Arizona Cardinals: Daryl Washington Reinstated
After a multiyear suspension, MLB Daryl Washington is finally reinstated.
Though on a conditional basis, the NFL has reinstated Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Daryl Washington. The once-great linebacker plans to play in 2017, according to the usually-reliable Adam Schefter.
It is unclear whether or not Washington will return to the Cardinals this season, if at all. Cardinals general manager Steve Keim and coach Bruce Arians typically have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to of-field issues, as seen with Johnathan Dwyer a few years ago. Some may think he would get another chance with the team, after all, Matheiu did once have off-field troubles too.
"“It would be premature today to discuss a potential return to the team,” said the Cardinals in a statement released after the reinstatement."
There is a difference. Mathieu was in college and not on the Cardinals roster at the time of the incident. Mathieu has also stayed on the straight and narrow since the incident. Washington has had multiple opportunities.
Under this conditional reinstatement, Washington may train at the facility and participate in team meetings. He will also be good to go when Week 1 begins. He may not, however, participate in preseason activities.
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Being suspended since May 2014, he likely is not in playing shape as of right now. If he is, though, and the team allows him to return to the team and compete, let’s hope he returns to his once-dominate form.
In just four seasons as a Cardinal, Washington totaled 394 tackles, 18 sacks, and 6 INTs. 2013, his last year in Cardinal red, Washington was suspended for four games to start the year and still finished with 75 total tackles, 3 sacks, 2 INTs, and 11 passes broken up.
His one full 16-game season had him finishing with an astonishing 134 total tackles and 9 sacks, a remarkable number from a player that plays linebacker from the inside position.
Hope he returns to the desert? Leave a comment explaining why or why not.