Redskins coach Mike Shanahan took a blindside shot from the White House Wednesday for playing a hobbled Robert Griffin III until his knee gave out Sunday in the second half of the team’s playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
“I’m not a football coach, but it sure seemed like, as remarkable player as he is, he wasn’t in a position to keep playing,” said White House press secretary Jay Carney.
Griffin underwent surgery earlier Wednesday to repair two key ligaments — the ACL and LCL — in his right knee. The procedure on Griffin’s ACL, the second such operation on his knee, could force the rookie sensation to miss the start of his sophomore season.
Griffin entered Sunday’s game nursing an LCL injury and his knee was supported by a bulky brace. The knee appeared to buckle late in the game as the quarterback scurried after an errant snap.
Debate over Shanahan’s decision to keep playing Griffin Sunday given the quarterback’s condition — and expose him to further injury — consumed dejected Redskins fans Monday.
Carney sensed immediately that his quip would create controversy.
“I just got myself in trouble,” he said.
• Ian Bishop can be reached at ibishop@washingtontimes.com.
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