LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 20: General Manager Scot McCloughan of the Washington Redskins talks on the phone prior to the start of a game against the St. Louis Rams at FedExField on September 20, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)
Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan was notably absent from the first day of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday.
A Redskins spokesman confirmed late Wednesday that McCloughan did not attend the Combine due to “family matters.”
McCloughan, 46, told the Washington Post he is dealing with a death in his family. In a separate statement given to Washington, D.C. radio station 106.7 The Fan, McCloughan stated he’s away “setting up the funeral for his grandmother,” Marie, who died on Feb. 6. The funeral service was held seven days later, according to an obituary in the Loveland (Colo.) Reporter-Herald.
“I’m taking care of my family, plain and simple,” the GM said.
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Former Redskins tight end Chris Cooley previously suggested that McCloughan has been drinking again following previous alcohol issues. The team declined to comment.
McCloughan also dispelled rumors that he has been “marginalized” in the team’s front office recently. The GM, hired in 2015, is also facing pressure for poor returns on his first two draft classes.
On Thursday, team president Bruce Allen said, via Mike Jones of the Washington Post, that he wasn’t “getting into speculations” when asked about the report and will be back at work “just as soon as things are handled” regarding his family.
The Redskins organization has been criticized for its handling of contract negotiations with starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was franchise-tagged Tuesday as both sides continue to work out a long-term deal.
Washington has 10 picks in the 2017 draft, including No. 17 overall.
The Combine will end on Monday, March 6.
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 20: General Manager Scot McCloughan of the Washington Redskins talks on the phone prior to the start of a game against the St. Louis Rams at FedExField on September 20, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)
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