Portis Finds a Reason to Cancel Minicamp

Running Clinton Portis, who often expresses his disdain for minicamp, training camp and preseason games, was not happy about being on the field in the rain, especially given the threat of swine flu.

"With the swine flu going around, this water could have some swine flu in it, then all of us gonna be dead," Portis said during a group interview session with reporters on the field as it rained. "You should cancel minicamp, especially in bad weather. Right now in Mexico, they canceled all sporting events. They need to do that in the U.S. ... This is a scary, dangerous situation."

The Redskins invested heavily on defense in the offseason, luring two-time all-pro tackle Albert Haynesworth from the Tennessee Titans, re-signing cornerback DeAngelo Hall and concentrating on defense in the draft. Washington brought back veteran guard Derrick Dockery, whom the Buffalo Bills released, in an attempt to bolster their offensive line.

"We've got to find a diamond, or two, in the rough with all the guys we have out here," Portis said of the offensive linemen trying out during minicamp. "I'm not the GM, I'm not the owner, I'm not the head coach. I talk to 'em, but my opinion ... you voice your opinion."

(washingtonpost.com)