Report: NFL investigating Redskins

A Yahoo! Sports report Saturday said the NFL has opened an investigation to determine if the Washington Redskins violated tampering rules by negotiating with the agent of Albert Haynesworth before the start of free agency on Feb. 27.

The Web site reported the league has already interviewed two people. The Tennessee Titans charge that the Redskins got a head start when owner Dan Snyder met with Chad Speck during the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis a week before free agency.

Less than six hours into free agency, Haynesworth and the Redskins agreed to a seven-year, $100 million that includes $41 million guaranteed.

The league office does not comment on ongoing tampering investigations and the Redskins declined comment Saturday night.

Tennessee claims its ability to re-sign Haynesworth was negatively impacted by the Redskins involvement. Haynesworth’s camp said the three finalists were the Redskins, Tampa Bay and the New York Giants and the Titans’ offer was nowhere near the Redskins proposal.

Tampering cases are tough to prove but the Redskins could lose a draft choice if the league finds enough evidence. Last year, San Francisco forfeited a fifth-round pick after the league discovered the 49ers spoke with Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs during the 2007 season.

At last week’s owners meetings, commissioner Roger Goodell said talks were held to possibly allow teams to talk to prospective free agents before the signing period begins but no vote was held.