Another Redskins distraction: Portis and Sellers have a spat; Zorn says it’s not an issue

More Redskins drama: Portis, Sellers have a spat

ASHBURN, Va. — In a week full of Washington Redskins distractions, here’s another one: The starting backfield of Clinton Portis and Mike Sellers had a bit of a spat.

Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn confirmed Friday that running back Portis and fullback Sellers had a verbal confrontation earlier this week.

Zorn downplayed the dispute and said he didn’t know what it was about. But WRC-TV, which first reported the incident, said that Portis and Sellers had a heated exchange, with Portis venting frustration over Sellers’ blocking.

“These guys love each other. This is just how a team goes,” Zorn said. “I thought it was great. There was no fisticuffs, there was no shoving or pushing. … In reality, it’s just a lot of nudging and posturing.”

Last week on a weekly radio appearance, Portis cited a missed assignment by Sellers as contributing to the Redskins’ failure to score on an early fourth-and-goal play in a loss to the Detroit Lions.

Neither Portis nor Sellers was made available to speak to reporters after practice at the end of a week that has been full of off-kilter news for the Redskins. On Tuesday, the front office hired a consultant, Sherman Lewis, to help out the struggling offense. On Thursday, defensive coordinator Greg Blache began an unexplained media boycott.

Zorn compared the running backs’ clash to two friends fussing over a dollar bill.

“These guys are like brothers,” Zorn said. “And they care about each other, so that’s really between them. Seriously, it’s not an issue.”

Asked about Sellers’ run blocking this year, Zorn said: “Well, he’s missed a couple of blocks. I think he’s been great as a run blocker, though.”