Arizona Cardinals Linebacker Daryl Washington Needs to Take a Step Back

Dec 2, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Daryl Washington (58) recovers a fumble by New York Jets running back Kahlil Bell (21) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Cardinals 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals started their OTA’s today, and linebacker Daryl Washington was there and participating.  Washington, who was already suspended for the first four games of the upcoming 2013 season, was involved in a domestic dispute a couple of weeks ago where he allegedly pushed his ex-girlfriend, causing her to fall and break her collarbone.  She also had marks on her neck.  My question is, why is Washington on the field today?

Now granted, Washington has not been convicted of anything.  He’s only accused at this point.  However, with all the attention and the legal trouble he is clearly in, he could be better served to handle those issues before he steps back on the football field.  Legally there isn’t a way to keep him off the field, at least right now, but I think the Cardinals and Washington would have been better served with him away from the football field.  He has bigger issues to deal with right now.

So, it is what it is and Washington was on the practice field today and by all accounts will continue to be.  He isn’t going to be around for the first month of the season and with his legal troubles standing in his way, he may be at at the very least fighting those charges prior to the season.  If he ends up being convicted, he won’t be around for quite awhile, if at all afterwards.

We don’t know all the facts of this case but we know what is alleged.  We know his ex-girlfriend has been injured somehow in an altercation with him.  All he is doing right now is creating a distraction this team doesn’t need, even in OTA’s.