Robert Griffin III will start for the Redskins on Sunday against the Vikings after missing six weeks with a dislocated left ankle. According to a report from ESPN, multiple sources in the organization believe that Griffin starting over Colt McCoy, who led the Redskins to two straight wins, "is an owner- and general-manager-driven decision."
Redskins executive Tony Wyllie denied those allegations, telling Adam Schefter that it was "coach [Jay Gruden's] decision, and the owner has nothing to do with it -- scratch that."
More from the report in question:
Griffin III's support with players, however, is not as strong as it is with the highest levels of the organization, according to sources.
When Griffin began addressing the media in the locker room on Friday for the first time since dislocating his left ankle in Week 2, about 15 teammates began shouting. It was so loud and distracting, the franchise quarterback -- and reporters -- had to leave the locker room so Griffin could speak someplace where he could be heard. That's when the cheering got even more boisterous.
A source who familiar with the incident told ESPN's Britt McHenry that Griffin has "alienated himself" from the locker room.
This sort of anonymous sniping regarding Griffin was prevalent during the end of Mike Shanahan's coaching tenure. Among the complaints was Griffin's relationship with owner Daniel Snyder and how Snyder "openly esteemed him above all other players." Reportedly, that has resurfaced to some degree.
Members of the local media have vehemently refuted ESPN's assertion:
I asked Jay Gruden if Dan Snyder had anything to do with decision to start RG3. "No. Not even a conversation. Its my call." #Redskins — Dianna Marie Russini (@NBCdianna) November 2, 2014
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I was not at #Redskins Park on Friday, but @Tom_Schad said the ESPN report on players undermining Robert Griffin III is wholly incorrect. — Zac Boyer (@ZacBoyer) November 2, 2014
I have no doubt that Gruden was a part of the decision process on Griffin. i was told last Monday & reported Dan had NOTHING to do w/ it. — Chris Russell (@Russellmania980) November 2, 2014
I was inside #Redskins locker room Friday.. the wild scene did NOT have anything to do with lack of respect for RG3.. it was a media thing! — Rob Carlin (@RobCarlinCSN) November 2, 2014
To be clear: ESPN's report that RG3 interview had to be moved outside #Redskins locker room on Friday is accurate. — Tom Schad (@Tom_Schad) November 2, 2014
But do I believe it was an indication of RG3 "alienating himself" in #Redskins locker room? No. — Tom Schad (@Tom_Schad) November 2, 2014
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