Brad Johson Takes Shots at Redskins Owner

A S H B U R N, Va., Dec. 7 -- Like recently fired coach Norv Turner, quarterback Brad Johnson figures hisdays with the Washington Redskins are over.

So on Wednesday, Johnson, who lost his starting job toJeff George, took some early parting shots at Redskins’ owner Dan Snyder and renewedthe debate over whether Snyder is too meddlesome in playerdecisions.

As the rest of the team adjusted to a pared-down daily routineand simpler offensive scheme under interim coach Terry Robiskie,Johnson said upper management — not Robiskie — has made the decision to start George the rest of the season.

Robiskie Defends Snyder

“I think that decision’s made from up top. ... I think it’s obvious,” Johnson said. “I think Jeff’s going to be the starter the rest of the way out. In case something happens with him, then I’ll be ready to go. Otherwise, I’m just going to finish strong up here and deal with my situation in the offseason.”

Robiskie, speaking after his first practice as coach, did notdispute Johnson’s statement. He said the decision to go with George was made in talks among the coaches and Snyder — and he defended Snyder’s right to have such input.

“A lot of people want to separate us from Mr. Snyder,”Robiskie said. “Mr. Snyder owns the football team. I know that. Ipromise you there’s very few things in the building I’m going to say I want to change without calling him to say I want to changeit.

“If I wanted to change my desk, I’m going to call him and say I want to change my desk. If I want to change quarterbacks, I’m going to call him and say, ‘What do you think of me changing quarterbacks?’ It’s his football team. To try to separate it, we’re wasting our time.”

Snyder was not available for comment. His spokesman, KarlSwanson, said Robiskie “makes all football decisions, just as Norvdid. He doesn’t need to ask anybody’s permission.”