Former Redskins player John Riggins has been increasingly critical of current Redskins owner Dan Snyder over the course of the 2009 season. Most recently he took to Showtime's Inside the NFL to air his grievances against Snyder and the Redskins. Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache, who apparently is an ardent Snyder supporter, took some serious issue with Riggins and his constant criticism. So serious an issue, in fact, that the Redskins sent out an incredibly lengthy press release courtesy of Blache early Thursday afternoon.
Some highlights:
- On why he felt compelled to defend Snyder -- "This is a man I've known for six years, since I've been here. And in the six years, I've never seen John Riggins here. I met him once at the Beach Blitz down in Virginia Beach – never seen him in the building. So, to hear such a vicious criticism of somebody I consider not just my employer, but a good friend, bothered me."
- On whether or not Snyder has a "dark heart" -- "The problem is the fans don't get to know Mr. Snyder like we do. They get an impression from things that are written and from things that people say. Let me just tell you something, for a person that's been here for six years, that's gone to him for things that I needed in my family - there's times he's come to me when he's heard about issues in my family and offered his assistance – is unsurpassed. He's one of the most generous, kind individuals you'll ever meet.
"My wife and I are involved in Hospice and there've been countless times he's come and helped us with issues and stuff with Hospice. To see that and get the feeling that that's what everyone on the outside is hearing about this person, I decided it was time to come and set the record straight. It's enough. It really is. We've had criticisms from people outside the building saying who Dan Snyder is and who is isn't. They don't know Dan Snyder and that's the problem."
- And, more on why Blache felt compelled to defend Snyder so adamantly -- "I just felt like it was time for somebody to come and throw a little truth out there. We keep hearing these other sides, these other factions, and to be quite candid, the third side – the truth – is that this person, all he wants to do is win. That's all he wants to do. He will spend his money, he will spend his time, he wants to win, he is here for the people, for the fans, for the Washington Redskins. Nobody pains more when we are unsuccessful than Dan Snyder. There is nobody that cares more about the fans than Dan Snyder. There is nobody that wants to win here, more than Dan Snyder. I just think that its time to put out there, for you guys to understand, that everything that is wrong with this organization is not Dan Snyder."
So, to sum things up, Blache really feels like Snyder -- his boss, mind you -- isn't getting a fair shake in the eyes of the fans and the general public. Hearing Riggins' constant public scrutinizing of Snyder seemed to have struck a chord with Blache, so he decided to send out an 800-word press release in defense of the maligned owner.
So, is Snyder really the humanitarian Blache makes him out to be, or is Blache just trying to ensure he keeps his job for the rest of the his life?
As with most discussions like this, the answer probably lies somewhere in the middle.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
If Daniel Snyder is a REAL FAN like he says he is, why dont he hire someone that knows how to run a football orgainzation and he gives them complete control and he stays out of. Be the REAL FAN and Do it for US the TRUE REDSKINS FANS
Maybe Blache should be less concerned with former players comments and more concerned with stopping the opponent and getting turnovers. Cerrato and Zorn should have to hitchhike home. What a disgrace this team is.
I hope Snyder finally decides to let real football people handle the team this off-season and get rid of all of the scrubs managing and coaching.
look i love the redskins. I bought nfl sunday ticket just to watch them each and every week. Right now they suck! its not snyders fault that they do,he s not out there on the field playing. I just think there need to be some major changes. Bad coaching [zorn],bad quarterback play [campbell]. Put in todd collins man! HE led them to the playoffs as a starter 2 yrs ago. He has a quick release better entangibles as a qb than campbell. To be honest with you and im a huge portis fan but they moved the ball better with ladell betts and cartwrite and scored two quick touchdowns i seen life after portis got out of the game. I think they should play cartwright and betts more. I feel i ve wasted my money purchasing the sunday ticket because i dont care to even look at the skins no more this year because their season is lost. I do get a little excitement looking at the vikings this year though So that do give me a more of a good reason to have sunday ticket. They are an exciting team to watch [vikings]. I will be watching them the rest of the year amongst other teams at least that way i will be getting my moneys worth.
@ ggermain332
its not snyders fault?!?! who hired zorn?? who keeps changin coachin staffs?? who is sooo hands on that the organization has no true leadership?? SNYDER!! i love how redskin fans always have some stupid ass justification.. guess what.. a TRUE FAN (as snyder proclaims about himself) would step back and let a team evolve. a true fan wouldnt constantly change coaches and qbs.. and a true fan wouldnt justify losses with money being spent/earned. im a cowboys fan and i would rather the skins get a new owner who can revive the organization.. THE REDSKINS ARE CURRENTLY AN EMBARRASSMENT TO THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE AND IT IS SNYDER'S FAULT!