Haynesworth must continue counseling as condition of return

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Albert Haynesworth says he learned through counseling that he should quit bottling up his emotions until they explode, a problem that landed him the NFL's longest suspension for an on-field act.

His apparent remorse and willingness to seek help since kicking Dallas center Andre Gurode in the face with his cleats is why he will practice Wednesday with the Tennessee Titans.

But the team is requiring Haynesworth to continue that anger management counseling. And that's fine with him.

"I just want to keep doing it," Haynesworth said. "Honestly, it's helping. I can actually talk about stuff. My wife likes it, too. I actually open up and talk about any problems I have."

Haynesworth worked out at the team's headquarters Monday, the first day he was eligible to return from his five-game suspension spread over six weeks. But the Titans had a few more questions they wanted to review before letting Haynesworth practice with his teammates again.

They finally satisfied themselves and held a news conference Tuesday afternoon detailing what coach Jeff Fisher called one of the most difficult situations the team has faced since he became coach in November 1994.

"We believe ... that Albert is prepared to put this incident behind him, move forward and play this game with the respect and the integrity with which it was designed to be played with," Fisher said.

Haynesworth's first counseling session came six days after swiping his cleats across Gurode's helmetless head on Oct. 1 in a loss to the Cowboys. He has had four sessions so far, and Haynesworth said he didn't know how many he would need.

"I'm glad the (suspension) time is over with, and I'm allowed to come back to work and participate," Haynesworth said.

The counseling was a key factor for the Titans. Fisher said obviously "something went wrong" when Haynesworth left Gurode needing 30 stitches to close his cuts.

Fisher credited Haynesworth with recognizing immediately after the game that he had done something wrong.

"What we want to do as an organization (is) an effort to help Albert. And also the right thing to do is to do everything to ensure this kind of conduct does not happen again," Fisher said.

Owner Bud Adams has been aware of all the discussions, according to Steve Underwood, the team's chief operating officer. He said they are satisfied the process will ensure this won't happen again.