Report: Mike Shanahan's possible benching of RGIII intended to provoke his firing

Mike Shanahan and Dan Snyder's relationship has been under scrutiny as of late. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Washington Redskins' coach Mike Shanahan may have threatened to bench Robert Griffin III to goad owner Daniel Snyder into firing him, according to Mark Maske of TheWashington Post.

Shanahan told reporters on Monday that he was considering benching Griffin in an effort to prevent him from taking further punishment after having been sacked 38 times already this season. An executive in the organization indicated that Snyder would allow his coach to make the call on who will start Sunday.

“He won’t step in and interfere with that,” the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic. “He’s not going to step into a personnel decision that way.”

SI WIRE: Mike Shanahan may not start Robert Griffin III this Sunday

However, a source inside the franchise believes the announcement of a possible benching of Griffin was intended to provoke Snyder into firing Shanahan:

It is believed that Shanahan would be paid for the remainder of his contract, which runs through next season and is worth about $7 million per season, if he is fired but would forfeit the money due to him for the rest of his contract if he resigns.

BURKE: Mike Shanahan may not recieve remaining money if fired by Washington Redskins