ARIZONA CARDINALS

Cardinals coach Bruce Arians on Daryl Washington: ‘He’s walking a very thin line’

Jun 19, 2013, 2:35 AM | Updated: 12:15 pm

Daryl Washington’s presence has been felt on the field in recent weeks at the Arizona Cardinals’ OTAs and three-day mandatory minicamp. However, it’s what’s transpired off the field this offseason that has many concerned about the Pro Bowl linebacker’s future heading into the 2013 season.

Washington, who led the Cardinals with 140 total tackles and nine sacks in 2012, was suspended back in April without pay for the first four games of the season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. But the trouble didn’t end there for the 26-year-old.

On May 3, the former second-round pick out of TCU was arrested and booked on two counts of aggravated assault following an incident that occurred May 1 with his ex-girlfriend.

According to the police report, Washington’s ex-girlfriend claimed the Cardinals linebacker grabbed her by the throat and shoved her to the ground following an argument. She suffered bruises along with a broken clavicle.

“Obviously there’s an unfortunate situation, but all I can do right now is come out here and work as hard as I can and let everything else play out,” Washington told reporters May 14 regarding the incident.

He pleaded ‘not guilty’ to assault charges on May 20, and will next appear in court on July 3.

While Washington and the Cardinals organization wait for the legal situation to play itself out, the question regarding his potential long-term absence is one that simply won’t go away.

Tuesday night, Bruce Arians was a guest on SiriusXM Radio’s Late Hits with Alex Marvez and former NFL executive Bill Polian, and the Cardinals head coach was asked whether or not he believes Washington will get on the field at some point in 2013.

“It’s all up to him,” Arians said. “He’s had double incidents, and as an organization that throws a red flag out. But I think Daryl is a very bright young man who understands the mistakes he’s made.

“He’s walking a very thin line in the league right now. He’s super talented, but you have to adhere to the rules.”

Although any extended absence from Washington will certainly be felt on the defensive side of the football, in light of his recent run-in with the law, the team went out and found itself a bit of an insurance policy in Karlos Dansby. The former Cardinal signed
a one-year deal to return to the Valley on May 10.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona Cardinals

Desmond Ridder runs the rock against Houston...

Tyler Drake

Desmond Ridder eager to remind fellow Cardinals QB Clayton Tune about college wins

Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder may not know Kyler Murray just yet, but he and Clayton Tune go way back.

15 hours ago

LSU's Malik Nabers, a top NFL Draft prospect...

Kevin Zimmerman

NFL Draft: Malik Nabers to visit Arizona Cardinals after LSU pro day, per report

Top NFL Draft receiver prospect Malik Nabers will reportedly visit with the Arizona Cardinals after the LSU Tigers' pro day.

19 hours ago

Desmond Ridder looks to pass...

Tyler Drake

QB1 or not, Desmond Ridder keeping starter mentality with Cardinals

New Cardinals QB Desmond Ridder is focused on using the good and the bad from his first two seasons rather than listening to outside chatter.

2 days ago

Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray look on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon: Kyler Murray’s ‘best football is ahead of him’

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes Kyler Murray will continue taking the necessary steps forward with a full offseason of work.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray chats with Jonathan Gannon...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals will face ‘really good’ AFC opponent for joint preseason practices

The Arizona Cardinals expect to hold joint practices in the preseason against a really good AFC opponent, in the words of Jonathan Gannon.

2 days ago

Patriots and Cardinals kick off return in 2020...

Associated Press

NFL owners approve new kickoff rules for 2024

NFL kickoff rules will take on a hybrid approach similar to the XFL. League owners approved the new measures Tuesday.

2 days ago

Cardinals coach Bruce Arians on Daryl Washington: ‘He’s walking a very thin line’