ASHBURN — The Washington Redskins do not plan to fine rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins for taking a selfie with a fan and missing the final play of Sunday’s 19-16 win over the Detroit Lions.
Interim coach Bill Callahan called it a “great learning experience” for Haskins, but stopped short of saying he’ll face any disciplinary action.
“It was disappointing and I think that it’s an experience he’ll learn from as he matures and understands it’s a 60-minute game,” Callahan said. “It’s never over until it’s over. I think he was caught up in the emotion of the game itself – youthful exuberance, I would call it.
“I think it got away from him a little bit, but I think he’s fully aware that professionally his mind should be on the game throughout the duration of 60 minutes.”
Haskins faced criticism for the incident, which caused the Redskins to put in backup Case Keenum for the final kneel down to end the game. Former Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann called it “unprofessional and wrong” on Twitter.
In his postgame press conference, Haskins dismissed the concerns, saying he would “get it next time.” The fan who took the picture with the quarterback, 24-year-old Jaime López-Verduzco, defended Haskins, tweeting the picture with the caption, “U mad bro?”
At his press conference Monday, Callahan said he talked with Haskins about the moment.
“I think he’ll learn more than any finable offense that you could ever give somebody,” I think the message is pretty clear.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.