Redskins f ire general manager
After weeks of speculation, Scot McCloughan is removed from job.
On the opening day of NFL free agency, the Washington Redskins made a franchise-altering move that didn’t involve a player.
They fired general manager Scot McCloughan on Thursday, ending speculation about his future that had clouded the organization in recent weeks. Team President Bruce Allen announced the firing, effective immediately. McCloughan, 46, served as GM for two years and had a four-year contract.
The day McCloughan was hired, Allen said the new GM would have full control over personnel decisions, but there were splits in the front office on a number of issues. The Redskins did not give an official reason for McCloughan’s firing.
“The organization remains confident in our personnel department as we execute our free-agency plans as well as prepare for the upcoming NFL draft,” Allen said in the statement.
McCloughan did not attend the scouting combine in Indianapolis this month, with a spokesman saying he was “taking care of some family matters.”
Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones signed a $60-million, fiveyear contract extension. The Dolphins made other moves to keep their core, placing tenders on linebacker Kiko Alonso and safety Michael Thomas. They finalized two trades, including acquisition of tight end Julius Thomas from Jacksonville, and reacquired backup tight end Anthony Fasano.
Tampa Bay brought in DeSean Jackson to team with Mike Evans as targets for Jameis Winston. Jackson is one of five players since the 1970 merger with 26 or more career touchdowns of 50-plus yards. ... The New York Jets made the release of cornerback Darrelle Revis official shortly after the NFL’s free agency period began . ... The Baltimore Ravens signed former Arizona Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson to a four-year, $36-million deal depite the Cleveland Browns making a bigger offer, according to ESPN. Baltimore also agreed in principle to a five-year contract to keep nose tackle Brandon Williams. The 28year-old Williams has not missed a game over the last three years and has a run of 36 consecutive starts.
Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon has been suspended for the first four games of the 2017 NFL season for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancers.
Police say suspended Oakland Raiders player Aldon Smith was detained in San Francisco after an SUV he was riding in crashed into an undercover police car. Police said Smith was detained for public intoxication but wasn’t arrested.
Vince Young has signed with the Canadian Football League’s Saskatchewan Roughriders. The 33-year-old former Texas and NFL quarterback agreed Thursday to a two-year deal — one year, plus an option. He last played in an NFL regular-season game in 2011 with Philadelphia and retired in 2014 after being released by Cleveland. when he can compete again. Woods announced on his website Thursday night that ongoing rest and rehabilitation on his back will keep him away from the tournament he has won eight times.
Oakland Athletics ace Sonny Gray will begin the season on the disabled list with a lat strain and has been shut down from throwing for the next three weeks . ... New Texas Rangers starter Andrew Cashner has been shut down from throwing for the second time this spring because of soreness in his right upper biceps.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, noting President Trump’s pending travel ban, reminded America that it will have to guarantee full access to the country for players, officials and supporters if it bids for the 2026 World Cup. The 2026 host will be selected in 2020.
The Pac-12 Conference has extended Commissioner Larry Scott’s contract through 2022.