(AP) -- The simmering feud between Donovan McNabb and Mike Shanahan and his brother continued Thursday with a blistering statement from the quarterback's agent.
Fletcher Smith took aim directly at the Washington coach and Kyle Shanahan, the Redskins' offensive coordinator, for the way they have handled the benching of his client.
Smith said the bad blood between the quarterback and the Washington coaches is due to McNabb's suggestions for improving the Redskins' offense.
"I believe there is tension between Donovan and Kyle that's rooted in the fact that Donovan has suggested modifications to Kyle's offense based on intricacies Donovan has learned in his NFL career," Smith wrote. "For example, Donovan has asked all year that the team run more screen passes to help manage the pass rush more effectively. Ironically, Kyle decided to employ Donovan's suggestions after he unceremoniously benched him on Sunday."
McNabb listened to questions from reporters Thursday while sitting in his car after practice, but did not answer before driving off. He was benched before last Sunday's game against Dallas and told by Mike Shanahan that he would not play the remainder of the season.
Fletcher Smith said in a statement that the Shanahans have made comments that go beyond disrespectful and "unprecedented for a six-time Pro Bowl quarterback such as Donovan."
Smith said that the comments made by the Shanahans - "both Mike and more specifically Kyle" - have made the quarterback's relationship with Washington difficult to mfast-paced drill because of nagging hamstring injuries. Kyle Shanahan said McNabb had been tipped off in advance that the team might go with Grossman; McNabb said he hadn't.
Then the Redskins gave a McNabb a five-year contract extension worth up to $78 million - though the quarterback is only guaranteed to receive an extra $3.5 million this season. The deal contains a clause that allows the Redskins to cut McNabb before next season with no further financial obligation.
McNabb has expressed a desire to return to Washington next season, and Shanahan said he would be willing to have McNabb as a backup - a pairing that seems unlikely.
Smith left the door open in his statement, saying McNabb has taken the high road during the circus-like atmosphere.
"Donovan has maintained a high level of professionalism on and off the field," Smith said. "He is determined to continue his relentless commitment to win and looks forward to the opportunity wherever that may be!"
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