Lavar Arrington Interview on ESPN Radio

[cyberaj]

Lavar Arrington was just interviewed by Dan Patrick on ESPN radio just after 1 pm. A couple things that surprised me from the interview:

1.) Arrington stated that he has not talked to Coach Gibbs and was in no rush to talk to him, but he would talk to Coach Gibbs if and when Coach Gibbs called him.

You would think he would be in rush to get the lines of communication started and get the offseason going in the right direction.

2.) Arrington also said he was not all that impressed with Coach Gibbs because all the previous Redskin coaches durring his carrer also arrived with alot of accolades.

Arrington needs to step back for a moment and realize Coach Gibbs has 3 Super Bowl rings as a HC unlike the previous 4 HC.

Thoughts?

[skinz74]

I think Joe's gonna be pretty understanding about the multitude of head chokers the team has had to endure the past umpteen seasons (basically since his departure.) So I don't look for Joe to take either as an insult. I believe once evaluations begin...all slates will be wiped clean (both positives and negatives) and each player will have to prove their worth. I firmly believe that once LA begins to understand the reality of his surroundings he'll shut up and play some of the best football of his career. And I believe that will go for all Redskin players with the potential to say something out of line. Once the team gets on the same page...there will be no need for talking. Their record and performance will speak for itself. Period.

[Jake]

Welcome to the board.

I heard that he also said on the radio that he wants Corey Dillon, too. That would be a bad move.

And as far as Gibbs goes, LaVar said the same thing on the BDSSP a few nights ago. He said he's waiting for Gibbs to make the first move. I don't know if LaVar is trying to make a statement by playing this chess game with gibbs, but it's not working. it's not like gibbs is a bum off the street or coming out of college.

[gibbsfan]

I think Joe's gonna be pretty understanding about the multitude of head chokers the team has had to endure the past umpteen seasons (basically since his departure.) So I don't look for Joe to take either as an insult. I believe once evaluations begin...all slates will be wiped clean (both positives and negatives) and each player will have to prove their worth. I firmly believe that once LA begins to understand the reality of his surroundings he'll shut up and play some of the best football of his career. And I believe that will go for all Redskin players with the potential to say something out of line. Once the team gets on the same page...there will be no need for talking. Their record and performance will speak for itself. Period.

he will find out soon enough!

joe gibbs is what the redskins stand for! lavar you will be just fine just wait and see for yourself sir!

[DEHog]

Welcome aboard Cyberaj...what took you so long???

Due these players really understand the history Gibbs brings with him? Then again maybe Joe likes it that way, afterall he said at the PC the past means nothing, he didn't even wear any of his SB rings!!

[dallasisdead2004]

I hardly think LaVar is trying to play a "chess game" with Gibbs' head. He's simply stating the obvious. All of us here understand Gibbs' accolades and could not be more excited about his comeback, so should the players, but they also feel what has been dealt to them the past couple years. They have every right to show some skepticism. Once the full coaching staff is in place, communications will open up, and the players will be in for a treat come that first mini-camp. Some of the players (Ramsey, LaVar), who have been reluctant to say their expectations of Gibbs are high, will change their minds soon enough.

[tcwest10]

I heard you, DEhog. I have something to add.
I have to throw my lot is with Skins74 and Dallasisdead (lovin' that name, bro !).
Let's look at it from a different perspective. First, let's assume that LaVar speaks for some other teammates, and not just himself. (I vaguely recall that he equated his new contract to a responsibility to become a team leader, somehow.) They must be talking to each other, right ?
(C'mon. I can hear the Nextels from here in New York!) The same as we're all talking now. They aren't fans, as we are. They are players. For all intents and purposes, they are employees. There's been yet another change in management. Picture this, if you can, at your own job. Imagine having the cream-of-the-crop manager/boss each year for the past three years. Ray Rhodes, former head coach and defensive genius. Marvin Lewis, the guy that came up with those great Raven defensive teams. George Edwards, a Lewis disciple, who represented the first real consistancy in a very fluid situation and essentially let you pick your job on the field, with varying results.
How would Arrington look to his fellow D-Men if he got all giddy and stupid about meeting Joe Gibbs ? Sure, he has Super Bowl Rings. From the 80's and 90's ! Marvin Lewis had one too, only newer. He left Lavar hanging, didn't he ? Ray Rhodes ? Here's a peek at his stats:

Team Rank before, and Rank after
Green Bay 1991 1993
Packers 10 (300.8) 2 (280.1)
San Francisco 1993 1994
49ers 15 (312.3) 8 (302.4)
Washington 1999 2000
Redskins 30 (356.6) 4 (279.6)
Denver 2000 2001
Broncos 24 (346.5) 6 (298.4)
Seattle 2002 2003
Seahawks 28 (365.8) ???

A look at Ray Rhodes' NFL coaching career:
Years Team Position
1981-82 San Francisco Asst. secondary
In his first season, helped team win Super Bowl.
1983-91 San Francisco Def. backs coach
Team earned 10 playoff berths during his tenure.
1992-93 Green Bay Def. coordinator
Joins Holmgren; team makes playoffs in 1993.
1994 San Francisco Def. coordinator
With strong secondary, team wins Super Bowl.
1995-98 Philadelphia Head coach
Was NFL coach of the year in his first season.
1999 Green Bay Head coach
Took over for Holmgren; finished with 8-8 record.
2000 Washington Def. coordinator
Turned around disastrous defense in one year.
2001-02 Denver Def. coordinator
Again, fixed a sluggish defense in no time at all.

Why should LaVar be giddy and sweet ? He'd look like an idiot. In his heart, I'll bet he's happy. As a "new team leader", though, he has to act aloof.
Joe surely understands this. He wouldn't be "Joe" if he didn't.

[Wingman]

With this interview happening, I will be curious to see how the DC media picks it up and runs with it. Under the previous regimes they would have said that this was the end of the line for this franchise and would start slamming Snyder for not keeping the house in order. I would be surprised to see anyone take that angle now. Well, except for Sally Jenkins....

[Justice Hog]

I gotta tell ya, Lavar's comments kind of annoy me. Sure, he's gone through a lot of coaches...so he's just tryin' to keep his initial distance, I suppose; however....

...isn't this the same guy who said he followed the "tradition" of the Redskins as a young lad...and he appreciated the history of Washington Redskins football?

If he did, then he would KNOW what Joe Gibbs brings to the table...and he would be showing that he's a leader by making the first step(s) to communicate with Joe, and not playing the waiting game!

What are the other players going to think when they hear these comments? I'm just wonderin'.

[redskincity]

I think because of the fact that he had 6 coaches and played for one of the greatest college coaches that needs to retire..... that his emotions got away.

[Tpham33]

Lavar needs to shut his mouth and stop promoting himself on all these shows. I think he's been overrated and overhyped in this town. He knows it and he's been using his popularity. All we see from him are flashes of incredible talent hindered by a lack of discipline and teamwork. He is too self-absorbed, always runs his mouth after a win or a loss, but does not deliver on the field on a consistent basis. A player of his caliber should have an impact on his team and the players around him, just like Ray Lewis does. I don't see that from Lavar.
I suspect he looks unhappy for two reasons: first, he is tired of the constant coaching changes he's had to go through and I don't blame him. There is no continuity and therefore it is hard to build on something. Second, I think he was one of the "inmates running the asylum" under Spurrier. There was no authority figure, especially after Marvin Lewis left. Sometimes, you felt that Lavar was the voice of the Redskins, that he spoke on behalf of the team (as opposed to Bruce Smith who only spoke on behalf of himself, but that's another topic...). Lavar's recent comments with regards to Gibbs only show that his ego has become too big. Now with the arrival of Gibbs, Lavar knows he no longer is the center of attention and his "colorful" comments won't matter anymore. Gibbs is the new boss in town, he is going to run the show and he will not tolerate slackers and divas on this team.
Players never like coaching changes, especially when the new coach is more of a disciplinarian than his predecessor. The players on this team have been spoiled brats for the last two years under Spurrier. I have confidence that Gibbs will whip them into shape and they will follow his leadership. Lavar just needs more discipline and someone to tell him what to do. He has been freelancing too much. In time, I believe he will return to pro-Bowl level.
So, Lavar, it is time to put up and shut up.

[Warmother]

In time, I believe he will return to pro-Bowl level.
So, Lavar, it is time to put up and shut up.[/quote]

Lavar is already at a Pro-Bowl level, He's going to His 3rd straight. Maybe You mean league defensive player of the year?

[Philly is an Armpit]

I think he feels upstaged by Gibbs' return. Lavar just signed a HUGE contract and wants his nickname to be "LA Nation". These are cries for attention. The money of the long term contract has gone to his head. I'll be very interested in how Gibbs and Williams handle this diva. Comparing Gibbs to Turner, Schottie or what's his name from Florida is blasphemous- Lavar will have to pay his penetance before regaining my respect.

[JansenFan]

It's amazing the difference in opinion I have heard on this topic. The version of the story I was told this morning is that Coach Gibbs had called him and he wasn't returning the call. That version of the story had a multitude of fans yelling "Trade LaVar!". Either way, LaVar is the best Linebacker we got. We need his skill set to make the 46 defense work and prima donna or not, number 56 leaves it all on the field. It won't take long for LaVar and the rest of the 'skins to see the difference between the organization that Coach Gibbs brings to the team as it compares to the OBC regime's approach (or lack there of).

[Philly is an Armpit]

There's no doubt he's the best we have, but his initial attitude towards Gibbs doesn't show the reverence deserved of the man. He may be a Pro-bowler, but he ain't a Superbowler yet.

[gibbsfan]

There's no doubt he's the best we have, but his initial attitude towards Gibbs doesn't show the reverence deserved of the man. He may be a Pro-bowler, but he ain't a Superbowler yet.

come first mini camp lavar will get an idea!

[Brandon777]

Lavar is a prick for saying that. There is nothing wrong with being skeptical about a new coach after you have been through so many of them. However, Joe Gibbs is one of the best coaches in NFL history. If Lavar feels this way, thats his opinion, but you don't go running your mouth on the airwaves and stirring up a stink. His comment shows why the redskins have struggled for the last 10 years (high egos and no disipline). I was born a skins fan. I liked Lavar, but after hearing of this idiodic comments, I could care of less if he was trade. I don't care how good he is. I would rather see a line backer who works hard, shows respect to the coach, and does what is best for the team instead of a pro bowler who is already insulting his new coach on the airwaves.

[tcwest10]

I think he feels upstaged by Gibbs' return. Lavar just signed a HUGE contract and wants his nickname to be "LA Nation". These are cries for attention. The money of the long term contract has gone to his head. I'll be very interested in how Gibbs and Williams handle this diva. Comparing Gibbs to Turner, Schottie or what's his name from Florida is blasphemous- Lavar will have to pay his penetance before regaining my respect.

Blasphemy ? Maybe. All LaVar knows, though, is constant change. I didn't catch the broadcast, but I caught this years ago: Joe Gibbs will know what he has in LaVar Arrington. (I won't call him the next LT. How about the next Wilber Marshall, until proven otherwise ?) Either way, you can surely expect the free-lancing to end. C'mon. The man had his run of the place last year. He's spoiled rotten. Joe, perhaps more than any other Coach, can handle Prima Donna's. See Theismann, Joe for reference. Remember that SI issue in 1984, where Theismann had the tape over his mouth ?

[Montana Redskin]

Lavar needs to shut his mouth and stop promoting himself on all these shows. I think he's been overrated and overhyped in this town. He knows it and he's been using his popularity. All we see from him are flashes of incredible talent hindered by a lack of discipline and teamwork. He is too self-absorbed, always runs his mouth after a win or a loss, but does not deliver on the field on a consistent basis. A player of his caliber should have an impact on his team and the players around him, just like Ray Lewis does. I don't see that from Lavar.
I suspect he looks unhappy for two reasons: first, he is tired of the constant coaching changes he's had to go through and I don't blame him. There is no continuity and therefore it is hard to build on something. Second, I think he was one of the "inmates running the asylum" under Spurrier. There was no authority figure, especially after Marvin Lewis left. Sometimes, you felt that Lavar was the voice of the Redskins, that he spoke on behalf of the team (as opposed to Bruce Smith who only spoke on behalf of himself, but that's another topic...). Lavar's recent comments with regards to Gibbs only show that his ego has become too big. Now with the arrival of Gibbs, Lavar knows he no longer is the center of attention and his "colorful" comments won't matter anymore. Gibbs is the new boss in town, he is going to run the show and he will not tolerate slackers and divas on this team.
Players never like coaching changes, especially when the new coach is more of a disciplinarian than his predecessor. The players on this team have been spoiled brats for the last two years under Spurrier. I have confidence that Gibbs will whip them into shape and they will follow his leadership. Lavar just needs more discipline and someone to tell him what to do. He has been freelancing too much. In time, I believe he will return to pro-Bowl level.
So, Lavar, it is time to put up and shut up.

Amen, Tpham33, amen....to a T! took the words right out of my mouth....Lavar's a stud, but hasn't been consistent enough and blows assignments too often. The only guy that deserves to be going to Hawaii is Coles...