Albert Haynesworth plans to appeal suspension

Albert Haynesworth is not going to go quietly.

The Washington Redskins defensive tackle is going to exercise his right to appeal the four-game suspension he received today for conduct detrimental to the team. The suspension is the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement, and it is without pay.

Haynesworth’s agent Chad Speck released a statement:

“I have reviewed the Notice of Suspension letter sent to Albert by (general manager) Bruce Allen as well as the comments made by Coach (Mike) Shanahan. Albert and I have discussed the claims made in the Notice of Suspension and we disagree with the Redskins' decision. He was surprised by the suspension, the maximum permitted under the CBA, and will certainly appeal it.

“The accusations made by Coach Shanahan and Bruce Allen are vague and without merit. Since training camp began, today's notice was the first that Albert received informing him that his conduct was not consistent with the 'terms of his contract' as Coach Shanahan claims. Bruce confirmed to me today, that there have been no other letters or formal notices of any kind sent to Albert during the regular season suggesting that he was engaging in conduct detrimental to the team.

“We will begin the appeal process immediately and expect the facts to come to light during arbitration. Albert has repeatedly asked for a bigger role in the defense -- he simply wants to play and maximize his contribution to the team. It is unfortunate that he has not been utilized more, as the Redskins defense causes more turnovers and gives up fewer total yards, rushing yards, passing yards, first downs, third down conversions and points when Albert plays in the game."

Haynesworth’s appeal will likely be expedited. The Redskins certainly knew what they were getting into when they suspended Haynesworth. Stay tuned.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

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