Alex Smith’s story is completed with a villain.
Smith recently retired Told Sports Illustrated The Washington football team’s first-year coaching staff was “protected” during a November 2018 return from injury that nearly required foot amputation and prematurely ended his NFL career.
Smith’s father Doug went one step further, saying the team “sabotaged” his son’s return from 17 surgeries.
“I would rather have someone right on my face, ‘What are you thinkingThe “Smith told SI. “It annoyed me.”
Smith began training camp on a physically incapable performance list, even though he was medically cleared. Players wore GPS trackers during training camp and did not match Smith’s average of 4,000 yards per day – as a result of coaches asking him to send bags for extra weight, slope to slope, and hurdles. Those tasks are unusual for the quarterback, and Smith believes it was a test to see if he would leave the job.
Smith claimed in the report that the coach flirted when he saw blood dripping from his con. The team’s former physician, Dr. Robin West supported Smith’s belief.
“Are you sure to clean it?” According to the report, the coach will ask him. When he replied whether it was medical information? “I received very little support.”
The statements came in the form of pushback, “He almost died. He almost lost his leg
. Why would he want toThe “But, as West reminded him,” It’s not your decision. ”
There is a fine line there. Sometimes coaches feel that they have to protect the players from themselves and their competitive instincts. Other times, especially after a coaching change, there is a “our people” and “their people” mentality that separates players inherited from the previous regime.
Washington started first-round quarterbacks Bust Dwayne Haskins (released before the end of the season) and Kyle Allen – who came from the Panthers with head coach Ron Rivera – before Smith got the chance.
Rivera is a highly respected NFL coach who was undergoing cancer treatment in 2020.
“I was scared to death about putting [Alex] River told SI in response to Smith’s allegations that I am struggling every day. “It is unfortunate that he feels we patronized him because I can tell you that was not our intention. At the end of the day, I applaud Alex because he proved everyone wrong and any reasonable expectations. Has crossed what someone had set for him. He not only made a comeback on the field but also brought us to the playoffs. It was a truly remarkable achievement. “
But Washington still replaced Smith with a free-agent signing Ryan Fitzpatrick. After winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year, Smith wanted to play the 17th season and shop around free agency but eventually decided against it.
Smith was 5-1 as a starter in 2020, but was placed on injured reserve with a calf strain and missed a playoff game. He told SI he could play but the coaches said that his injury was related to the previous one – even though doctors said the opposite and called it a stress fracture. Dr. West resigned after 18 seasons.
“I can’t help but wonder God, did I start it?” Smith said.
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