The Redskins placed Clinton Portis on the injured reserve list today when the concussion specialst in Pittsburgh would not clear his return. Here is Portis’ reaction on his weekly paid appearance on ESPN 980. He even talked as if his career might be over.
On the reality of the situation: “I was really hoping I could get back on the field. I knew we had a key stretch with the Saints, Dallas and New York all being this month and Oakland and San Diego as well. I was hoping … . Once I couldn’t play the Saints all of a sudden you get that question. Are they gonna play him? I came up here hoping to get cleared and start resuming activities. The doctor said he’s not going to do it. He didn’t like what he saw. It’s life, man.”
On if he’ll be 100 percent ready to go at some point in the future: “They’re hopeful. The awareness level of this is so high because of the time period where people did not get the treatment and attention they needed and the long-term effects they have. If I wasn’t up here seeing these specialists with these goggles and they keep finding what’s wrong, then nobody would notice. I passed every eye test I took. I can see to the second and third line on the eye chart. But once I put the goggles on the doctor said my eye was just as weak. It wasn’t catching up. The doctor feared if I took another hit like that it could get worse. Where I got hit and the position I got hit in was directly on my vision. He said that was his main concern. I think I’ll get well. I have to put the time in to rehabbing and continuing to do what the doctors say. To have the opportunity to play for eight years and play and compete and not miss many games and to carry the organization, I’m thankful for Mr. Snyder and coach Gibbs to bringing me to the Redskins and to the Broncos for drafting me. If it’s my time and I look back today, I think I have had a great career. No one wants to finish on an injury … I would love to come back.”
On if he wants to be part of the Redskins next season: “I would love to. I really would love to have the opportunity. The guys in the locker room are some great guys. Do I think there will be change? I do. If I’m part of that change will I be sad and devastated? I won’t. I think I’ll be appreciative of everything Mr. Snyder and the Washington Redskins have done for me and the opportunities they gave me. I’m 28, man. I’m not gonna be devastated, ‘Oh, man football is over.’ I enjoyed it. I have fun doing it. I gave everything I had doing it. I did it to the best of my ability. The day I look back on my career I will enjoy the highlights. If I get to continue and have to play for someone else, I will give it my all there as well.”
