Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall said he was falsely accused of profanely threatening to kill an official during an on-field confrontation that resulted in his ejection during the team’s Oct. 28 loss to the Steelers at Heinz Field.
Hall said he was told during the NFL’s investigation of the incident, which resulted in a $30,000 fine, that the alleged threat against head linesman Dana McKenzie led to his ejection. The threat has not been previously revealed.
“Yeah, he said that’s what threw the flag for the ejection,” Hall said. “And so, you know, that didn’t happen. That should have never happened, and we wouldn’t be having this conversation. There’s just a lot of things that are unresolved with that case that have to be resolved.”
In a wide-ranging interview with the Washington Post, Hall also was highly critical of other aspects of the way the NFL handled the investigation and appeal process. He said the interview conducted with him during the league’s investigation “felt like an interrogation” and that the process under which the league set his punishment and heard his appeal is unfair.
“Any time you’ve got one person that’s the judge, jury and executioner — he makes the fine, then he hears the appeal, then he decides the amount — it’s just tough. It’s just tough,” Hall said.
The league has not said whether McKenzie was, or will be, punished. Hall said he has not been told whether his fine will be reduced on appeal or whether McKenzie faces disciplinary action. The league declined to comment.
Hall was ejected following a verbal confrontation with McKenzie at the end of a play. Hall removed his helmet and appeared to use profanity. He has said he believes that McKenzie was equally to blame for the incident.
In other Redskins news, Robert Griffin III looks good to go.
The rookie quarteback had a full practice for the second straight day as the team prepares for Sunday’s game against the Eagles.
“I like what I see,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “If there is no setback, he should be ready to go.”
Griffin missed Sunday’s win over the Browns with a sprained right knee.
COLTS: Head coach Chuck Pagano was cleared by doctors to return after underoing cancer treatment. He is expected to return to the team complex as early as Monday.
Pagano has not been on the sideline since a Sept. 23 loss to Jacksonville, Indy’s only home defeat this season.
PACKERS: With a big snowstorm hitting Green Bay, as many as 600 people were being sought to clear snow today from Lambeau Field. The Packers face the Titans on Sunday.
PANTHERS:
Jon Beason said he wants to remain in Carolina next season despite losing his starting job at middle linebacker.
COWBOYS: Linebacker DeMarcus Ware was fined $15,750 for a roughing-the-passer penalty last Sunday against the Steelers’ Ben Roetheisburger.
SEAHAWKS: Defensive tackle Jason Jones was placed on injured reserve with a lingering knee injury.
Beason says he has no intention of asking for a trade. The four-year starter at middle linebacker, went on IR in Week 5. Coach Ron Rivera moved first-round draft pick Luke Kuechly over from weak side linebacker to replace Beason.
Kuechly is second in the NFL in tackles and all indications are Rivera plans to keep him there for the foreseeable future.
DOLPHINS: Miami could be without both starting receivers Sunday against Buffalo.
Brian Hartline and Davone Bess, who have combined for nearly half of Miami’s receptions, missed practice with back injuries. Bess sat out Sunday’s win over Jacksonville, and Hartline was hurt in that game.