Charles Woodson is NFL defensive player of the year

In his own view, Charles Woodson put together his best pro season in 2009. How appropriate, then, that he is the Associated Press 2009 NFL defensive player of the year.

The versatile Woodson tied for the league lead with nine interceptions, returning three for touchdowns, and was a key to the Packers’ turnaround on defense. His role in Green Bay’s ranking second in overall defense and first in interceptions (30), takeaways (40) and turnover margin (plus-24) earned Woodson 28 votes Tuesday from a nationwide panel of 50 sportswriters and broadcasters who cover the NFL.

“Yeah, it’s the best,” Woodson said of his performance this season. “There’s no question about it. I was hesitant to say it early on this year; just consistent play, playing at a high level every week, turnovers, playing multiple positions and playing them well. Combine that with just going out there and having fun, and this is definitely the best.”

He doubled the number of votes for New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis in becoming the first Green Bay winner since Reggie White in 1998 and only the second Packer in the 36-year history of the award.

Jim Haslett agreed to become the Washington Redskins’ defensive coordinator, the second major hire for new Coach Mike Shanahan.

A person familiar with the negotiations says Haslett and the Redskins reached a deal Tuesday night. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hadn’t made an announcement.

Haslett was head coach in New Orleans from 2000-05 and interim coach in St. Louis in 2008 after Scott Linehan was fired. He also has been a defensive coordinator for the Rams, Saints and Steelers.

Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards has been put on probation after pleading no contest to misdemeanor aggravated disorderly conduct in Cleveland.

Edwards was in court Tuesday after he initially pleaded not guilty in November to misdemeanor assault after he was accused of punching a man outside a downtown nightclub.

Judge Michelle Earley gave Edwards a suspended 180-day jail sentence and fined him $1,000. Edwards will not have to report to a probation officer.

Cleveland Browns President Mike Holmgren says a foot specialist has recommended that quarterback Brady Quinn does not need foot surgery.

Quinn suffered an injury to his left foot against Kansas City on Dec. 20. On Tuesday, Quinn visited Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, N.C.

Holmgren said it was his understanding that Anderson does not think Quinn needs an operation.

Arizona assistant coach Russ Grimm has been given permission by the Cardinals to talk to the Buffalo Bills about their head coaching job. . . . Former Browns coach Romeo Crennel has spoken to the New York Giants by telephone about their vacant defensive coordinator’s job but is giving the Kansas City Chiefs the first shot at hiring him. . . . The Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator after two years of improvement under his guidance.

BOXING

Ruiz to fight Haye on April 3

Former world heavyweight champion John Ruiz told The Times that he has signed a six-fight deal with Golden Boy Promotions in Los Angeles, and will fight current world heavyweight champ David Haye on April 3 in either England or Germany.

Ruiz was the mandatory challenger for Haye, and when negotiations stalled to stage a Haye fight against Vitali Klitschko, talks turned to Ruiz, who said he was also “looking for a promoter.”

Super-middleweight Jermain Taylor, who was punished by Arthur Abraham in the first round of Showtime’s “Super Six” super-middleweight tournament, announced he was dropping out of the boxing tournament.

Taylor (28-4-1, 17 KOs), a former undisputed middleweight champion, was scheduled to fight “Super Six” Round 1 winner Andre Ward on April 17.

-- Lance Pugmire WINTER SPORTS

Vonn falls but isn’t injured

Lindsey Vonn of the United States fell during the first run of a World Cup slalom at Flachau, Austria, but was not hurt in the night event won by Marlies Schild of Austria.

Vonn straddled a gate halfway down the course after losing her right ski. Despite the fall, she kept the lead in the overall standings.

Schild finished in a combined 1 minute 37.89 seconds for her second win of the season and 22nd of her career. Sarah Schleper was the fastest American, finishing 17th in 1:41.08.