ASHBURN (Va.) -- The NFL Players Association sent a request to the NFL for information regarding the raid that occurred in Washington Football Team's head trainer. This was due to safety and health concerns.
Ryan Vermillion, Washington's head trainer, was placed on administrative leaves after his home and office were searched by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The team released a statement Monday stating that Vermillion was not charged and that the DEA investigation was not related to him.
The NFLPA released a statement saying that they believe the situation directly affects player safety and health. "The NFLPA insists on language in our collective agreement that requires clubs to comply with all federal and state laws and regulations. We are eager to learn more about how we can protect our players.
The NFL declined to comment.
Washington's safety representative Landon Collins stated that they didn't know what was going on. "Aside from that, I cannot speak on it because of what has occurred. It was written, I saw it and I am comfortable with it.
According to a source familiar with the matter, Vermillion was discussed by the DEA with several former players earlier in the year. A former player who spoke to the DEA stated that he didn't have any useful information for the agency.
Barry Coburn, Vermillion's lawyer, declined to comment.
Ron Rivera, Washington's coach, worked nine seasons in Carolina with Vermillion. Vermillion was hired by Rivera shortly after he became Washington's coach in January 2020. Dan Snyder, the owner of Vermillion's company, called Vermillion at the time "one the most respected and experienced head athletic trainers in NFL."
Vermillion is also Washington's infectious controller officer. He manages the safety and health protocols for COVID-19.
Collins said, "We back RV", after he tore his Achilles tendon in last season's hockey season, ".... We don't know the details so we don’t have much to share.
Vermillion was Washington's director for rehabilitation before his time in Carolina. He spent the previous nine seasons as a member of Don Shula's Hall of Fame coaching staff with Miami Dolphins, four as a head trainer and five in rehabilitation director.
Bubba Tyer was a long-time Washington trainer and was present at Washington's practice on Wednesday. Tyer was still in charge, so Vermillion spent one-year with Washington.
