Today’s guest post is
by Greg Schmalz,
president, Schmalz Communications.
Despite
hitting the brakes to avoid going over the fiscal cliff, there’s more
controversy in the nation’s capital. This time it involves the Washington
Redskins and quarterback sensation Robert Griffin III (otherwise known as RG3).
You see, the Redskins had won seven straight regular season games to win the Eastern Division title and played host to Seattle last weekend in the Wild Card round of the National Football League playoffs.
Griffin, who won the 2011 Heisman Trophy as college
football’s best player while playing for Baylor University, was the second
overall pick in the college draft last season and subsequently signed a
four-year contract worth $21 million.
He provided excitement to Washington fans, despite
playing up the road at FedEx Field in nearby Landover, Maryland. But on
December 9 he injured his right knee in a game against Baltimore, yet coach
Mike Shanahan sent him back into the game to play. Griffin sat out the next game but played in
the last two regular season games.
Last week, Griffin helped stake the team to an early
14-0 lead but he hurt his leg again as his knee buckled as he attempted to
field a low snap from center. His right
knee bent awkwardly and it was obvious he was in excruciating pain. Eventually, he hobbled off the field. Seattle went on to score and the game
turned. The Redskins eventually lost,
24-14, eliminating them from the playoffs.
It’s obvious that Griffin is the team’s future. Yet,
Shanahan put his young quarterback at risk by letting him play hurt. He was ineffective from that point and the
Redskins watched their 14-0 lead dissipate.
Griffin underwent surgery this week to repair both
the anterior cruciate and the lateral collateral ligaments. Renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews
performed the surgery in Florida. Now
the healing begins. One report says rehabilitation will be 6-8 months which could
have him back in time for training camp. Another report says it could be 8-12
months.
Was the risk worth it? Suppose the knee doesn’t heal
properly. Suppose he’s out for next
season.
Would you risk one of your key performers?