Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said the decision to release safety D.J. Swearinger was made as a group.
Gruden spoke to the media Wednesday for the first time since the Redskins released Swearinger Monday morning following his
critical comments of defensive coordinator Greg Manusky.
“At the end of the day, we thought for us as an organization, it was best for us to part ways from (Swearinger),"
Gruden said.
Gruden said he had several discussions with Swearinger about making critical comments of coaches and teammates. Gruden took responsibility for not making it more clear that public criticism wouldn't be tolerated.
“Anytime we make a personnel move...it’s a group decision.”Gruden says it doesn’t mean anything for him long term when it comes to his future. They made the best long-term decision for the franchise in their eyes.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman)
December 26, 2018 Gruden also made reference to his own job security.
“If you read the articles you would see his comments weren’t productive,” Gruden said.
Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, who tweeted his support for Manusky, told the media he still supports the Redskins' defensive coordinator.
"I don't agree with him,"
Allen said. "I don't think it was on Greg Manusky."
Jay Gruden talking about Swearinger. #redskins pic.twitter.com/1pVk4V4wss
— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland)
December 26, 2018 "D.J. did some great things here, without a doubt, wish him nothing but the best," Gruden said. "But at the end of the day, that's something that this franchise, or any franchise, in my mind, can't afford to have. So we moved on."
