Robert Griffin III Reportedly 'Alienated Self' from Team, Redskins Refute Report

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is making his first start Sunday since dislocating his ankle in Week 2. Hours before the team is scheduled to battle the Minnesota Vikings, Griffin finds himself in the middle of controversy, though that has become nothing new for the team's polarizing star.  

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Griffin’s support in the locker room may be wavering:

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When Griffin began addressing the media in the locker room on Friday for the first time since dislocating his left ankle in Week 2, about 15 teammates began shouting. It was so loud and distracting, the franchise quarterback -- and reporters -- had to leave the locker room so Griffin could speak someplace where he could be heard. That's when the cheering got even more boisterous.

A source who familiar with the incident told ESPN's Britt McHenry that Griffin has "alienated himself" from the locker room.

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Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4 D.C is refuting the report of dissension in the locker room:

Following Sunday's game, head coach Jay Gruden spoke about the report, per CSN Washington via Pro Football Talk:

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'It was an amateurish report,' Gruden said, via CSN Washington.  'It was totally not true. And for anybody who reads that to believe that, they’re an amateur. Anybody who reports that’s an amateur. It’s totally false.'

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'They’re always gonna try to tear him down and tear us down, for whatever reason,' Gruden said. 'But we’re gonna stay united as a locker room. And that’s that. We’re not gonna let anybody get to us. That’s some small-time reporter reporting fiction.'

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Schefter also reports the decision to start Griffin in Week 9 was made by owner Dan Snyder and general manager Bruce Allen, not Gruden. The report was denied by Washington executive Tony Wyllie.

Griffin was replaced by Kirk Cousins following his injury in Week 2. Third-string quarterback Colt McCoy stepped in when Cousins underperformed in Week 7 and has led the team to two straight victories.

Griffin is not receiving the hero’s welcome back into the lineup as many football fans might expect for a franchise quarterback, but he has a great opportunity to hush critics with a strong performance on Sunday.

*Stats via NFL.com.