Gibbs Fines Manley $1,000, but He’ll Play Against Rams

Washington Redskin Coach Joe Gibbs fined Pro Bowl-bound defensive end Dexter Manley $1,000 Saturday for skipping Friday’s practice and meetings but said the team’s leader in sacks will play today against the Rams.

Manley, who hinted to reporters that his unexcused absence was the result of his displeasure with the four-year, $1.6-million contract he signed Aug. 27, issued a statement of apology through the team’s public relations office.

“I would just like to say that this was my mistake,” Manley said. “I’m very sorry for it. I did let my teammates and the fans down, and that’s most important. I made a bad judgment, and now ask my teammates and the community to forgive me.”

Manley’s fine--$500 for missing practice and $500 for missing a team meeting--was the highest allowable under the collective bargaining agreement between the players and management.