So now we know those offseason rumors about Albert Haynesworth being in excellent shape were false. For the second day in a row, the Redskins defensive tackle failed a conditioning test composed of two 300-yard shuttle runs. Head coach Mike Shanahan has said Haynesworth won't take the field until he passes the test, and I think he means it.

But if you think Shanahan is upset by this situation, think again. He wasn't about to let the brooding Haynesworth undermine his first training camp with the Skins. Everyone in the locker room was watching to see how Shanahan handled Haynesworth's return, and now they know that he won't receive any special favors.

In fact, just the opposite is true. Haynesworth is humiliating himself on a national scale right now, and Shanahan's not reaching for a life preserver. It's a strong message to the Redskins that no one player is above the team. If Haynesworth wants to join his teammates, he'll eventually have to pass the test.

Some of you might be wondering why the other players aren't asked to complete this test. Well, those players spent the offseason at Redskins Park going through conditioning workouts. Shanahan had no idea what kind of shape Haynesworth would be in, but I bet he had a hunch.

Haynesworth will eventually pass the test without having to take a bathroom break, but everyone around the league will know that Shanahan's the boss in Washington -- if they didn't already. These two men just completed a five-month staredown -- and Haynesworth was first to blink.

We'll keep you posted on this situation. The Beast arrives in Ashburn, Va., on Thursday, so we'll see if No. 92 has taken the field by then. I'm curious. Does anyone feel sorry for Haynesworth right now?