
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, April 10, 1994                   TAG: 9404100079
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: C-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

MONK DESERVED BETTER FROM 'SKINS TO THE EDITOR:

As a Redskins fan since 1972, I am completely disgusted by the team's treatment of Art Monk during last season and during the off-season. The final blow came yesterday, as the team announced that Monk would not be re-signed after he refused to take a pay cut. The truth of the matter has nothing to do with money. Instead, it is a tale of two egos: Jack Kent Cooke and Charlie Casserly.

With the drafting of Desmond Howard, and the resulting huge contract he was given, the team proclaimed that Monk was too old, and that Howard was a rising star. The truth is that Howard has been a bust, and Monk is still the best receiver on the team. Last year, we watched as the Redskins offense, with Howard in and Monk on the bench, was completely ineffective. On the next series, with Monk in the game, the team would get several first downs. Then, Monk would be pulled for no reason, Howard returned, and the drive would usually stall. Even opposing teams, such as the hated Cowboys, wondered out loud why the Redskins weren't using Monk.

Art Monk is the greatest receiver in the history of pro football. His records, accomplishments and class on and off the field speak for themselves. Yet, because Casserly and Cooke cannot admit their mistakes in drafting Howard and handing him the receiver position on a gold platter (he certainly never earned it), the greatest player in the history of the Washington Redkins will end his career with another team, even though he can still play at a superior level.

As a life-long fan of the Redskins, I know that teams go through periods of losing and rebuilding. So, while I certainly was frustrated by last season, it was the treatment of Art Monk that angered me the most. We have recently seen big egos deflate the Dallas Cowboys. Now we watch as big egos in the Redkins organization lead the team to trash a cherished and still-capable veteran star and person. Art Monk, and every Washington Redskins fan, deserve better.

REV. ANTHONY C. BUSIC

ROANOKE

by CNB