Rivera: Releasing Guice 'tough' but in Washington's 'best interest'
Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera said that the decision to release running back Derrius Guice was a difficult one, but is in the best interest of the organization.
"I made a decision that I believe was in the best interest of this organization, our players, and our fans going forward. Very difficult decision," Rivera said Monday. "Anytime you have to release a very talented young football player, it's always a tough decision."
"Sometimes, it's one of those things where there are processes, there are situations, there are circumstances that you go through," Rivera added. "Each situation, each circumstance is unique. Each one will be handled and dealt with differently to what we believe is best for the organization going forward, and that's probably the most important thing."
The team cut Guice after his arrest Friday. They charged the 23-year-old with multiple domestic violence counts, including strangulation, which is a felony.
Washington selected Guice in the second round in 2018, but the LSU standout battled multiple injuries since entering the league. After missing his entire rookie campaign due to a torn ACL, Guice appeared in just five games last season. He amassed 245 yards and two touchdowns.
Rivera also said that he takes "full responsibility" for trying to make things "the right way" in his first season with Washington.
Washington hired Rivera in January after he spent the previous nine seasons with the Carolina Panthers. The 58-year-old was named Coach of the Year in 2013 and 2015.
In 2018, the Rivera-coached Panthers didn't have Guice on their draft board due to concerns regarding the player's character and knee, sources told John Keim of ESPN.
Rivera declined to give more details on the specific factors that led to Guice's release.
Washington's backfield has the presence of future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson. The team has also addressed the running back position in recent drafts, selecting Bryce Love in the fourth round in 2019 and Antonio Gibson in the third round last April.
Additionally, Washington signed veteran Peyton Barber this offseason after he spent his first four NFL campaigns with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.