LaVar Arrington had been the face of the Washington Redskins and the most popular sports figure in the nation's capital. The outside linebacker loved the community and organized countless charity events. Yet, at 27, Arrington forfeited $4.4 million for the opportunity to leave.
Arrington's decision had salary-cap ramifications beneficial to both sides. However, the denouement to this two-year soap opera was personal as much as business.
Arrington's days were numbered once he accused owner Daniel Snyder of cheating him in an eight-year, $68 million extension signed in December 2003. Arrington contended that the club purposely removed an agreed-upon $6.5 million in guarantees from a final draft he signed at Redskins Park under deadline pressure. Arrington filed a grievance against the Redskins in March 2004 and a resolution came after several postponed arbitration hearings.
Although Arrington had patched up some aspects of his relationship with the organization, too many wounds remained. The acrimony had been so deep that the club stopped featuring its former marquee attraction in its marketing campaigns. Then the defensive staff that came in 2004 bristled at his star power while emphasizing a no-name unit.
"It wasn't just X's and O's last season," one of the Redskins's top players told me this week. "A lot of it was personal. I don't know exactly where it was coming from, but it was bigger than any of us."
I didn't realize he was only 27, he's still very young. I'm glad he is gone though, he came up BIG in Tampa but we don't really need him, esp; for as much he was making.
Listen. I absolutely loved Lavar Arrington, the personality, the potential. The fact remains, however, that he really never fully lived up to his hype.
Depending on where he goes and the system they play, he might eventually finally live up to his hype and become a dominant LB. Too bad it wasn't here, however.
I am looking forward to see who our next LB will be at that position and how Greg Williams gets this defense playing again.
Fran Farren
"Justice Hog"
Newark, DE
“God didn't give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving and controlled.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Justice Hog wrote:Listen. I absolutely loved Lavar Arrington, the personality, the potential. The fact remains, however, that he really never fully lived up to his hype.
Depending on where he goes and the system they play, he might eventually finally live up to his hype and become a dominant LB. Too bad it wasn't here, however.
I am looking forward to see who our next LB will be at that position and how Greg Williams gets this defense playing again.
Arrington wasn't even the most popular LB on his own team.
I thought he was great (and am pissed that the shirt I have for him is useless) but c'mon, be reasonable.
"Guess [Ryan Kerrigan] really does have a good motor. And is relentless. And never quits on a play. And just keeps coming. And probably eats Wheaties and drinks Apple Pie smoothies and shaves with Valvoline." -Dan Steinberg DC Sports Bog
