ESPN’s Clayton: Players Association may not be fighting for Daryl Washington

It’s a question that, until answered, will continue to be asked: What does the NFL have planned for Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington?

A 2012 Pro Bowler, Washington was suspended in May 2014 for violating the league’s policy on substance abuse, and has yet to be reinstated. It is assumed that he stands to miss even more games this season due to a domestic violence incident, though until a ruling is handed down, no one really knows what will happen.

It has gotten to the point where over at NFL.com, Washington’s situation was listed as one of the league’s biggest mysteries heading into training camp.

ESPN NFL insider John Clayton, as a guest of Doug and Wolf on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Friday, said it’s kind of a waiting game.

“I think it’s pretty safe to say that when the league comes out and says there’s been no change in his status, something hasn’t hasn’t gone right yet,” Clayton said. “And for him to get back on the field, something needs to go right.”

Part of the issue, he added, could be that the NFL Players Association isn’t really fighting for the linebacker. It’s happened with other players, Clayton said, citing Jacksonville’s Justin Blackmon and Washington’s Tanard Jackson, and could very well be the case here with the Arizona linebacker.

The lack of any comment, from the league or the association, leads Clayton to believe that Washington isn’t exactly a high priority right now.

“I think it does say something when the Players Association doesn’t seem to be, at least, verbally or at least in public, trying to push for him to be back.”