Springs' absence angers Daniels

By David Elfin THE WASHINGTON TIMES | Wednesday, June 4, 2008

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Shawn Springs was the only player absent from the second session of the Washington Redskins' "voluntary" organized team activities yesterday at Redskin Park yesterday, and Phillip Daniels wasn't too happy about it.

"If there's no reason [for his absence] and I'm here, then be here, be a leader," said Daniels, who has been Springs' teammate for eight seasons with the Redskins and the Seattle Seahawks. "[Shawn]'s his own man. I'm a leader. I lead by example. I lead by being here. I'm not a rah-rah guy. He's not here to help us right now. ... He gotta deal with the way people perceive him. I can only say to him, 'Get here. Be involved with this.'"

Coach Jim Zorn said he hasn't heard from Springs. The cornerback's voice mailbox was full, and he didn't respond to a text message.

"This defense [under new coordinator Greg Blache], we put stuff in every day," Daniels said. "The older guys know this stuff. He needs to be here and be a leader for these young guys. I'm here coaching the young guys. Whenever I see something on the field, I go up to 'em and tell 'em what did they did wrong. That's what he needs to be here doing."

Daniels did allude to the continued coma of Springs' father, Ron, as a possible reason for his absence.

"I don't know if something's wrong," Daniels said. "I know he's going through a lot with his family, too. So I don't want to knock him too much until [I] get the full story, but I would love for him to be here."

Springs skipped almost all of the 2007 offseason to register his displeasure with the Redskins over their desire to rework his contract. He also missed this offseason's workouts until the mandatory minicamp May 2-4.

LaRon Landry's return from Louisiana and Santana Moss' return to health left Springs the only player absent.

Landry, a second-year safety who's expected to start in the secondary with Springs, said he had missed Monday's session because he was "taking care of a lot of family issues."

Zorn said he was pleased Landry had "practiced hard as if he had been here the entire time."

Meanwhile, Moss said his "flu" Monday had been a product of his extended 29th birthday celebration over the weekend.

"You think you're young and that you can hold up," Moss said with a laugh. "You have to chalk it up and be ready the next day."

Still got it

Zorn, a quarterback for the Seahawks and Lions for nine seasons, still can wing the ball.

After catching a ball behind his back, the 55-year-old took some reps at his old spot, even overthrowing Moss.

"I wanted to catch one of his balls because I've seen how he threw it back in the day," Moss said. "He can still throw it. I told him it was my fault for not coming through for him."

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