http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -- Sean Taylor was defensive, antagonistic, engaged in a bit revisionist history and twice displayed his familiar shrug-and-smirk when confronted with a question he didn't like.
Some things never change. Even though Taylor's legal problems have been resolved, and even though coach Joe Gibbs sat him down for a talk aimed a producing a "fresh start," the Washington Redskins safety was his old self when confronted by a gaggle of reporters Friday after the first practice of a three-day minicamp.
For starters, there was the assault case that hung over Taylor's head for a year, through seven trial postponements. Taylor ended the saga earlier this month when pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors, avoiding any jail time that could have essentially ended his career.
"I think in my case, in my scenario, I think it was the best way to just put it away and let me focus on football these three days," Taylor said. "So you don't have to ask me, 'Why did you miss camp again?' when I show up for training camp, (and) butcher me."
Taylor's relationship with both the Redskins and the media has been rocky since he was drafted No. 5 overall three years.
A partial list of his transgressions includes a $25,000 fine for skipping a mandatory rookie symposium, a drunken driving charge -- eventually dismissed -- that got him benched for one game, and seven fines for late hits and other on-field infractions, including $17,000 for spitting at another player during a playoff game. Then came the no contest plea, which could still lead to a fine or suspension from the NFL.
After all that, Gibbs made it clear that a trouble-free year from Taylor is near the top of the coach's wish list.
"He's had a lot of personal issues there," Gibbs said. "We've had a good talk, and I think he understands that. I think certainly he's been through a lot. I think he's learned a lot. Our feeling is he realizes some of the positions he's put himself in. I think he's ready for a fresh start."
Taylor gets fresh starts because he is immensely talented, with all the tool of a Pro Bowl player who could rule his position for years to come. The Redskins have punished him -- he was forced to work with the second-team unit Friday after missing a large chunk of the voluntary spring workouts -- but the message doesn't always seem to get through.
"As long as you're here from the end of July to January, or whenever the season ends, that's all your team really cares about," Taylor said.
Gibbs couldn't disagree more.
"I think he can be a dominating player," Gibbs said. "He's behind, because of the stuff he's missed. That's tough for us and tough for him."
Last year, Taylor defiantly skipped offseason workouts and wouldn't return Gibbs' calls, saying his offseason time was his own. He changed his story Friday, saying he would have been an offseason participant last year if it were not for "some complications," which he did not explain. He said he decided to attend some of the offseason work this year for the sake of team chemistry.
"Everybody's entitled to their own opinion as far as offseason goes," said Taylor, who also recently became a father.
Teammates and coaches regularly point out that, behind closed doors, Taylor is personable, smart and dedicated to his sport. The Redskins are hoping this is the year he becomes a good citizen when everybody else is watching.
"Hopefully," Gibbs said, "from here, on the road smoothes out."
taylor gets no jail time.... LOL, what a joke
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