Pain in the Haynesworth

Most people who are given $100 million are happy. Most people would do whatever they could to live up to that paycheck. Most people wouldn't no-show after cashing a $21 million bonus two months before work starts. But most people aren't Albert Haynesworth.

We know about his size, his talent, his ability. Unfortunately we also know about multiple incidents that make people question his integrity, character, and humanity.

People can't fathom someone making nine figures sitting out because he "doesn't like the new scheme" put in place by a new coaching staff. This is a coaching staff, mind you, that is replacing an old one who went 4-12 last year. Haynesworth doesn't want to play in a 3-4. Boo-hoo.

If you're the best interior defensive player in the league, which Haynesworth believes he is and is paid like it, you should be able to play in a 3-4. Last year he went off on the coaching staff because of the scheme, and they were in a 4-3. It was because of how he was being used in that defense. This Haynesworth guy is tough to please. Maybe he should have had 'defensive coordinator' put into that huge contract, also.

The two-time All-Pro said last year he "couldn't survive another year this system." Well, the system has changed and he won't even give it a chance. And he's not playing for Jim Zorn anymore. He's got Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Shanahan leading the team now. It's not about the scheme, the coaches, the other players. It's all about Albert. It always is.

Teammates and players around the league are sounding off on Haynesworth. Look at the track record. Fights with teammates in college and the NFL, stomping on opponents' faces (literally), multiple traffic violations and incidents, being sued by a pregnant ex-girlfriend. Despite all of this he's still one of the highest-paid players in the league. Not an example that should be followed.

He's not worth the trouble, but what can Washington do? They can't get the money back, so do they keep the disgruntled employee? If they release him, he wins. Trading him might be the best option, but then the Redskins have paid him many many millions to play for someone else. And they would want much of the bonus repaid, which is unlikely. I would make him play in that 3-4 and do his damn job.

Good luck, Washington. But no one should be surprised. Owner Daniel Snyder was asking for this the day he gave Haynesworth the $100 million.