The Washington Redskins have a notable absence from this week’s NFL Scouting Combine.
The team’s general manager, Scot McCloughan, isn’t attending the event in Indianapolis, and there are varying reports as to why.
Washington D.C. radio station 106.7 The Fan reported that McCloughan was sent away from the team on Feb. 20 and that Redskins president Bruce Allen, personnel executive Doug Williams, head coach Jay Gruden and director of pro personnel Alex Santos are running the team. McCloughan denied that report, citing a family matter.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported that family matter is the death of his 100-year-old grandmother.
McCloughan confirmed the news and said he’s setting up the funeral for his grandmother.
An obituary for McCloughan’s grandmother, Marie, who died Feb. 6, lists her services as being held Feb. 13.
Former Redskins tight end Chris Cooley, who’s now a team employee, speculated on his ESPN 890 radio show that McCloughan, who was being kept away from the media, might have started drinking again. McCloughan previously had substance abuse issues. The team neither confirmed nor denied the speculation.
McCloughan’s strength as a talent evaluator is in the draft, so it’s strange that he’s not attending the combine, where teams meet with prospects.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
