The Washington Football Team has disciplined Dwayne Haskins for partying at a strip club without a mask, but has no plans of releasing the quarterback, according to The Washington Post. It’s unclear if Haskins was fined or suspended.
Photos surfaced of Haskins partying without any face covering Sunday night, hours after Washington’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Visiting a nightclub without personal protective equipment is considered āhigh risk COVID-19 conduct,ā according to the NFL’s coronavirus protocols. An offense is punishable by a maximum fine of one weekās salary or up to a four-game suspension.
Washington contacted the league after becoming aware Monday of the photos. Haskins met with head coach Ron Rivera. He then issued a public apology to the team on Tuesday for his “irresponsible and immature” actions for attending the party without a mask.
Haskins was fined earlier this season by Washington for inviting a family friend to the team hotel ahead of their Week 6 game at the New York Giants, which violated COVID-19 protocols.
Haskins started Sunday’s game against the Seahawks in plae of an injured Alex Smith. It was Haskins’ first start since being benched after Week 4. He threw for 295 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in the 20-15 loss to Seattle.
Washington (6-8) can clinch the NFC East division title with a win this week against the Carolina Panthers and the 5-9 Giants’ loss at the Baltimore Ravens.
Suspending or releasing Haskins could be complicated for Washington. Smith’s status is unclear against the Panthers with his right calf strain. Prior to the strip club incident, Rivera announced Haskins would start for a second straight game if Smith is unavailable. Without Smith, undrafted rookie Steven Montez and recently-signed journeyman backup Taylor Heinicke are available behind Haskins.
