FROM SUN STAFF AND NEWS SERVICES — The Washington Redskins will pick up the fifth-year option on quarterback Robert Griffin III's contract despite a 2014 season marred by injuries and poor performance, general manager Scot McCloughan announced Monday. Meanwhile, McCloughan said the move doesn't impact the team's draft plans and didn't rule out selecting a quarterback. McCloughan, hired in January to rescue the long-suffering franchise, said he will approach all seven rounds of this weekend's NFL draft with the goal of selecting the best player available, rather than drafting for need. Washington had until Sunday to exercise the option on Griffin's contract, which means it will retain his rights in 2016. But McCloughan said he and other team officials came to their conclusion "a while back," and that a predraft news conference seemed like the right time to announce it. McCloughan said he informed Griffin and his agent of the decision Monday morning.
—Mike Jones, The Washington Post
College baseball
Terps' Shawaryn accepts invitation to national team
Maryland sophomore right-hander Mike Shawaryn has accepted an invitation to join the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team and be part of a 24-player squad that will play at least 17 games in a tour through June and July. Shawaryn will become the first student-athlete in program history to represent the United States in competition. "To be able to represent your country is incredible," Shawaryn said." It's a humbling moment to be considered one of the 24 best players and wear the USA across your chest. It was a lifelong dream, and I haven't really comprehended it yet. It's a huge honor." After setting the single-season program record for wins in a season (11) last year, Shawaryn leads the country with a 10-0 record and has a 1.57 ERA.
Et cetera
Nationals' Scherzer out after spraining right thumb
As expected, Washington Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer will not make his scheduled start today in Atlanta. The right thumb he sprained while hitting Thursday is still swollen, so he cannot grip all of his pitches as he normally would. "Anytime you deal with an injury to your pitching hand, you literally have to be 100 percent to go back out there," said Scherzer, who signed a seven-year, $210 million deal with Washington in the offseason. Despite the caution over the injury, manager Matt Williams said he believes Scherzer could be ready to start again before his next turn, which would come Sunday.
—Chelsea Janes, The Washington Post
National Women's Soccer League: Midfielder Christine Nairn (Archbishop Spalding) scored her third goal in two matches as the Washington Spirit (2-1-0) claimed a 3-1 win over host Sky Blue FC (1-1-1, 4 points) on Sunday.
Men's college lacrosse: Johns Hopkins junior Ryan Brown (Calvert Hall) was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. Blue Jays faceoff specialist Hunter Moreland (Boys' Latin) was honored as Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week. … Mount St. Mary's freshman Matt Vierheller received Northeast Conference Rookie of the Week honors.
Women's college lacrosse: Maryland junior Taylor Cummings (McDonogh) earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors. … Towson senior Kelsea Donnelly (South River) was selected as Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Week. … Washington College sophomore Alli Dudley (Francis Scott Key) was chosen as Centennial Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
College softball: McDaniel junior Marty Windisch (Manchester Valley) was named the Centennial Conference Pitcher of the Week.
Varsity: Archbishop Curley has hired Matthew Hatton as its new athletic director. Hatton, who is set to start July 1, will succeed William Dawson, who is retiring after 28 years at the school. Hatton is currently the men's lacrosse coach at McDaniel, where he also serves as a physical education professor and academic liaison for the school's 24 varsity teams. … Meade has head coaching openings for the varsity girls basketball and varsity wrestling teams. To apply, email your resume to Meade athletic director Kevin Rutledge at krutledge@aacps.org. Applications will be accepted until May 6.