There was already doubt about the future of Dwayne Haskins in Washington. Now, his future looks more bleak following his second violation of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols.
The quarterback attended a party markless with strippers to celebrate his girlfriend’s birthday Sunday night. He met with head coach Ron Rivera on Monday after photos surfaced of him attending the party.
Haskins was stripped of his captaincy and fined a reported $40,000. He issued a public apology on Tuesday as well as an in-person apology to his teammates. He won’t be suspended or release, but could actually start Washington’s next game on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
Haskins was grateful for a second chance, given his struggles on the field and damaging behavior off it.
When asked if this is his final chance the quarterback bluntly answered, “yeah.”
“I need to stop getting in my own way,” Haskins added, per Sam Fortier of the Washington Post.
Haskins was benched and demoted to third-string after starting four games this season due to poor play. There were also concerns of his study and practice habits, leading to trade rumors. His professionalism came under fire when he was fined earlier this season for booking a room for a friend at the team’s hotel ahead of a Week 6 game at the New York Giants.
Haskins worked his way back into good favor with Rivera and the coaching staff and was promoted to backup to Alex Smith following Kyle Allen’s season-ending ankle injury. He started last week’s 20-15 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in place of an injured Smith. He overcame early struggles with a valiant effort in a near fourth quarter comeback.
Any ground gained has diminished following his irresponsible decision to attend the party without a mask. Haskins said he has to regain trust with his actions. Now, he must ensure he doesn’t squander his last chance both on and off the field.
