified about Washington’s misogynistic workplace culture. Among the most explosive new allegations came from Tiffani Johnston, a former marketing coordinator and cheerleader who said Snyder placed his hand on her thigh during a work dinner in 2006 and later tried to push her into a limousine outside the restaurant.

Johnston also claimed that Snyder demanded a photo of her in lingerie taken for a promotional calendar be sent to him before it was edited or altered for the calendar.

Snyder has denied the new allegations, while saying previous claims had already been investigated.

In a release Friday, though, the teams says it welcomes the investigation.

“The Washington Commanders are pleased that the NFL has appointed Mary Jo White to look into the recent allegations made by Tiffani Johnson. The Commanders have always been intent on having a full and fair investigation of this matter conducted, and to releasing the results of that investigation. Given the Team’s confidence in Ms. White’s ability to conduct such a full and fair investigation, the Commanders will not separately pursue an investigation, and will cooperage fully with Ms. White.”

Some of the witnesses who spoke out earlier this month placed blame on the NFL for not punishing Snyder and the Commanders more following the Wilkinson investigation. In 2021, the team was fined $10 million, and Snyder was forced to cede — temporarily — day-to-day operational control of the team.

“The NFL is now complicit in this scandal,” Washington’s director of marketing Melanie Coburn told Congress. “Ten months, more than 120 witnesses and nothing. Roger Goodell’s claim that he was trying to protect us is outrageous and cowardly. The public optics of him caring is appalling. Goodell betrayed every woman who suffered harassment and abuse at the Washington Football Team.”

–Field Level Media

The Washington Football Team became the Washington Commanders on Wednesday.

Football Team becomes Washington Commanders

Welcome to the NFL, Washington Commanders.

The football team in Washington unveiled its new name and logo Wednesday following what the franchise said was a tedious process to evolve without neglecting its past.

Though a video shot from a helicopter that captured a sneak peak at the new name Monday night deflated some of the energy around the formal announcement, multiple outlets reported the franchise purchased and licensed the Washington Commanders name in the days after it announced the team would remove the name “Redskins.”

In July 2020, commissioner Roger Goodell opened conversations with the Washington franchise about a new team name that would remove references and imagery considered derogatory to Native Americans.

Prior to the start of the franchise’s 88th season, it switched the name to the Washington Football Team while vowing to study options for a new, permanent name. Team president Jason Wright and head coach Ron Rivera had input and supported a name with ties to the military based on the team’s location.

Team owner Dan Snyder thanked alumni present at the formal announcement before his wife, co-owner Tanya Snyder, said “we’re excited to celebrate the rich history of the burgundy and gold while also paving our way for a new tradition as Washington Commanders.”

Former Washington quarterback Joe Theismann said during the ceremony that the new name represents, in part, “the leadership quality we see in the organization as we go forward.”

“I like the name Commanders,” he added. “It has a ring to it. It has a sense of authority to it.”

IllumiNative CEO Crystal Echo Hawk, a member of Pawnee Nation, said her nonprofit network of tribal leaders and activists celebrates Washington “putting a horrible chapter to rest” and pointed the focus to Kansas City.

“The NFL is not done,” she said. “The Chiefs have to step up and follow the lead and be on the right side of history. Washington has shown these rebrandings can be successful. This is a good thing. All eyes turn to the Chiefs.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 30, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA;  San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Garoppolo favored to land with WFT or Steelers

Will Jimmy Garoppolo get out of the frying pan and go straight into the fire?

Less than a day after San Francisco’s season ended with a loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game, one sportsbook is offering odds on Garoppolo’s next NFL destination should the 49ers trade him this offseason.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Football Team opened as the co-+400 favorites at SportsBetting.ag.

Pittsburgh, one of the NFL’s most revered franchises, is replacing Ben Roethlisberger, who retired after 18 NFL seasons and two Super Bowl titles. The Steelers reached the postseason despite declining effectiveness in the passing game from Roethlisberger.

Washington has reached the playoffs only once since 2015 and hasn’t won a postseason game since 2005, but has a roster loaded with young talent on defense and at the skill positions. Journeyman Taylor Heinicke was adequate in taking over for injured Ryan Fitzpatrick this season but the WFT is expected to take a strong look more dynamic veteran quarterback options available this offseason.

Will Garoppolo be among them?

That debate heated up in the aftermath of the 49ers blowing a 10-point fourth-quarter lead to the Rams.

On one hand, Garoppolo led the 49ers to six wins in a seven-game stretch leading up to the NFC title game, including rallying San Francisco from 17 points down against the Rams in Week 17 just to reach the playoffs.

On the other hand, there is the presence of 2021 No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance. If the 49ers believe the former North Dakota State star is ready to take the reins of a championship-caliber team next season, coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch may decide to move on from Garoppolo.

Several playoff-caliber teams are likely to be in the market for a veteran quarterback, especially with the 2022 NFL Draft class considered to be weak at the position.

SportsBetting.ag opened the Garoppolo market with +550 odds on Tampa Bay as his next team with Tom Brady reportedly headed for retirement.

The Denver Broncos, who are also expected to be strong suitors for Aaron Rodgers should he request out of Green Bay, are next at +600. They’re followed by the Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders at +700.

If the 49ers do move on from Garoppolo, his final pass for San Francisco will have been an interception under immense pass rush pressure that effectively ended Sunday’s game.

“We’ll see what happens in these next couple days, weeks, whatever,” Garoppolo said after the game. “I love this team. Just the fight and the battle in this team throughout the entire year has been really impressive. And I love these guys.”

Jimmy Garoppolo Next Team Odds:
Steelers: +400
Washington: +400
Bucs: +550
Broncos: +600
Dolphins: +700
Panthers: +700
Raiders: +700
Packers: +1000
Texans: +1000
Browns: +1200
Colts: +1400

–Field Level Media

Jan 2, 2020; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder and his wife Tanya look on as head coach Ron Rivera speaks during his introductory press conference at Inova Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Congress renews interest in WFT workplace investigation

The House Oversight Committee will hold a roundtable discussion on Feb. 3 to learn more about the NFL’s investigation into the Washington Football Team.

The roundtable, which isn’t a full congressional hearing, will involve some of the women who have accused the team of fostering a toxic workplace culture.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that not only did the team fail to protect employees, but the NFL went to great lengths to prevent the truth about this toxic work environment from coming to light,” said Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), who chairs the Committee on Oversight and Reform.

“The NFL’s decision to cover up these abuses raises serious questions about its commitment to setting workplace standards that keep employees safe. I commend these victims for their bravery in coming forward to share their stories.”

The Capitol Hill meeting will be held the day after the Washington franchise is scheduled to reveal its new name and logo.

Five former employees are expected to testify, but no team or NFL officials are on the schedule. The former employees have criticized how the NFL investigated and dealt with their complaints about the workplace environment.

At the end of its investigation last summer, the league didn’t issue a report or make public its findings. The NFL fined the team $10 million and required that owner Daniel Snyder hand over the day-to-day operations of the club to his wife, Tanya, for the time being.

Leaked emails that were discovered during the investigation led to the resignation of Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden after they became public in October. The emails were offensive in nature.

“In pursuing this investigation, Congress will send a clear message to all employers that the rights of women to work in an environment free from harassment and abuse will not be undermined in service to the rich and powerful,” said attorneys Lisa Banks and Debra Katz, who represent 40 former team employees, in a statement.

–Field Level Media

Jan 9, 2022; East Rutherford, N.J., USA; 
Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) runs for a 1st down against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Antonio Gibson helps Washington hand Giants sixth straight loss

Antonio Gibson rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown as the Washington Football Team closed the season with a 22-7 win over the New York Giants on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.

In a defensive struggle, Washington’s Bobby McCain scored the game’s first touchdown late in the third quarter, returning an interception 30 yards as his team (7-10) snapped a four-game losing streak. McCain added another interception on the game’s final play.

It was the sixth straight loss for New York (4-13), each by double-digit margins. The Giants had hope when Jake Fromm threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Darius Slayton, cutting Washington’s lead to 12-7 with 11:24 left.

But Washington responded on the ensuing possession. Gibson accounted for 57 of the drive’s 78 yards, the final 18 coming on his touchdown run with 6:28 left.

Gibson averaged nearly 7.0 yards on his 21 carries as he became Washington’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Adrian Peterson in 2018. Gibson’s 21 touchdowns in his first two seasons are a franchise record, as he topped Albert Morris’ mark of 20.

Washington controlled possession much of the afternoon as it outgained New York 325-177. WFT quarterback Taylor Heinicke completed 9 of 18 passes for 120 yards. Terry McLaurin caught four passes for 93 yards.

Washington limited Fromm to 15 completions on 31 attempts for 103 yards and held Saquon Barkley to 11 yards on 30 rushes. New York’s most effective weapon was Fromm’s legs as he scrambled five times for 53 yards.

In a static first half, Washington scored field goals on its first and final possessions to take a 6-0 lead. Heinicke scrambled away from pressure and threw a 30-yard pass to McLaurin to set up the first score, a 23-yard field goal by Joey Slye.

Late in the half, McLaurin made an over-the-shoulder catch near the sideline for 40 yards to set up a 43-yard field goal by Slye.

Late in the game, after Tim Settle recovered a fumble by Fromm, Slye made another field goal — from 23 yards — as he finished 12-for-12 on 3-pointers after he was picked up by Washington in November.

–Field Level Media

Sep 16, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) passes the ball against the New York Giants at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Giants, Washington wrestle to end with a W

When the Washington Football Team and the New York Giants meet on Sunday to close their disappointing seasons, the stakes are decidedly miniscule.

But Giants coach Joe Judge upped the ante on Monday when he fired a potshot at the team that leads the Giants in the NFC East standings.

“This ain’t a team that’s having fistfights on the sidelines,” Judge said in describing his Giants (4-12). “This isn’t some clown show organization.”

Judge’s not-so-veiled reference to Washington (6-10) pointed to last month, when the Football Team became the subject of widespread derision in a humiliating 56-14 national TV loss at Dallas. That’s when Pro Bowler Jonathan Allen threw a punch at fellow defensive tackle Daron Payne.

The incident fueled discussion about the dysfunction that crippled Washington under the watch of owner Dan Snyder for more than two decades.

For context, in two seasons under Judge, the Giants are 10-22. But Washington coach Ron Rivera refused to fire back.

“No, I’m not gonna take the bait. The thing that’s important is what happens on the football field,” Rivera said. “We’ll worry about it on Sunday.”

Washington has lost four straight, including two each to division rivals Dallas and Philadelphia, while New York has dropped five straight, all by double-digit margins.

In their 29-3 loss Sunday at Chicago, the Giants’ play-calling was widely questioned. Trailing by two touchdowns less than seven minutes into the contest with the Bears, the Giants still threw only 11 passes.

The lone positive was the performance of Saquon Barkley, posting a 100-yard rushing game for the first time in more than two years, carrying 21 times for 102 yards.

Quarterback Mike Glennon completed 4 of 11 passes for 24 yards, throwing two interceptions and getting sacked four times for losses totaling 34 yards. The -10 passing yards was the lowest figure in the NFL since 1998.

Jake Fromm enters at quarterback against Washington. Glennon will undergo surgery on his left (non-throwing) wrist and Daniel Jones (neck) was shut down in December.

In two appearances this season Fromm, who will be backed up by practice squad quarterback Brian Lewerke, has completed 12 of 29 passes for 107 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.

Washington had a chance to keep its faint playoff hopes alive last Sunday but dropped a 20-16 decision to Philadelphia. Washington was outscored 13-0 in the second half.

Washington’s offense could get a boost in Week 18 with the return of tackle Sam Cosmi and running back Antonio Gibson from hip injuries. Both were limited participants in practice on Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

Jan 2, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scrambles as Washington Football Team defensive end Casey Toohill (95) defends during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles rally in second half to complete sweep of Washington

Jalen Hurts led a second-half rally and Rodney McLeod made the game-clinching interception with 24 seconds left as the visiting Philadelphia Eagles came from behind for a 20-16 win over the Washington Football Team Sunday afternoon in in Landover, Md.

Hurts completed 17 of 26 passes for 214 yards as Philadelphia (9-7) kept its hold on a wild-card spot in the NFC. The Eagles can capture a playoff berth with a win Sunday at home against Dallas. Washington was eliminated from postseason contention.

Taylor Heinicke completed 27 of 36 passes for 247 yards to lead Washington (6-10). Heinicke led a drive in the closing minutes that reached the Philadelphia 30. But on a first-down play, McLeod made a diving catch in the end zone of a Heinicke pass intended for John Bates.

After trailing 16-7 at the half, Philadelphia shut Washington out the rest of the way. Midway through the fourth quarter, Avonte Maddox made a stop against Washington receiver Terry McLaurin (seven receptions, 61 yards) on third down and followed that with a pass breakup on fourth down to give Philadelphia possession at the Eagles 49.

Ten plays later, Jake Elliott’s second field goal of the game, a 41-yarder, gave the Eagles a 20-16 lead with 2:21 left.

Philadelphia drew close in the third quarter as Hurts made a scrambling completion on third-and-14, finding Greg Ward Jr. for 27 yards. Four plays later, on fourth and goal, Boston Scott vaulted over a Washington defender near the goal line pylon to make it 16-14.

Early in the fourth quarter, Elliott made a 42-yard field goal to give the Eagles the lead.

Washington got on the scoreboard first, driving 67 yards on just six plays. Heinicke’s 24-yard pass to Bates set up an 11-yard touchdown run by Jaret Patterson.

As Heinicke completed 14 of his first 15 passes, Washington controlled the ball for much of the first half and Joey Slye converted three field goals, including a 55-yarder that closed the first half with a 16-7 advantage.

–Field Level Media

Dec 26, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (90) returns an interception for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Washington Football Team at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dak Prescott highlights Cowboys’ onslaught vs. Washington

Dak Prescott threw for 330 yards and four touchdown passes to lead the host Dallas Cowboys past the Washington Football Team, 56-14, Sunday night in Arlington, Texas.

Ezekiel Elliott scored two touchdowns, one on a run and the other on a reception. DeMarcus Lawrence added a deft interception and nimble 40-yard return for another score as Dallas (11-4) beat Washington (6-9) for the second time in 15 days, pushing its NFC East rival to the brink of elimination from the postseason.

After clinching the division title earlier in the day, there was no letup in the Cowboys as they scored touchdowns on five straight possessions in the first half. Those scores, combined with Lawrence’s pick-six on a pass that he tipped and hauled in at the line of scrimmage, gave Dallas a 42-7 lead at the break. The output tied a team record for the most points scored in a half.

In the third quarter, Dallas increased its lead as Corey Clement blocked a punt and Chauncey Golston gathered the ball on a waist-high bounce in the end zone. Cowboys backup quarterback Cooper Rush added a 9-yard touchdown pass to Malik Turner.

The Cowboys finished with 497 yards, with 389 coming in the first half. Five days earlier, Washington’s defense surrendered 519 yards in a 27-17 loss at Philadelphia. On Sunday, the frustration boiled over on the Washington sideline as Pro Bowl tackle Jonathan Allen threw a punch at fellow lineman Daron Payne.

Prescott completed all but one of his first 21 passes and finished 28 of 39 before retiring to the sideline in the third quarter. Amari Cooper had seven catches for 85 yards and a touchdown, which came on a 13-yard reception with five seconds left in the first half. Dalton Schultz caught eight balls for 82 yards and a score. Even lineman Terence Steele got into the act, catching a 1-yard touchdown pass on a tackle-eligible play.

Meanwhile, Washington’s Tyler Heinicke faced a swarming Cowboys defense that sacked him four times and limited Washington to 257 yards. Heinicke completed 7 of 22 passes for 121 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Trevon Diggs picked off Heinicke’s first pass of the night for his league-leading 11th interception this year.

–Field Level Media

May 14, 2021; Ashburn, Virginia, USA; Washington Football Team running back Jaret Patterson (35) receives instruction from running backs coach Randy Jordan during rookie minicamp at Inova Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Seven Washington assistant coaches out with COVID-19

Seven assistant coaches for the Washington Football Team will miss Tuesday night’s game against the host Philadelphia Eagles because of COVID-19 protocols.

Wide receivers coach Drew Terrell and running backs coach Randy Jordan will be replaced by senior offensive assistant Jim Hostler and assistant running backs coach Jennifer King, respectively.

Defensive line coach Sam Mills, defensive backs coach Chris Harris, assistant defensive backs/nickel coach Brent Vieselmeyer, defensive quality control coach Vincent Rivera and defensive coaching intern Christian Garcia also will miss Tuesday’s game.

Mills will be replaced by assistant defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina, while Harris will be replaced by assistant defensive backs coach Richard Rodgers.

The NFL rescheduled this NFC East showdown from Sunday in the wake of Washington placing more than 20 players on the reserve/COVID-19 list last week.

Washington and Philadelphia enter the game with 6-7 records and are in must-win situations to remain in the playoff hunt. Washington is just outside the playoff picture at No. 8 while the Eagles are 10th.

–Field Level Media