Ashburn, VA (Sports Network) - Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle
Shanahan has issued a statement addressing the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty
he was assessed during the final seconds of Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati
Bengals.
Shanahan was whistled for chiding a replacement official as the Redskins were
attempting to drive for a tying touchdown in the 38-31 setback.
Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III spiked the ball with seven seconds
remaining at the Bengals' 34-yard line, and Fred Davis was flagged for a false
start as the offense lined up for the next play.
At least one official erroneously indicated that there would be a 10-second
runoff because of the penalty, effectively running out the clock. Thinking the
game was over, Cincinnati's players and coaches began walking onto the field.
That is when Shanahan approached the official.
"When I overheard the official tell the head coach that the game was over
after the false start penalty, I tried to explain that the game was not over,"
Shanahan said in a statement. "That is what resulted in the unsportsmanlike
conduct penalty. I tried to get an explanation of how I could get that
penalty when half the other team was on the field as well.
"I was frustrated, and in the process of trying to get some answers from the
officials, I conducted myself in the wrong way.
"I ask our players to hold themselves to a high standard and be accountable
and I know that I'm accountable for my actions as well.
"I know that I need to handle those situations better in the future. My
emotions got the best of me and I know my responsibility. This will never
happen again."
The game ended when Griffin's downfield pass fell incomplete.
Shanahan then proceeded to chase the official who threw the flag and continued
to criticize him.
The Sports Network