This is a few days old, but still worth the read. The Redskins' second-overall pick in the 2000 draft, linebacker LaVar Arrington, is still recovering from a near-fatal motorcycle accident that pretty much ended his NFL career. A career, by the way, that sandwiched glimpses of athletic brilliance around stints on the pine for various non-athletic reasons.
In this New York Daily News piece, Arrington recounts the accident, talks about his NFL career, and discusses his future. One of the most intriguing revelations -- other than Arrington dropping more than 30 pounds since leaving the game -- are his thoughts on Washington owner Dan Snyder:
"I hate the way that Dan Snyder and Joe Gibbs handled [my last few year's in Washington]," says Arrington, who settled [a contract] dispute with Snyder and surrendered $2 million to get out of his contract in 2006. "So I don't have a liking for them particularly. I made three Pro Bowls under crazy circumstances. People wouldn't even know how complicated it is to be a Washington Redskin. I am not a mudslinger so I won't get into details of it."Arrington then adds: "I will be a successful businessman based on probably 85% of the things I have learned from Daniel Snyder..." So The Danny may not be much of an NFL owner, but there's no disputing his non-football business acumen.
Arrington comes across as a thoughtful, interesting dude. I don't know what it is with professional football players and motorcycles, but credit to Arrington for seemingly learning a big lesson, and getting on with his life.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-28-2007 @ 9:39AM
slurpeeman said...
With all that happened in the end, it easy to forget everything Arrington meant to the Redskins and their their fans. How quicky we forget the three back-to-back Pro Bowls. He was the ONLY bright spot on some dreadful teams here. He single-handedly won several games (versus Carolina in 2001 comes to mind)—more than can be said of any other player in the Snyder era. It seems like he could make plays anywhere on the field—ironic now, knowing that would come to be the knock against him.
All the while he was charming and upbeat and always accessible to the fans. Type his name into Google images and see for yourself: the man clearly never passed up the opportunity to pose with the fans. He deserves success in his post-football career, and I for one know I'll be watching games in his restaurant come next season.
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