Dwayne Haskins took ownership of his actions. The Washington Football Team quarterback accepted his punishment for attending a party with strippers without a mask. But, he wanted to clarify he was not at a strip club but a private hotel party celebrating his girlfriend’s birthday.
Haskins attended the party Sunday evening just hours after Washington’s 20-15 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He started the game in place of the injured Alex Smith.
Washington head coach Ron Rivera announced Wednesday, Haskins had been fined. According to Ian Rapoport, the fine was a whopping $40,000 — the largest player fine for violating the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols. It’s his second fine for violating coronavirus protocols this season.
Rivera also stripped Haskins of his captaincy.
Haskins says he was in violating of the coronavirus protocols for not wearing a mask in a setting with more than 10 people. He understands he should not have attended the party. He appreciated Rivera’s straightforwardness in their conversations.
Haskins “demanded” to speak with reporters to explain his actions, citing his public apology on Tuesday was not enough. He wanted the opportunity to apologize to those who supported him.
“I’m sorry I disappointed them and let them down,” Haskins said of his supporters, per Julie Donaldson.
Haskins took first-team reps at practice Wednesday with Smith still nursing his calf injury. The Washington Football Team worked a deal with the NFL to allow Haskins to practice this week. Much like last week against the Seahawks, Haskins will start in Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers, if Smith cannot play.
Dwayne Haskins has tested negative thus far in his daily COVID testing. But, he says there is a plan in place if he tests positive.
