The Washington Football Team is currently dealing with an off-field issue. On Monday, JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington reported that federal law enforcement conducted a raid at Washington’s facility last week. Head trainer Ryan Vermillion has also been placed on administrative leave due to a criminal investigation.
NBC Washington reports that searches were conducted Friday afternoon at the INOVA Sports Performance Center in Ashburn, Virginia, and at a nearby home in Loudoun County. Residents told NBC Washington that they spotted U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents in the area.
Washington head coach Ron Rivera was asked several times about this development and Vermillion during his Monday press conference, and each time he referred to the team’s statement:
“Ryan Vermillion has been placed on administrative leave due to an ongoing criminal investigation that is unrelated to the team.”
According to Washington’s official website, Vermillion is the director of sports medicine and head athletic trainer. He spent 18 seasons as the head trainer for the Carolina Panthers, and spent nine of those years under Rivera. Vermillion also spent time with Washington before his tenure in Carolina, and worked under Don Shula with the Miami Dolphins.
