Haynesworth calls out Clabo, Dahl on radio show

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth took umbrage with the Falcons' blocking techniques in a radio interview Thursday night and challenged linemen Tyson Clabo and Harvey Dahl.

On the "Late Hits" show on Sirius Radio hosted by Bryan McGovern and Ross Tucker, Haynesworth was asked about Clabo and Dahl blocking "all the way up to and including the echo of the whistle."

Haynesworth, who was recently voted the second-dirtiest player in the league in a Sports Illustrated poll, is clearly not a fan of their blocking intensity.

"Yeah, I don't have the patience for stuff like that," Haynesworth said. "I guess this is where the second-rated dirtiest player can come out. When it gets to things like that, if you don't really want to play football and you just want to go out and hurt somebody, then come on, I'll be your guy. I can play with them."

One of the hosts then asked, "What are you going to do if they try to finish you, or cut you? Give us the inside scoop."

Haynesworth said, "I'll keep it a surprise, if it happens."

Back in 2006, Haynesworth, then a member of the Tennessee Titans, stomped on the face of Dallas Cowboys center Andre Gurode and was ejected. He later was suspended for five games.

Clabo and Dahl were not intimidated by Haynesworth's comments.

"We are not going to change the way we play," Clabo said.

Dahl took the comments in stride.

"We are going to play physical," Dahl said. "We are going to play like we always do. Play to the whistle."

Haynesworth, who signed a contract potentially worth $100 million this offseason, contends that he's a changed player.

"For one, I'm not stomping on anybody's head anymore," Haynesworth said. "That's a big difference. I play the game and I play it hard. I don't try to go out there and hurt anybody. I just play hard."

Clabo and Dahl don't think Haynesworth is a dirty player.

"I think he probably got those votes on some past things that he's done," Clabo said. "He's just playing hard now. He's playing well."

Dahl said, "I haven't seen him do anything dirty on film. I wouldn't say that. I think he's a good player, a physical player. He's a real strong guy."