FanHouse Stephon Heyer

Video forward by Kevin Blackistone.



The colloquium was titled "Intercollegiate Athletics: Pro/Con: the Joys and Challenges of College Sports." The subject, as stated by moderator Maury Povich, was academics, athletics, and money.

Povich directed his first question at Redskins offensive tackle Stephon Heyer. While at Maryland, did Heyer consider himself more student or athlete.

The Redskins offensive lineman chuckled.

Six-time Pro Bowl tackle Chris Samuels has decided to retire, the Washington Post reported. Samuels left Washington's Week 5 loss at Carolina after hurting his neck, an injury that was initially called a "stinger."

It was later revealed, though, that Samuels suffers from stenosis, which is a condition that causes narrowing of the spine.

Samuels has not played since the injury occurred. He was expected to meet with a neck specialist earlier this week to determine his long-term status, and the Post's report would seem to indicate that the prognosis was not good.

After 10 seasons and 123 NFL starts, right tackle Jon Jansen has been shown the door by the Washington Redskins. Jansen, a 6-foot-6 305-pound 33-year-old, was drafted in the second round of the 1999 draft by the Redskins out of Michigan. He became an immediate starter and put together a solid career in Washington.

Via press release from owner Dan Snyder Friday, the Redskins notified the media that they will move on. The full press release follows:

ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington's offensive line was arguably one of the biggest culprits responsible for the team's last-place, 8-8 finish in 2008. Yet, as the Redskins wrapped up their first OTA of the summer on Thursday, four months from the 2009 season opener, their starters up front appear set.

Almost.

The 'Skins are, for better or worse, basically settled at left tackle (Chris Samuels), both guard spots (Derrick Dockery and Randy Thomas) and center (Casey Rabach), but there's approximately an entire roster's worth of guys battling to start at right tackle. And, so far, it's hard to pick a favorite.

The Redskins didn't address the offensive line on draft weekend, even though it might be their biggest need. But on Friday, they did sign Bills' 2002 first-round pick, tackle Mike Williams, who had been out of football since 2006.

There are more conventional ways to fill out the depth chart, and while Williams has gobs of potential -- he was the fourth overall pick seven years ago -- other than his will to return to football, there's no reason to think he'll magically play at a high level, much less make the team.

The Redskins have dropped four of their last five games, and at 7-6, they'll need to win out to even have a shot at the postseason. There are plenty of reasons for the slide, although the most popular is the inconsistent play of quarterback Jason Campbell.

It comes with the job, but the injuries along the offensive line certainly haven't helped Campbell's play. And that was never more evident than Sunday night against the Ravens. Campbell was under pressure all evening, which is what happens when you're without your starting right tackle, and your left tackle goes down midway through the game.