By JOSEPH WHITE
AP Sports Writer
CLINTON, Md.(AP) -- Dan Snyder is embarrassed. He feels terrible.
He's also hurt, frustrated and apologetic. Name a downbeat
adjective, and he's all over it.
The Washington Redskins owner made some rare in-season comments
about his team Tuesday, speaking at an event to celebrate the
franchise's charitable program to renovate football fields at
Maryland high schools. He received nothing but cheers from
appreciative students and faculty when introduced, a change of
pace from the reception he and his team have heard at FedEx
Field during a 2-5 start.
"We feel frustration and are disappointed for our fans," Snyder
told the crowd. "Obviously our performance to date is not what
we expected, and we hope to turn that around."
Afterward, speaking to a small group of reporters in a parking
lot, Snyder elaborated - although only in general terms. Asked a
question that referenced two recent controversies surrounding
the team - the suing of fans who couldn't pay for their premium
tickets, and a total ban on fans carrying signs and banners into
the stadium - Snyder addressed neither issue.
"I feel bad for the fans. I feel sorry for the fans, and we're
very, very appreciative of our loyal fan base," he said. "We
just feel terrible. We're disappointed. We're embarrassed, and
we hope to get it going soon."
Although the team says the ban on signs took effect at the
beginning of the season, it was announced only recently,
coinciding with an increase of negative signs targeting Snyder
and front office chief Vinny Cerrato. Asked how he is affected
personally, Snyder said: "It hurts."
"It really hurts," Snyder said. "We are really trying very, very
hard, everyone at Redskins Park, the coaches, the players. The
organization's quite frankly held together well, and I think
we've got an opportunity the rest of the season to hopefully get
it going. But to date we've let everyone down, including
ourselves, and we know that and we're just apologetic. We've
blown some games that obviously we think we should have won."
The questions got more pointed as the interview progressed.
After 2 1/2 minutes, in the middle of a question about stripping
of coach Jim Zorn of play-calling duties, the Surrattsville High
School marching band happened to approach the area, playing at
full volume. Snyder stopped the question and made small talk
about the fact that Tuesday was Election Day while waiting for
the band to pass.
Just as the music was quieting down, Snyder said he had to go.
He walked away, leaving the question unanswered.
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