Daniel Snyder Publicly Apologizes For Redskins' Poor Start

Snyder Says He Is Disappointed And Embarrassed With Redskins' 2-5 Start

Redskins Owner Daniel Snyder yesterday said he is "disappointed" and "embarrassed" with the team's 2-5 start to the '09 season, according to Ryan O'Halloran of the WASHINGTON TIMES. Snyder spoke to reporters, breaking his "rule against speaking publicly during the season," and said, "I think number one, I feel bad for the fans. I feel sorry for the fans. And we're very, very appreciative of our great, loyal fan base. And I'm understanding. I mean, we just feel terrible. ... And we hope to get it going soon." He added the organization is "really trying very, very hard." Snyder: "To date we've let everyone down, including ourselves. We know that. We're just apologetic." Snyder did not address the futures of Exec VP/Football Operations Vinny Cerrato or coach Jim Zorn, nor the team's decision to ban fans from bringing signs to FedExField. The comments came after a ceremony at Surrattsville High School in Clinton, Maryland, where Snyder announced a "program to improve and maintain athletic fields," and "received nothing but cheers from the students and faculty when he was introduced" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 11/4). In DC, Barry Svrluga notes Synder's remarks were his "first public comments since a tumultuous season began." He provided a "rare in-season assessment of what is shaping up to be one of the most difficult of his 10 years as the team's owner, repeatedly mentioning a fan base that has grown increasingly disenchanted in recent weeks." Snyder asserted that he "understands the fans' feelings." Snyder: "I see disappointment. It's the same way I feel, and I share their frustration. It's hard. We're going to put it together and get it going" (WASHINGTON POST, 11/4).

GOOD MOVE: CSN's Ivan Carter said of Snyder's comments, "I'm glad he said something because a lot of this fan anger is not being directed at players or at the coach, ... it's been going to him. So at least he at least acknowledged the obvious: 'Yeah, we're off to a bad start.'" Former Redskins GM Charley Casserly: "With the way the season is going, I think you need some spokesman, and it can't just be the coach. When things go bad, I think you need somebody out there giving the fans hope, giving the fans direction as to what we're going to do about whatever problems we're going to have. … Somebody has to step up here and make some comments to reassure the fans that, 'Hey, we care and we've got a plan or we're going to have a plan'" ("Washington Post Live," CSN Mid-Atlantic, 11/3).