Washington

Washington Commanders will replace criticized Sean Taylor installation with statue

Published

1 year ago

August 25, 2024

Washington Commanders will replace criticized Sean Taylor installation with statue

After facing widespread criticism over an installation meant to honor the late two-time Pro Bowl safety Sean Taylor, the Washington Commanders have permanently removed it and announced plans to build a statue in its place.

“After careful consideration, we have decided as an organization to remove the Sean Taylor installation from Commanders Field,” a team spokesperson said Saturday in a statement. “We realize that the installation fell short in honoring one of our franchise’s most iconic players. Together with the Taylor family, we are working on a plan, which includes unveiling a statue that will rightfully celebrate the legacy and impact that Sean had on our organization, fanbase and community. The Washington Commanders are committed to honoring our legends in a first-class manner.”

The team also announced that Taylor’s daughter, Jackie, will have input in the design process of the statue. Jackie was 18 months old when her father was murdered at the age of 24 on Nov. 27, 2007, during an attempted home invasion.

The original installation was inaugurated in November 2022, during a game against the Atlanta Falcons. At the time, the team was under the ownership of Daniel Snyder, who became known for several blunders in team-fan relations against the backdrop of creating a toxic workplace culture that resulted in a $10 million fine by the NFL and allegations of sexual harassment.

In July 2023, however, the NFL owners approved the sale of the team to a group led by billionaire Josh Harris.

“I’m thankful to Josh Harris and the Commanders family for their continued commitment to keep my dad’s legacy alive,” Jackie Taylor said in the statement. “I look forward to sharing plans in the future and learning more about my dad through this process.”

The original installation that has since been removed was inaugurated on five day’s notice, and featured a mannequin-style structure that merely had a Washington jersey with Taylor’s No. 21 on it. The jersey, however, wasn’t even from the right era, as the NFL’s apparel partner at the time during Taylor’s playing days was Reebok, not Nike.

The statue that will replace the installation becomes the first statue in team history to honor a former player.

Taylor played in the NFL from 2004-07, all with Washington, earning Pro Bowl honors in his last two seasons. He finished with 305 tackles, 12 interceptions, eight forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one touchdown. The year after his death, Taylor was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor.

Taylor wore the jersey No. 36 during his rookie season, but changed it to No. 21 the following year. The Commanders retired Taylor’s jersey in 2021, making him the fourth player in the team’s history to receive the honor.

Taylor was the fifth overall selection in the 2004 NFL Draft, out of the University of Miami.

“I’m forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support from this special fan base,” Jackie Taylor said. “I’m filled with gratitude to know that my dad will forever be a part of the burgundy and gold family.”

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Washington

Gov. Ferguson seeking federal funding for flood damages across Washington state

Published

4 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Press Room

Gov. Ferguson seeking federal funding for flood damages across Washington state

WASHINGTON STATE — Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is seeking federal funding to repair and improve damaged infrastructure caused by an atmospheric river event across Washington state in December 2025. The total damage assessment is $182.3 million.

Washington state is applying for the Public Assistance Program, which provides up to 75% reimbursement from the federal government for qualifying repairs. Gov. Ferguson requested around $21 million and submitted Washington state’s request for a disaster declaration back on Jan. 21.

“This is separate than the request we made several weeks ago, that was to assist individuals with their homes,” Ferguson said. “This is for infrastructure, this particular request.”

Gov. Ferguson says that the December flooding was historic and that repairs for the damages caused would require an unprecedented amount of money.

“In terms of damage assessments that we are submitting to FEMA, this historic flooding resulted in, we believe, the largest dollar amount of public infrastructure damage in Washington state in more than four decades, and that’s counting for inflation,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson is requesting up to $173 million from the Trump administration to aid with the preliminary damage amount of $182.3 million, which Ferguson says is subject to change.

“One thing I want to emphasize and underscore is this is a preliminary number,” Ferguson said. “We have to meet a certain deadline for FEMA, so this number will increase as time goes on.”

The state is also applying for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which would help fund projects to prepare for future disasters.

Gov. Ferguson says that the state is also working with the Federal Highway Administration to get funding for repairs to highways in the state.

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Detroit man sentenced to prison in two assault cases in Washington D.C.

Published

1 day ago

February 17, 2026

Press Room

Detroit man sentenced to prison in two assault cases in Washington D.C.

A Detroit man charged in connection with two assaults last year in Washington, D.C. has been sentenced to 60 months in prison with 12 months suspended, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Jerome Parker, 49, pleaded guilty in October 2025 to one count of aggravated assault, one count of assault with significant bodily injury and one count of second-degree theft. After completing his sentence, Parker will be placed on three years’ probation.

“Today we took another criminal, victimizing the most vulnerable members of our community, off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “This violence against our community committed by Parker, or any criminals like him, against the elderly or innocent will never again be tolerated in the District.”

Federal prosecutors say Parker attacked two people on Aug. 18-19, 2025.

Officials say the first victim, a 66-year-old man, was leaving a Metrobus when Parker punched the man in the face, causing the victim to fall to the ground. Parker then took the man’s wallet, ID, cards and cash. The victim had to undergo surgery to fix a fracture and had his jaw wired shut for several months, according to prosecutors.

Officials say Parker and the victim did not know each other.

Prosecutors say that on the following day, Parker was involved in a verbal altercation with an acquaintance and followed the person to an apartment building, where he punched the second victim, kicking him multiple times. Prosecutors say the second victim suffered a minor brain bleed and was unconscious for over five minutes until responding officers arrived.

Parker was arrested a month later, on Sept. 25.

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Washington

Washington Spirit and Star Defender Tara Rudd Agree to New Contract

Published

2 days ago

February 17, 2026

Press Room

Washington Spirit and Star Defender Tara Rudd Agree to New Contract

2025 NWSL Defender of the Year signs three-year deal with 2029 and 2030 club options

Washington, D.C. (02/17/2026) – The Washington Spirit and star defender Tara Rudd (née McKeown) have agreed to a new contract, the club announced today. Rudd’s new deal will go through the 2028 season, carry 2029 and 2030 club options, and include a signing bonus.

“I’m beyond excited to continue my journey with the Washington Spirit,” said Rudd. “This organization has believed in me from day one and I’m proud to represent this community and keep pushing to raise the standard and compete for championships with my teammates. D.C. has become my home and there’s no place I’d rather be. I cannot wait to continue to build on what we’ve started here and give our amazing fans a lot more to cheer for over the coming years.”

One of Washington’s most consistent players across the past three seasons, Rudd continues to be a leader with the Spirit. Following up her Iron Woman season in 2024, the fifth-year player earned her first call-ups to the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) and took home the NWSL’s Defender of the Year award in 2025. Rudd ranked in the top two among all defenders in the NWSL in interceptions in 2025 with 50 as well as top four in both blocked shots and tackle success among defenders with a minimum of 1,000 minutes.

“Tara Rudd is a Washington Spirit cornerstone,” said President of Soccer Operations Haley Carter. “The 2025 NWSL Defender of the Year and a consistent USWNT presence, she is central to everything we are building here. Her growth into one of the premier defenders in this league speaks to what she puts in every single day, and we’re proud that our environment and support system have been part of that journey. We are thrilled that Tara shares our vision for what this club can achieve, and we cannot wait to see what the next chapter looks like together.”

At the international level, Rudd has been a mainstay of the USWNT roster since earning her first call-up to the senior team following the 2024 NWSL season. The defender has appeared in ten matches for the side so far and even dished out three assists from the back line.

Originally from Newbury Park, California, Rudd attended the University of Southern California before being drafted by the Spirit with the eighth overall pick in 2021. In four seasons with the Trojans, Rudd tallied 33 goals and 28 assists in 76 appearances, earning First Team All-American honors once and First Team All-Pac-12 honors twice in the process. Rudd also earned a Pac-12 All-Freshman Team nod in 2017 and an All-Pac-12 Third Team nod in 2018.

The Spirit season kicks off in March with Spirit Fest, the team’s annual free fan event on March 8 at 2 p.m. at The Anthem in DC. Tickets are available HERE. Then on March 13 at 8 p.m., the Spirit begins its quest for a third consecutive NWSL Championship appearance when it faces Portland Thorns FC in the team’s 2026 home opener at Audi Field. Tickets are available HERE.

About The Washington Spirit

The Washington Spirit is the premier professional women’s soccer team based in Washington, D.C. and plays at Audi Field in Buzzard Point. The Spirit was founded on November 21, 2012 and is an inaugural member of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) the fastest growing sports league in the US. The club is home to some of the best players in the world who have won championships for both club and country. For more information about the Spirit, visit WashingtonSpirit.com and follow the club on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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