Brian Mitchell claims that his recent firing from a radio station wasn't because of the tough economic times. Mitchell claims that Red Zebra radio let him go because he was critical of the Redskins. He is a former member of the team, and made $150,000 per year. "If you never discuss any money, or any changes in my money with me, then you already have your minds made up. This didn't have a damn thing to do with the economy," Mitchell told USA Today.

Redskins offensive coordinator Sherman Smith says that Ladell Betts has stood out, and hinted that he could take carries from Clinton Portis. "The guy that's been standing out to me is Ladell Betts. To me, he's stepped his game up. He's preparing like he's a starter. He's taken a leadership role, which I'm not saying he wasn't a leader before, but I just think he's a very good player. He's jumped out to me," Betts said. Betts is expected to get more carries to lessen the stress on Portis.

Redskins running back Clinton Portis claims that there is no bad blood between him and coach Jim Zorn. "How this story came about, I have no idea," Portis said. "There's nothing going on. There's no beef between me and Coach Zorn. We're on good terms at this present moment. There's no problem." Portis had a spat with Zorn after the coach benched him at halftime of the Dec. 7 loss at Baltimore. "I don't know why people have that in their mind," Portis said. "Me and Coach [Joe] Gibbs had a great relationship. We talked more than me and Coach Zorn do, but lately me and Coach Zorn been talking, trying to get on the same page. Things been going good. He understand me and I understand him."

The Washington Redskins announced today that they have signed sixth-round draft pick Robert Henson. Terms of the deals were not disclosed. The Redskins also released long snapper Jeremy Cain and linebacker Tyson Smith. Henson, a linebacker who the Redskins selected in No. 186 overall, finished his career at TCU with 270 tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble, and four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Cain signed with the Redskins on January 2, 2009 after spending the 2008 offseason with the Tennessee Titans. Smith signed with the Redskins on December 24, 2008 and was inactive for the Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Washington Redskins announced today that they have released wide receiver James Thrash after he was unable to pass a physical. "It has been a great honor to get to know James and his family," Redskins Owner Daniel M. Snyder said. "James is a tremendous person who has been a great ambassador for the Redskins in our community. He has produced nine outstanding seasons for our team. It is our hope that he will continue a long-term relationship with our organization." Thrash originally joined the Redskins as a college free agent from Missouri Southern in 1997 and spent a total of nine seasons with Washington (1997-2000, 2004-2008). Over his 12-year NFL career, which included three seasons with Philadelphia, Thrash played in 165 games, starting 71, and logged 290 receptions for 3,646 yards and 22 touchdowns. "I talked with James and we agreed that this was the best way to proceed," Redskins Head Coach Jim Zorn said. "James can focus on getting healthy and we can move forward. James is a true Redskin and a fan favorite. He was great player, teammate and team leader. Though we had to make this decision, we are confident that James will be involved in some capacity within the Redskins organization." Thrash rushed 41 times for 362 yards and two touchdowns in his career. On special teams, he returned 124 kicks for 2,819 yards and one touchdown and had 42 punt returns for 418 yards. Thrash's best season in Washington came when he registered in 2000, 50 catches for 653 yards and two touchdowns. "James has been a valuable member of our team and a tremendous asset to our organization," Redskins Executive Vice President of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato said. "He always put the team first and was a great role model in our locker room. We appreciate his contributions to the Redskins organization."

Albert Hayensworth talked about the pressure he's under now that he is a high profile member of the Redskins with a big contract to live up to. ?I?m still my same old self," said Hayneworth. "I go out there and do my job. Just because I don?t have ten sacks this year doesn?t mean I didn?t do a great job. Maybe some other guys? numbers went up or we went higher on defense. You can?t just judge by the numbers I have on the field. Because at Tennessee, it was the same thing, I didn?t have such great numbers, but the guys around me did. I was getting double and triple teamed all the time and that?s just what I do to free up other guys around me to make plays.?

According to multiple league sources, the Redskins briefly discussed signing Michael Vick but decided it wasn't a path they wanted to pursue. Vick is in house confinement until July 20 ? and one league source said he?s struggling to find time to work out, especially in a way to prepare for an NFL season.