[Monkeydad]

Rocca still trying to get his Aussie work visa. Coach Shanahan told him to just marry an American girl and get to work.

Sav Rocca should 'find an American wife', says Redskins coach | Courier Mail

Sav Rocca should 'find an American wife', says Redskins coach


SAV Rocca should find himself an American wife so he can avoid visa problems, Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan joked.

Former AFL player Rocca is stranded in Australia unable to play for the Redskins in the NFL this year because the US Government is yet to grant him a work visa.

The Redskins play their first pre-season game next week and, despite not having a punter, Shanahan made light of the dilemma, telling reporters he suggested to Rocca he marry an American in order to get a green card.

"He's got a job here in the US," Shanahan told reporters.

"Eventually they'll let him go or, at least, I'm hoping they let him go.

"If not, I told him to get married to an American and that'll make it easier."

Rocca's wife, Rose, is likely not too keen on Shanahan's suggestion.

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Shanahan also asked reporters if they knew anyone in the US State Department who could give the former Collingwood and Kangaroos AFL star's visa application a push.

"I'm hoping to get him here by Monday," Shanahan said.

"If you know anybody in the visa department that can help us, I'd really appreciate it. If anybody has any connections, we need some help right now."

Rocca, 37, played the past four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles but, last week, the Redskins signed the Melbourne-born punter.