ASHBURN, Va. The Washington Football Team fined quarterback Dwayne Haskins $ 40,000 and removed him from the role of team captain three days after he was photographed at an event with strippers while not wearing a mask.
But there is still a chance he will continue to start for Washington (6-8), which hosts the Carolina Panthers (4-10) on Sunday. Alex Smith did not practice because of his strained right calf, which limited him to play catch while his teammates stretched.
Haskins apologized to his teammates and was left with taking starter representatives during their practice.
Washington also provided reps for backups Taylor Heinicke and Steven Montez, who were both active last week with the Smith sideline.
On Sunday, Haskins attended his girlfriend’s birthday party at a hotel where strippers were present. It was the second time he violated COVID-19 protocols this season. Earlier this year, he booked a family friend at the team hotel the night before a game in the New York Giants.
“I know I should not have put my team in danger,” Haskins said.
Haskins, who like his teammates have been tested daily, must practice with a mask and a face mask with a special shield. He will attend meetings via conference call.
Haskins said it was difficult to address the situation publicly.
“When you destroy, you have to be able to admit it,” he said. “That was what I had to do.”