Zac Boyer will be entering his third season covering the Washington Redskins for The Free Lance-Star this fall. Make sure to follow Zac on Twitter (@ZacBoyer) for the latest updates or e-mail him with any questions at zboyer@freelancestar.com.
After Four-Game Suspension, Cedric Griffin Returns To Redskins
By ZAC BOYER
ASHBURN – Cedric Griffin returned from his four-game suspension to the Washington Redskins on Wednesday, taking part in practice for the first time since before the team’s victory over the New York Giants on Dec. 3.
Griffin
“I’m just grateful to be here, to be honest with you,” Griffin said. “Now I’m just getting ready for this playoff run. I’m preparing for Seattle and their receivers and their pretty good quarterback so far. We’re going to get to work about that.”
Griffin was suspended on Dec. 4 for a violation of the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. According to a person with knowledge of the situation, Griffin was suspended following a positive test for amphetamines, and he argued the use of Adderall, a prescription stimulant often used in the treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, was the reason.
But Griffin did not address the suspension when asked Wednesday, merely stating that the circumstances were “not really too much of [his] concern.”
“Any time you face embarrassment in the public, it’s kind of tough, but at the same time it’s [about] how you come back,” Griffin said. “I’m not really worried about what people say or what the media says. It was a fault on my behalf, and it’s something I’ve got to take.”
Griffin played as the Redskins’ nickel corner for nine games, missing three others because of a strained hamstring. He had 33 tackles, broke up four passes and forced one fumble in that role.
His return will assist a Washington secondary that has improved greatly during a seven-game winning streak – one which allowed it to advance to the playoffs for the first time in five years.
Head coach Mike Shanahan didn’t commit to Griffin playing against Seattle on Sunday, saying only that the team would need to monitor his progress through the weekend before making a decision.
“He looked like he’s been away for a few weeks, and I thought he had a good day of practice, but we’ll evaluate that day-by-day,” Shanahan said.
Because Griffin is coming off a league suspension, the Redskins have been granted a week-long roster exemption that will prevent them from making another transaction to get back to the maximum of 53 players.
“I’m fine, man,” Griffin insisted. “I was a track athlete growing up, so my conditioning has never been a problem for myself. Lifting weights has never been a problem. I’m in great shape, to be honest with you, and if I get my chance to get out there on the field, I’m sure I’ll get out there and prove it to you guys.”
