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Sad news for the Arrington family
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 10:27 am
by Jake
Grieving Arrington Is in a Hurry to Return
By Jason La Canfora
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 6, 2004; Page D04
Washington Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington is pushing to return for Sunday's game with Baltimore, although the Redskins medical staff does not expect him to be able to play as he recovers from minor surgery on his right knee on Sept. 23.
Arrington was not with the team for its last game in Cleveland, returning home to Pittsburgh for the funeral of his teenage cousin, Joseph Arrington. He said he is dedicating the rest of his season to his cousin, who has been an inspiration to the Pro Bowl player.
"I'm going to tear this league up when I get back," Arrington said when leaving Redskins Park yesterday, echoing a sentiment he said he shared with Joseph Arrington just before he passed away from prostate cancer. Joseph Arrington had the disease diagnosed in 2002, when he was 15, and LaVar Arrington shaved off his dreadlocks during training camp that summer in a show of solidarity for his cousin, who was undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Arrington is active in many charitable causes, particularly for sick and underprivileged children, and was close with Joseph.
Arrington has missed the past two games after having the meniscus repaired in his right knee, and he was originally scheduled to miss about four weeks. But with the Redskins losing three straight games and facing a daunting opponent, Arrington said he is doing anything possible to get back on the field.
Should Arrington not be able to play against Baltimore, it may be wise for him to miss the following game at Chicago as well, as the Redskins then head into the bye week, allowing another two weeks to heal. But that scenario does not appeal to Arrington at this point.
"In my mind, I'm pushing for this Sunday," Arrington said. "But strategically, from a strategic standpoint, I'm saying I ain't going to be able to play. But my whole frame of thought is, I'm trying to get back as soon as I can. The mind is a powerful thing, so I don't see why I can't pull it off."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/ar ... 4Oct5.html
It's unfortunate that his cousin passed. Whenever I was able to get LaVar's autograph or say something to him, I always asked about his cousin. He seemed grateful that someone would ask him a considerate question like that. My thoughts and prayers are with Joseph's family.
RIP Joseph
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 10:46 am
by NikiH
I am glad that Lavar is recovering from his knee thing now. It means he does not have to concentrate on the upcoming game, and it gives him some time to deal with this. My thoughts are with his family.
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 11:01 am
by doroshjt
I can't believe a 15 year old had to go through that. Its so sad. I'll have them in thoughts as well.
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 11:18 am
by Redskins1974
Very sad - He's been dealing with this for a while now. I thought about a year ago that things were looking positive. So sad...
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 11:37 am
by Irn-Bru
This is really sad. I remember reading an article where Arrington called Joseph his hero. My thoughts/prayers are most certainly with him and his family at this time.
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 12:07 pm
by Scooter
Thanks for posting that. I'm gonna see if they've got a website for LaVar. I'm glad he's not being made to suffar any longer, but can't help but feel that he was just too young to go through so much. Prayers from out West for the Arrington family.
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 2:28 pm
by John Manfreda
I think all of us at thehogs.net should send a card to him. I don't know were to mail or anything but if there is someone on this website that does know were to mail it, all of us could type up a message of just sign and that person could deliver the card to him. Losing a brother is tough. He said we are the greatest fans now its time to back up that statement.
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 5:02 pm
by Scooter
Good idea John, it's come up before... but fell apart. It would be a nice thing to do and a good group effort thing.
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 6:59 pm
by ryan4012
it is quite sad, lavar must be going through alot but he shouldnt jump the gun with emotions and get himself even more seriously hurt, he needs to just hold on and when hes ready he can give his cousin a show wherever he may be now, but all that really makes atleast me think because he was the same age as me, thats really crazy and i would be glad to sign a card to him or anything, just tell me where to put the john hancock i would want to give back to him in any way possible for how hard hes been working through all this
Re: Sad news for the Arrington family
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 7:17 pm
by SkinFan 0-16 or 16-0
[b]"I'm going to tear this league up when I get back[/b]," Arrington said when leaving Redskins Park yesterday, echoing a sentiment he said he shared with Joseph Arrington just before he passed away from prostate cancer. Joseph Arrington had the disease diagnosed in 2002, when he was 15, and LaVar Arrington shaved off his dreadlocks during training camp that summer in a show of solidarity for his cousin, who was undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
It is so sad what happened. I remember the story about LaVar cutting off his dreadklocks for him back in '02
I don't know why but for some reason I have a feeling that when LaVar does come back whether it be Sunday, next week, or in two more weeks.
We will see a different LaVar when he gets back.
For now on when he steps onto that field Joseph will be with him.
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 7:53 pm
by redskincity
Yeah I heard him on SportsTalk 980 when he said that. He was almost in tears and said, its a promise. He also said, "he has found new energy and will play at another level."
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 10:14 pm
by Irn-Bru
John Manfreda wrote:I think all of us at thehogs.net should send a card to him. I don't know were to mail or anything but if there is someone on this website that does know were to mail it, all of us could type up a message of just sign and that person could deliver the card to him. Losing a brother is tough. He said we are the greatest fans now its time to back up that statement.
Isn't there a way to send him mail through the team?
I actually know his address because of that party fiasco a while back, he lives pretty close to me (in Annapolis). I don't know that I'd want to freak him out like that, though.
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 10:27 pm
by John Manfreda
Maybe there is a adress at Redskins park that we could mail to.
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 10:29 pm
by John Manfreda
Jake don't you know the Redskin park number, maybe you can call and ask for a adress we could mail it to him. I think we should do this. I remeber you said you called and gave them suggestions once.
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 10:31 pm
by General Failure
FanfromAnnapolis wrote:Isn't there a way to send him mail through the team?
Call up the PR department. They're probably the best bet.