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RG3 speaks but not about his job

 
Kirk Cousins, front, was named the Redskins’ starting quarterback Monday ahead of Robert Griffin III, back.
Kirk Cousins, front, was named the Redskins’ starting quarterback Monday ahead of Robert Griffin III, back.
Published Sept. 3, 2015

WASHINGTON — Robert Griffin III made his first public comments Wednesday since losing his job to Kirk Cousins but didn't address the Redskins' starting quarterback situation.

Griffin spoke at a team awards luncheon attended by roughly 500 guests. He was honored by the Redskins for his community work with military families. Citing his childhood in an Army household, Griffin in his acceptance speech pledged to continue his volunteer work.

"In the military, the one thing you have is your word," Griffin said. "When you give your word to somebody, that means you're going to follow through. And I give my word to my family, to the Washington Redskins, to my teammates and the military that I'll always be there for them."

Coach Jay Gruden chose Cousins as the starter Monday after Cousins' performance in Saturday's preseason victory against the Ravens.

Griffin, originally chosen as the starter last winter, was ruled out of that game while in the NFL's concussion protocol.

Cousins and Griffin entered the luncheon side by side during team introductions. Griffin received a standing ovation upon taking the podium.

Wife of Redskins GM apologizes for tweet: After initially saying a controversial post on Twitter credited to the wife of Washington general manager Scot McCloughan had come from a fake account, the team said Jessica McCloughan did post the comment about ESPN reporter Dianna Russini.

"I deeply apologize for the disparaging remarks about an ESPN reporter on my personal Twitter account," Jessica McCloughan said in a statement issued to the website Pro Football Talk. "The comment was unfounded and inappropriate, and I have the utmost respect for both the reporter and ESPN. I regret that my actions have brought undeserved negative attention to the Redskins organization and its leadership."

Bears: Lance Briggs, a seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker who helped the franchise reach the Super Bowl in the 2006 season, said he plans to retire. Briggs is a free agent.

Bills: The team is concerned that running back LeSean McCoy might not be ready to play in Week 1, ESPN reported. McCoy hurt his left hamstring in practice Aug. 18, and an MRI exam showed a tear, ESPN said.

Colts: There is a good chance surgery will be required for defensive tackle Art Jones' left ankle injury, ESPN reported.

Panthers: Backup quarterback Derek Anderson signed a two-year contract extension good through the 2017 season, providing depth and experience behind Cam Newton. Financial terms were not announced. Anderson started two games last season, both against the Bucs, and won both, helping the Panthers win their second straight NFC South title.

Saints: Starting cornerback Keenan Lewis had hip surgery and is expected to miss four to six weeks, nfl.com reported.

Hall of Fame: Edward DeBartolo Jr., who as owner of the 49ers helped build an NFL dynasty, is a finalist for the 2016 class as a contributor. DeBartolo, 68, was nominated by the nine-member contributors committee. Elections are Feb. 6. Under DeBartolo's ownership, San Francisco won five Super Bowls in the 1980s and '90s.