Shanahan admits 'tough decisions' ahead with McNabb, roster

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan has learned how to dance around the Donovan McNabb question.

Even when a 7-year-old fan asked the coach about the quarterback's future with the team, Shanahan wouldn't take the bait, Comcast SportsNet Washington reported Friday.

"Do you think Donovan McNabb will be back on the Redskins?" the boy inquired during a youth football camp in Loudoun County, Md.

"Until I get a chance to talk to Donovan and I go through the scenario with him, I really can't share it with the public," Shanahan said.

"Those are the decisions that are always tough for a coach, because you have to make decisions that you feel are in the best interest of the team."

Said Shanahan: "I love Donovan McNabb. ... He's one of the best guys you'll ever be around. You cannot find a better person in the world. The thing that you do when you put a football team together is you sit down and make some tough decisions, and I will sit down with him once we are able to talk."

McNabb, traded to the Redskins from Philadelphia in early 2010, joined some of his former Eagles teammates for a workout last month in Cherry Hill, N.J.

The veteran signal-caller more than likely will be on the move again once the NFL lockout is lifted. Shanahan benched McNabb for the final three games of last season in favor of Rex Grossman.

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TO admits breaking NFL Tweet rule, says it was for good cause

CINCINNATI -- Terrell Owens acknowledged Tuesday night that he violated the NFL's rules against Tweeting shortly before games by sending one out an hour before a loss to Tampa Bay.

His defense? It was for a good cause.

The Bengals receiver said on the first episode of a new cable television show Tuesday night that he won't object if the NFL fines him for breaking the rules. Coaches and players are prohibited from using social networks 90 minutes before a game, during a game and shortly afterward.

The policy went into effect before last season. The only one to violate it until Sunday had been teammate Chad Ochocinco, who was fined $25,000 for Tweeting shortly before and during a preseason game in August.

Owens' Tweet was one of the subjects on the first episode of "The T.Ocho Show" on the Versus cable network.

"If I get fined for it, then that's cool," Owens said.

An NFL spokesman said the league was looking into it but had no announcement Tuesday.

An hour before a 24-21 loss to Tampa Bay, the receiver sent a Tweet from Paul Brown Stadium that he said was part of his work with a charity that helps children in Kenya.

"A lucky fan wearing my jersey 2day will get a signed football by Me & Ocho Cinco! My asst will pick U out!! Good luck!" he Tweeted.

Owens said he intended to post the Tweet earlier in the day, but he left his home late and forgot to take his cell phone with him. He said he had an assistant bring his cell phone to Paul Brown Stadium.

"I got the Tweet out a little late," he said.

The Bengals were on the field warming up when the Tweet was posted.

Twitter and other social-networking sites have become popular with NFL players. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis also has a policy against players using social-network sites while they're at the stadium.

Kevin Frazier, the moderator of the receivers' new show, introduced the Tweet segment by saying: "That was wrong, and I'm not making excuses for you," then gave Owens a chance to explain. Owens indicated he expects a fine from the league.

"It's not going to be the first thing that goes unappreciated for some of the noble things and charitable things that I do," Owens said.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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