Washington's Haskins apologizes for partying maskless at strip club

Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins apologized Tuesday for partying without wearing a mask in a strip club Sunday.

"I want to publicly apologize for my actions this past Sunday," Haskins tweeted. "I spoke with coach (Ron) Rivera yesterday and took full accountability for putting the team at risk. It was irresponsible and immature of me and I accept responsibility for my action."

He added: "I also want to apologize for creating a distraction for my team during our playoff push. I will learn and grow from this and do what's best for the team moving forward."

Washington has been in contact with the league after becoming aware of social media posts showing Haskins partying, and it's handling the matter internally, according to John Keim of ESPN.

Haskins started Sunday during a loss to the Seattle Seahawks in place of the injured Alex Smith. He threw for one touchdown against two interceptions and completed 38 of 55 passes for 295 yards.

Washington has no plans to release the second-year quarterback, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, who also notes that Haskins could be fined a week's salary or given up to a four-game suspension for what is considered "high-risk COVID-19 conduct."

Haskins was fined after Week 6 for breaking COVID-19 protocols when he reserved a room for a family friend at the team's hotel.

The NFC East club hopes Smith can return to practice this week ahead of a crucial game Sunday against the Carolina Panthers after suffering a calf strain in Week 14, according to Pelissero.

Washington is in a position to clinch the division and a playoff berth this week. The team either needs to beat the Panthers and benefit from the New York Giants losing or tying, or Washington needs a tie with Carolina plus the Giants losing and a tie between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.