Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=Southpaw]I doubt very seriously that LaVar needs any kind of coddling to perform. There's a huge gap between coddling and berating. And they're not trying to push LaVar to see how he responds, they're pushing him out the door.[/QUOTE]

Well, that's your take on it.

Why are they pushing him out the door then?

Because they don't like him??

There has to be a legit reason behind this, that's all I'm looking for.

LaVar has proven to be a very emotional guy who tends to take things the wrong way and pout when things aren't going his way. I doubt the staff is treating him poorly for no good reason.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=skins052bgr8] What was I thinking Lavar the coach should not get on you about missing assignments, you are Mr. Redskin and the fans love you.[/QUOTE]

Unless the coaches also flip out on Springs for every missed tackle, or Taylor for every blown coverage, or Wynn for being practically useless, then it's obvious that LaVar is being singled out. Other players seem to agree is the case too.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

hey lavar are you a redskin and if so play like one with heart.
the redskins will move on but do you want to go with them or without them
lavar i liked you since you have been here but it,s up to you.

oh yeah don,t we play the eagles this weekend

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]Because they don't like him??

There has to be a legit reason behind this, that's all I'm looking for.[/QUOTE]


[QUOTE=Mike Wise]

He won't say who, but we already know where and with whom the enmity began. Snyder, the team owner who made him fabulously rich and befriended his charismatic, handsome linebacking star, dumped him quicker than AOL stock. From the moment Arrington filed a contract grievance in March 2004, contending the team omitted $6.5 million in bonus money agreed upon for the 2006 season, he was shuttled out of Snyder' suite and sent to the doghouse. The Redskins said they did not owe Arrington the money, and the linebacker eventually dropped the arbitration case.

But with Snyder no longer in his corner, it became open season on Arrington for the coaching staff.

When Arrington was hardly playing in late September and early October this season, he saw Snyder in a hallway and was about to offer some pleasantries. "Don't talk to me," the owner said, according to a person who saw the encounter. "I didn't have anything to do with this."

When Gibbs and his coaching staff took over the team two years ago, they did not consider Arrington to be part of the solution to the franchise's woes; they saw him as another impediment. They believed Arrington could not curb his individualism for the good of the team. They never got around the perception that he could not fit in. They saw Arrington as a nuisance -- a high-maintenance, high-salaried star who could never live up to his Pro Bowl aura or reputation.[/QUOTE]


Now I know this article is all completely false, because the coaches haven't ever said anything other than, "he misses assignments", but in my eyes, this tells me that they prejudged LaVar, and have viewed him as a problem from the start.

Now I'm not completely in LaVar's corner, because I do think this was a horrible time to make these comments to the media, but obviously, he's been getting the sh-t end of the stick since the new coaching regime got here.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

Wow, that Post article was really mind-boggling. Very sad to see LaVar treated this way. Interesting comment by another player who wisely chose to remain anonymous. Who would dare to speak out after seeing LaVar berated this way?

LaVar is in no way totally innocent in all of this and I am not implying that he is. But, this organization has treated a very talented and loyal player very poorly. Things have gotten so bad that they seem to be going out of their way to find fault with him. If he is so unstrustworthy on the field, then surely many, many other players are even more so. I always thought that they allowed him to return as a starter only grudgingly, after the public questioning and outcry became too much for them to deal with.

As for me, give me 11 defensive players with LaVar's talent and enthusiasm any day of the week, over "the system and the scheme". Sadly, I think things have gone too far to ever be smoothed over. LaVar will be gone and the Skins will be the biggest losers in all of this.

I hope he goes on to greater challenges and victories, whether it be in football or another field. LaVar, you are right, most of the fans love you. Too bad your owner and some of your coaches have no more use for you.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, this organization (Snyder et. al) seem to have a knack for creating scenarios that lead to nasty departures for many star players. I'm not including Gibbs in this, because he has always treated his players with respect. But, I'm not sure I can say the same for some of his current assistant coaches.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=mheisig]Gosh that's a sad article. Sure, Lavar isn't some completely innocent little child in all of this, but it sure sounds like a guy who really believed in and loved the Redskins organization only to be tossed aside.

I'm glad he has some perspective on life and I'm sure he'll be successful after football. It's quite a testament to his love for the organization that he will pretty much retire before playing anywhere else.

Yes, I know, the team is more than just one guy. But it sure is sad seeing one good player after another getting cast aside like trash.

The team IS more than the individual player, but it shouldn't be at the expense of the individual.[/QUOTE]

I couldn't agree more. The Snyder regime has cast aside many good players and, in a lot of cases, they left with plenty of bitter memories of how they were treated. It's not just LaVar -- he is just next in a long line of players that have been poorly treated by this organization.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=Southpaw]Unless the coaches also flip out on Springs for every missed tackle, or Taylor for every blown coverage, or Wynn for being practically useless, then it's obvious that LaVar is being singled out. Other players seem to agree is the case too.[/QUOTE]

I would be completely surprised if GW and the coaching staff has not jumped on other players about missed assignments, the difference we do not know because like the majority of other players it comes with the territory. I don't remeber any player saying Lavar was singled out and the coaches do not get on anyone but him. I recall everyone saying GW lets everyone know if they are not playing up to par along with Greg Blache and Dale Lindsey are all outspoken and demand the best out of their players and ride them all. Professionals keep that in house and don't take it personal each person is accountable and should be able to handle criticism. Nobody said they were going to Bench him for the mistakes, but in game of this importance do you not really think if you are making mistakes that could cost your team a coach is not going to get into your ass.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

The saddest thing in all of this, is that when we were losing... snyder was still making an assload of money on the team, and I for one only had Lavar to look forward to seeing play on sundays. That was about the only thing I got joy from when we were basically a laughing stock for the league, was LA layin people out and killing QB's. I want him to be a part of a winning Redskins football team, and when he signed his contract extention, he was content with being a Redskin for life even though we were going through coaches and blowing seasons left and right. Now we're winning, and we cant make room for the guy. Its a sad story.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=skins052bgr8]I don't remeber any player saying Lavar was singled out and the coaches do not get on anyone but him. [/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Mike Wise]He finally hung up on Lindsey, and the feud carried over into the locker room, growing more profane and personal. It ended with Arrington telling Lindsey to "Back off!" and "Treat me like a man!" According to two persons privy to the altercation, the coach went a tad more overboard than the player.

"I was thinking, 'Enough already,' " said one player, on condition of anonymity. "Let LaVar be."[/QUOTE]

I'm not saying LaVar is the only player who gets yelled at, but at least a few people thought this altercation was getting "profane and personal", and another player thought Lindsey was going over the line, and not just giving the typical "getting on him" speech.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=canthetuna]The saddest thing in all of this, is that when we were losing... snyder was still making an assload of money on the team, and I for one only had Lavar to look forward to seeing play on sundays. That was about the only thing I got joy from when we were basically a laughing stock for the league, was LA layin people out and killing QB's. I want him to be a part of a winning Redskins football team, and when he signed his contract extention, he was content with being a Redskin for life even though we were going through coaches and blowing seasons left and right. Now we're winning, and we cant make room for the guy. Its a sad story.[/QUOTE]
I am very sad like u...these people just dont understand all they know is shut up lavar....i know what u mean he deserves to be a part of this....and they cant understand the way he feels i am hurt by this too and i have been a skins fan since 1972 but i am not even excited by this game i feel sick that they could treat this man like this...

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

I never thought i could feel anything but love and pride for the REDSKINS but this makes me sick and not wanna watch football

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=Southpaw]Now I know this article is all completely false, because the coaches haven't ever said anything other than, "he misses assignments", but in my eyes, this tells me that they prejudged LaVar, and have viewed him as a problem from the start.

Now I'm not completely in LaVar's corner, because I do think this was a horrible time to make these comments to the media, but obviously, he's been getting the sh-t end of the stick since the new coaching regime got here.[/QUOTE]

Everyone else bought into assignments and proving day in and day out that we work as a team we win as a team. Lavar himself said I didn't know I had to show them in practice. How could he not they preach the off season program and the importance of practice since the get go. What part of the article did you assume was fact and that evidence is there to say they prejudged him ohh yeah it is because Mike Wise of the Post wrote it so it has to be fact or was the final nail in the couffin when after Lavar got yelled at by Lindsey and he has another outburst. The simple thing is they are building a team and they expect things from everybody on a team. Lavar can play and I don't care if he freelances I love watching him make plays, but I am not the coach and I do not make a game plan for individuals to follow to help this team win they do. These coaches are day in and day out coaching players 52 other players and one who has had his ego driven by diehard Arrington fans since 2000 who love the big play capability that he brings, but how come the other 52 are not crying the blues. Arrington is the only one who believes he can play within a system are all the coaches he played for and those players who played beside him all against him as well when they say he is out of position at times more so than many other players. Just play damn it, and stop worrying about what people write or say. I will be completely surprised if he follows through with the retiring mumbo jumbo, his demeanor and comments change like the wind. It is a business and no player is above the team, the owner, or the organization. Bailey was tired of the turnover, nothing against him so he chose to leave, Coles did not want to be here so see ya, Smoot and Pierce said they wanted to be here, but after releasing Coles and the cap hit we could not afford what they were asking for and the coaches made the call why am I going to pay Smoot more than the best corner Springs that is on the roster, that is the direction we are going sorry they missed the boat when we would have paid market value or higher for an individual. Those signings went much further than this year and looked at years ahead salary hits. It was not they were done wrong by the organization, they just could not fit a suitable contract to keep Pierce or Smoot they made a very reasonable offer they did not just say we are not going to be competitive you are not worth anything to us, but we are not going to break the bank. Then again their feelings were hurt due to the way Spurrier and Snyder ran the show in previous years and times are different under Gibbs and Snyder. Build for more stabalized team, no matter how hard you try you are going to loose key players, it happens to everyone. Forget Ty Law was just done so wrong by what most say is the best built team or one of the best built teams. You can't keep dipping in Free Agency and signing big name players or resigning them to lucrative contracts, IT IS NOT PERSONAL!

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=railcon56@comcast.net]I am very sad like u...these people just dont understand all they know is shut up lavar....i know what u mean he deserves to be a part of this....and they cant understand the way he feels i am hurt by this too and i have been a skins fan since 1972 but i am not even excited by this game i feel sick that they could treat this man like this...[/QUOTE]


I have not heard anyone from the organization say Lavar does not fit into future plans, only Lavar speculating on his Cap hit. Beyond that the second half of the season he has been playing happy and says he was wrong he was not ready to play the first couple weeks (applaud Lavar you are handling this so well ), all is good until he gets jumped on by Lindsey this weekend (This organization does not want me I may retire) (applaud Lavar he is a true Redskin he won't play for another team he loves this organization). You weap for Lavar because he makes you want to weap for him. I agree he deserves to be a apart of this team in the future, but he is not a victim. I have said before I love what Lavar brought in the seasons we were loosing, he was the only exciting thing, but we were loosing no playoff trips not his fault, but it is beyond him carrying this team now we have good coaches, playmakers in other positions, and a team attitude

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

Poor, poor LaVar. How will the team win without him?

Oh, that's right, they already have.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]Poor, poor LaVar. How will the team win without him?

Oh, that's right, they already have.[/QUOTE]

:laughing2 Exactly!!

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[color=black]You know....I see two things here that are vital. [/color]

[color=black] [/color]

[color=black](1) Arrington is being a distraction at a time that is absolutely unacceptable. No matter how great of a player he is, he simply cannot be the T.O. of this team. His problems must take a backseat for the greater good until the off-season when both sides have the focus to discuss his future responsibly. I think he knows this as a professional, but he is simply overwhelmed from the media who always seems to want to vilify someone to sell airtime. Sadly, he has been their target for at least the last year. I can understand why he is upset, but as it was said about the USA Hockey Team who took out the Russians back in the day, “the name on the front is a hell of a lot more important than the name on the back”.[/color]

[color=black] [/color]

[color=black](2) Whether Arrington can understand a scheme and play as part of a team is not the total issue. He's a great athlete, a specimen of strength and endurance, and a dentist’s worst nightmare. I’d love to see him pigeonholed into schemes where he can’t screw up to prove he is worthy of staying a Redskin for life. More though, on the opposite end, I do NOT want to see him on an opposing sideline with an axe to grind. He needs to be coached with kid gloves if necessary, but we do not need him to turn into the next L.T. taking shots at Brunell’s bad knees. Put him in a restrictive scheme and utilize his ferociousness for now. As he becomes more competent, give him more responsibility.[/color]

[color=black] [/color]

[color=black]The bottom line is the Redskins have a shot to make their own destiny. Few teams have ever had this luxury. All for one and one for all. Fight with all your heart because tomorrow you might not be able to.[/color]

[color=black] [/color]

[color=black]I couldn’t be more psyched or proud of this team.[/color]

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=Redskins][color=black]You know....I see two things here that are vital. [/color]



[color=black](1) Arrington is being a distraction at a time that is absolutely unacceptable. No matter how great of a player he is, he simply cannot be the T.O. of this team. His problems must take a backseat for the greater good until the off-season when both sides have the focus to discuss his future responsibly. I think he knows this as a professional, but he is simply overwhelmed from the media who always seems to want to vilify someone to sell airtime. Sadly, he has been their target for at least the last year. I can understand why he is upset, but as it was said about the USA Hockey Team who took out the Russians back in the day, “the name on the front is a hell of a lot more important than the name on the back”.[/color]



[color=black](2) Whether Arrington can understand a scheme and play as part of a team is not the total issue. He's a great athlete, a specimen of strength and endurance, and a dentist’s worst nightmare. I’d love to see him pigeonholed into schemes where he can’t screw up to prove he is worthy of staying a Redskin for life. More though, on the opposite end, I do NOT want to see him on an opposing sideline with an axe to grind. He needs to be coached with kid gloves if necessary, but we do not need him to turn into the next L.T. taking shots at Brunell’s bad knees. Put him in a restrictive scheme and utilize his ferociousness for now. As he becomes more competent, give him more responsibility.[/color]



[color=black]The bottom line is the Redskins have a shot to make their own destiny. Few teams have ever had this luxury. All for one and one for all. Fight with all your heart because tomorrow you might not be able to.[/color]



[color=black]I couldn’t be more psyched or proud of this team.[/color][/QUOTE]

Nice first post, welcome to the board!

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]Poor, poor LaVar. How will the team win without him?

Oh, that's right, they already have.[/QUOTE]

My problem is Danny has alienated so many players around the league that he is affecting our reputation among not only league observers, but potential future Redskins. Danny first alienated Brian Mitchell, then Stephen Davis, then Champ Bailey, then Laveranues Coles, and now LaVar Arrington. Exactly how many great Redskins does Danny plan on pissing on?

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=Ramseyfan]My problem is Danny has alienated so many players around the league that he is affecting our reputation among not only league observers, but potential future Redskins. Danny first alienated Brian Mitchell, then Stephen Davis, then Champ Bailey, then Laveranues Coles, and now LaVar Arrington. Exactly how many great Redskins does Danny plan on pissing on?[/QUOTE]

Granted Snyder isn't totally innocent and he's definitely made his share of mistakes, but at the same time some of those guys you mentioned aren't innocent victims either.

Mitchell has since reconciled with the team.

Davis' departure was more due to a new system in which he didn't fit in, plus his monster contract was a factor. I don't recall Snyder having a falling out with him though.

Champ wanted out no matter what due to the constant coaching turnover, yes Snyder is partly to blame there but I don't think Snyder "pissed" on him personally in any way.

The Coles situation definitely could have been handled better by Snyder, but again I'm not going to give Coles a free pass.

As for Arrington... again he's not an innocent victim.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

Wow...
I am 100% torn on this one guys. I have been an ardent coaching staff supporter but part of me is now conflicted.

While I trust Gibbs and company 100% to make proper personel decisions I wonder how this situation got so mismanaged. The problem here seems to me not that Lavar should or shouldn't be playing but that Lavar seems to want to be treated one way but all his actions and reputation have soured enough opinions of him that he can't possibly be treated that way.

Let's clear one thing up. There have been rumors since he was drafted that he freelanced too much and couldn't be counted on to stick to assignments. These were rumors from everywhere and not within the Skisn necessarily. I think it is pretty obvious that the defensive coaching staff felt strongly that Lavar wouldn't fit in with his style of freelancing and by sheer bad luck he never got a chance to prove them wrong because of injuries. This whole situation has pretty much convinced me that Lavar does indeed freelance too much. It is hard for us to see because we don't know what assignments are what and for whom but considering this defense has been successful for two years now and there are exactly 0 complaints from other players it is real obvious that Lavar is not fitting in as well as we would hope given his abilities.

Given all that I would advocate moving Lavar on since he is getting way more money than his value should indicate.

But on the other hand I see a guy who is clearly very talented and clearly very positiviely emotional about being a Redskins and I would have thought the coaches could have cultivated this and found the best way to use him since he really seems like a Gibbs kinda guy. I don't think changing a scheme to fit him in is the right thing to do but I can't honestly believe that with work the coaches couldn't get him into the mental state that they needed for him to honor assigments. It disappoints me that it seems they are far too willing to move on without a guy who should be a star player for you even though you have been successful but I also realize that this is the way the league works now. Take it or leave it. Guys can't just stick around because they are liked by fans. The cap means if he can't produce up to what he is paid he has to go. I just wish he could have been treated better. I also wish he didn't take everything so personally and inflame the situation. Nothing good can come from any of this I don't think.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=FRPLG]Wow...
I am 100% torn on this one guys. I have been an ardent coaching staff supporter but part of me is now conflicted.

While I trust Gibbs and company 100% to make proper personel decisions I wonder how this situation got so mismanaged. The problem here seems to me not that Lavar should or shouldn't be playing but that Lavar seems to want to be treated one way but all his actions and reputation have soured enough opinions of him that he can't possibly be treated that way.

Let's clear one thing up. There have been rumors since he was drafted that he freelanced too much and couldn't be counted on to stick to assignments. These were rumors from everywhere and not within the Skisn necessarily. I think it is pretty obvious that the defensive coaching staff felt strongly that Lavar wouldn't fit in with his style of freelancing and by sheer bad luck he never got a chance to prove them wrong because of injuries. This whole situation has pretty much convinced me that Lavar does indeed freelance too much. It is hard for us to see because we don't know what assignments are what and for whom but considering this defense has been successful for two years now and there are exactly 0 complaints from other players it is real obvious that Lavar is not fitting in as well as we would hope given his abilities.

Given all that I would advocate moving Lavar on since he is getting way more money than his value should indicate.

But on the other hand I see a guy who is clearly very talented and clearly very positiviely emotional about being a Redskins and I would have thought the coaches could have cultivated this and found the best way to use him since he really seems like a Gibbs kinda guy. I don't think changing a scheme to fit him in is the right thing to do but I can't honestly believe that with work the coaches couldn't get him into the mental state that they needed for him to honor assigments. It disappoints me that it seems they are far too willing to move on without a guy who should be a star player for you even though you have been successful but I also realize that this is the way the league works now. Take it or leave it. Guys can't just stick around because they are liked by fans. The cap means if he can't produce up to what he is paid he has to go. I just wish he could have been treated better. I also wish he didn't take everything so personally and inflame the situation. Nothing good can come from any of this I don't think.[/QUOTE]

I pretty much agree, good post

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

It seems that whenever the situation was getting better and everyone was moving on, LaVar would keep picking at that same "scab", so to speak, and would never let the situation heal. Not once has he put any of the blame on his agents (Postons) for the $6.5 mil debacle.

From what I can tell, no one has really been quoted as saying much about the way LaVar has been treated except LaVar. I haven't heard Gibbs say much, Snyder has been practically silent, and GW has only said things relative to his performance and injuries.

Most of the ill feelings about the situation have been pretty much media generated or by LaVar.

As far as distractions go, I don't think this is comparable to the TO situation. First of all, the team seems to be rally at the right time and the Portis pressers is adding some levity to the locker room. I think if LaVar was playing more of an impact role in this years' success, it would impact the team more.
But I think these guys are really focused right now.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=FRPLG]Wow...
I am 100% torn on this one guys. I have been an ardent coaching staff supporter but part of me is now conflicted.

While I trust Gibbs and company 100% to make proper personel decisions I wonder how this situation got so mismanaged. The problem here seems to me not that Lavar should or shouldn't be playing but that Lavar seems to want to be treated one way but all his actions and reputation have soured enough opinions of him that he can't possibly be treated that way.

Let's clear one thing up. There have been rumors since he was drafted that he freelanced too much and couldn't be counted on to stick to assignments. These were rumors from everywhere and not within the Skisn necessarily. I think it is pretty obvious that the defensive coaching staff felt strongly that Lavar wouldn't fit in with his style of freelancing and by sheer bad luck he never got a chance to prove them wrong because of injuries. This whole situation has pretty much convinced me that Lavar does indeed freelance too much. It is hard for us to see because we don't know what assignments are what and for whom but considering this defense has been successful for two years now and there are exactly 0 complaints from other players it is real obvious that Lavar is not fitting in as well as we would hope given his abilities.

Given all that I would advocate moving Lavar on since he is getting way more money than his value should indicate.

But on the other hand I see a guy who is clearly very talented and clearly very positiviely emotional about being a Redskins and I would have thought the coaches could have cultivated this and found the best way to use him since he really seems like a Gibbs kinda guy. I don't think changing a scheme to fit him in is the right thing to do but I can't honestly believe that with work the coaches couldn't get him into the mental state that they needed for him to honor assigments. It disappoints me that it seems they are far too willing to move on without a guy who should be a star player for you even though you have been successful but I also realize that this is the way the league works now. Take it or leave it. Guys can't just stick around because they are liked by fans. The cap means if he can't produce up to what he is paid he has to go. I just wish he could have been treated better. I also wish he didn't take everything so personally and inflame the situation. Nothing good can come from any of this I don't think.[/QUOTE]

Well put, I share these same feelings, not furious at either side, but upset that it has come to this and trying to rationalize that we may loose a great talent, that could have been prevented. Many factors have fueled this fire from both sides and nothing good can come from this except when we win this week and go to the playoffs. I hope they can reconcile the differences, but I do think it has been damaged on both sides to move on beyond this season, but maybe it just sounds so bad from our stand point as fans and observers and the team and players move on.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

Right now the only comment I have on this is that Lavar should have waited until after the season to speak on this subject. Then he and the team would have months to work things out. I just hope that both sides will be professionals and go play hard football.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=firstdown]Right now the only comment I have on this is that Lavar should have waited until after the season to speak on this subject. Then he and the team would have months to work things out. I just hope that both sides will be professionals and go play hard football.[/QUOTE]
I agree but I also have seen the evidence that Lavar is a real emotional guy who takes things and internalizes them very deeply and personally so they stir up ardent feelings that he then is very unskilled at dealing with without lashing out. He has done this numerous times and in this case I think it is obvious he was lashing out after the incident with his coach. I expect a Joe Gibbs coaching staff to understand that they cannot truely treat everyone the same and berating Lavar on a personnel level in front of other players is not the right way to handle the situation. The coaching staff should know better than to press the wrong buttons on this guy. I am not advocating they coddle him but what's the point of yelling over and over again while bringing up persional stuff when it is clear you are pretty suspect that he'll ever be able to change? Seems like badgering for the sake of badgering. The blame for these comments coming out lies squarely on everyone's shoulders. Not just lavar's.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

Don Bank's take
[url="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/don_banks/12/30/pregame.snaps.1230/index.html"]http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/don_banks/12/30/pregame.snaps.1230/index.html[/url]

"Nice timing, LaVar Arrington. If you weren't already persona non grata within the organization, you are now. Holding court on your future during the week leading up to the Redskins' biggest game since 1999 is exactly why you're considered part of the problem rather than part of the answer in D.C. Arrington has waited six seasons to play for a postseason berth, and he picks this week to make it all about him."

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

Have any one of you guys read the article in the post today from Wise. Sums up alot of crap going on inside Redskin Park. I think they are treating him like crap, just like other players in the past. You get on the bad side of danny, and out the door you go. Brian Mitchell, champ, Lav Coles,(although this one has been awesome for us) now LaVar. Wouldn't you think a guy as disciplined and hard nosed as Marty and his brother would have said something about LaVar being careless or undisciplined if he truley was that way. I do believe LaVar likes to make plays using his athletic ability, it would be a waste if he didn't. However, how much of that is contributed to new defensive coordinator every year for 5 years. Maybe some. Maybe he doesn't pick up things as quickly as others, and plays on ability alot. I dont know, not on the field to see what is actually happening. Taylor is out of position alot, I dont hear about him getting berated on the sideline or in the locker room. I just dont get it. Hopefully LaVar will not walk away from the game,, and play for someone else. Just not for somebody in our division.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

His life would be infinitely easier if he would learn to keep his mouth closed! He continues to shoot himself in the foot with comments to the press! I am going to have to hear a whole lot more information than I have, to make me believe he is being unfairly treated, or there is some sort of LA conspiracy. I wish him good luck, a long, and successful career with the team, and a closed mouth!

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=#56fanatic]Have any one of you guys read the article in the post today from Wise. Sums up alot of crap going on inside Redskin Park. I think they are treating him like crap, just like other players in the past. You get on the bad side of danny, and out the door you go. Brian Mitchell, champ, Lav Coles,(although this one has been awesome for us) now LaVar. Wouldn't you think a guy as disciplined and hard nosed as Marty and his brother would have said something about LaVar being careless or undisciplined if he truley was that way. I do believe LaVar likes to make plays using his athletic ability, it would be a waste if he didn't. However, how much of that is contributed to new defensive coordinator every year for 5 years. Maybe some. Maybe he doesn't pick up things as quickly as others, and plays on ability alot. I dont know, not on the field to see what is actually happening. Taylor is out of position alot, I dont hear about him getting berated on the sideline or in the locker room. I just dont get it. Hopefully LaVar will not walk away from the game,, and play for someone else. Just not for somebody in our division.[/QUOTE]Your right they probably only call out Lavar or maybe just in Lavars mind. When you think you might be on the chopping block every thing seems like alot more than they realy are. I did read the article and it seem pretty one sided to me I'm sure its all Snyder. Correct me if I'm wrong but the whole Cole's thing started with his unhappyness with the O then it spilled over to him and Snyder. Bailey was a cap problem so we had to trade him and Brian Mitchell I can't remember. How can we judge a situation with only one side of an arguement. I just think his timing is a little suspect and just maybe its Lavar trying to get back at the team thinking he may get cut after the season is over but that would be just a guess just as accusing the owners and coaching staff.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=firstdown]Your right they probably only call out Lavar or maybe just in Lavars mind. When you think you might be on the chopping block every thing seems like alot more than they realy are. I did read the article and it seem pretty one sided to me I'm sure its all Snyder. Correct me if I'm wrong but the whole Cole's thing started with his unhappyness with the O then it spilled over to him and Snyder. Bailey was a cap problem so we had to trade him and Brian Mitchell I can't remember. How can we judge a situation with only one side of an arguement. I just think his timing is a little suspect and just maybe its Lavar trying to get back at the team thinking he may get cut after the season is over but that would be just a guess just as accusing the owners and coaching staff.[/QUOTE]

I do agree with it being an awful time for this to be brought up. but I guess the timing of the interview was bad. it was bound to come out one way or the other. But when your coaches are berating you infront of your team mates after a big win, and a statistically good game you and I would have probably gotten a little pissed too. according to the article some players were even saying enough is enough, but remained nameless so they wouldn't get caught up int he crap too. Coles was pissed because he only had 90 catches, and 1 TD. He said something to Gibbs and Snyder about the offense and Danny blew up saying he will sit home on his ass and watch the game on the plasma he was having delivered. With Mitchell, he took one of the all time Redskin greats and threw him out like a bag a trash. Treated him with no class. Bailey, never wanted to be here, regardless of contract offer. He was tired of the coaching staffs getting fired every year. who could blame him. He said when he was traded, he was a classy guy and deserved to be with a classy organization, basically calling danny out as being classless. I just think that Danny is alienating alot of fans by doing things to pretty popular players.
LaVar is the next one.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=#56fanatic]I do agree with it being an awful time for this to be brought up. but I guess the timing of the interview was bad. it was bound to come out one way or the other. But when your coaches are berating you infront of your team mates after a big win, and a statistically good game you and I would have probably gotten a little pissed too. according to the article some players were even saying enough is enough, but remained nameless so they wouldn't get caught up int he crap too. Coles was pissed because he only had 90 catches, and 1 TD. He said something to Gibbs and Snyder about the offense and Danny blew up saying he will sit home on his ass and watch the game on the plasma he was having delivered. With Mitchell, he took one of the all time Redskin greats and threw him out like a bag a trash. Treated him with no class. Bailey, never wanted to be here, regardless of contract offer. He was tired of the coaching staffs getting fired every year. who could blame him. He said when he was traded, he was a classy guy and deserved to be with a classy organization, basically calling danny out as being classless. I just think that Danny is alienating alot of fans by doing things to pretty popular players.
LaVar is the next one.[/QUOTE]Good points.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=firstdown]Your right they probably only call out Lavar or maybe just in Lavars mind. When you think you might be on the chopping block every thing seems like alot more than they realy are. I did read the article and it seem pretty one sided to me I'm sure its all Snyder. Correct me if I'm wrong but the whole Cole's thing started with his unhappyness with the O then it spilled over to him and Snyder. Bailey was a cap problem so we had to trade him and Brian Mitchell I can't remember. How can we judge a situation with only one side of an arguement. I just think his timing is a little suspect and just maybe its Lavar trying to get back at the team thinking he may get cut after the season is over but that would be just a guess just as accusing the owners and coaching staff.[/QUOTE]

Here's a good article outlining the entire Coles story

[url]http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A18520-2005Mar8.html[/url]

Yes Snyder was out of line, but again, both parties have to share some blame. And then there was the media leak that really blew things out of the water.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]Poor, poor LaVar. How will the team win without him?

Oh, that's right, they already have.[/QUOTE]

That wasn't really the point of the Post article or what anyone else was saying here.

Yes, the Redskins won without him, no disputing that. But they won in spite of treating him poorly.

Contrary to what alot of rabid football fans think, winning isn't everything. Winning at the expensive of a long line of disenfranchised, pissed off players who now have an axe to grind is a pretty poor commentary on the management of this franchise. It's not an isolated person here or there, it's one guy after another leaving this city and hating us. Why do we keep tossing valuable players aside like trash? It sure hasn't gotten us much so far.

Chalk it up to free agency or "that's how business works" or whatever you want, but there seems to be an unusually high number of situations like this with the Redskins.

I'll say it again, yes the team is more important than the man. But does that justify treating one man after another like dirt?

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=mheisig]That wasn't really the point of the Post article or what anyone else was saying here.

Yes, the Redskins won without him, no disputing that. But they won in spite of treating him poorly.

Contrary to what alot of rabid football fans think, winning isn't everything. Winning at the expensive of a long line of disenfranchised, pissed off players who now have an axe to grind is a pretty poor commentary on the management of this franchise. It's not an isolated person here or there, it's one guy after another leaving this city and hating us. Why do we keep tossing valuable players aside like trash? It sure hasn't gotten us much so far.

Chalk it up to free agency or "that's how business works" or whatever you want, but there seems to be an unusually high number of situations like this with the Redskins.

I'll say it again, yes the team is more important than the man. But does that justify treating one man after another like dirt?[/QUOTE]I don't think its a Skins thing its every team in the NFL that have the same issues. One thing for sure is that when they leave they have enough money to buy all the axe's they want.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=mheisig]That wasn't really the point of the Post article or what anyone else was saying here.

Yes, the Redskins won without him, no disputing that. But they won in spite of treating him poorly.

Contrary to what alot of rabid football fans think, winning isn't everything. Winning at the expensive of a long line of disenfranchised, pissed off players who now have an axe to grind is a pretty poor commentary on the management of this franchise. It's not an isolated person here or there, it's one guy after another leaving this city and hating us. Why do we keep tossing valuable players aside like trash? It sure hasn't gotten us much so far.

Chalk it up to free agency or "that's how business works" or whatever you want, but there seems to be an unusually high number of situations like this with the Redskins.

I'll say it again, yes the team is more important than the man. But does that justify treating one man after another like dirt?[/QUOTE]

I guess that's debateable. It's LaVar's word (usually an emotional one at that) vs. the team, which to this point has handled things on a very low key basis with him.

This the usual MO with LaVar.

Something happens to upset him, somehow he ends up talking to the media to vent and and/or gripe, and then Gibbs and/or Williams end up having to address the situation, rather than keeping things in house as I'm sure they would prefer.

LaVar's off the field issues this year has by far outshadowed what he's done on the field, and it's not the team that keeps this going in the media, it's LaVar. And ultimately, I think that's the key reason he won't be back next year.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=mheisig]That wasn't really the point of the Post article or what anyone else was saying here.

Yes, the Redskins won without him, no disputing that. But they won in spite of treating him poorly.

Contrary to what alot of rabid football fans think, winning isn't everything. Winning at the expensive of a long line of disenfranchised, pissed off players who now have an axe to grind is a pretty poor commentary on the management of this franchise. It's not an isolated person here or there, it's one guy after another leaving this city and hating us. Why do we keep tossing valuable players aside like trash? It sure hasn't gotten us much so far.

Chalk it up to free agency or "that's how business works" or whatever you want, but there seems to be an unusually high number of situations like this with the Redskins.

I'll say it again, yes the team is more important than the man. But does that justify treating one man after another like dirt?[/QUOTE]

You said it all. Us as fans are fans of the Redskins. But after a while we are fans of the uniforms not the players or personalities behind those uniforms. that is the sad part of the organization. People like Mitchell, Steven Davis, champ, smoot , and now LaVar are players we watched in college, watched get drafted by our team. I know you cant keep everyone around that you want, but when good organizations treat their players with dignity and respect alot of those players will stay regardless of the money. New England has players acception less cash to play for them, eagles too. These organizations dont alienate the players or the fans. This is the salary cap business you can love or hate. But when we get attached to certain players because the organization shoves down your throat year end and year out, then all of the sudden turn their backs on them it makes you wonder how important us fans and the city is. I love the Redskins and always will. It just pains me to see us year in and year out throw not only good players but fan favorites and good character guys off the field, out like a pile of garbage.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=firstdown]I don't think its a Skins thing its every team in the NFL that have the same issues. One thing for sure is that when they leave they have enough money to buy all the axe's they want.[/QUOTE]

I'm not so sure it's a universal NFL thing. Granted it's impossible to come up with data on which team has the most disgruntled ex-players, but you watch enough Sportscenter or NFL network for a few years and the Skins seem to stand out. You don't hear about alot of people getting crapped on by the Patriots or Colts or whoever else and being bitter against those teams for the remainder of their career.

I don't know what the reason is, but this team has a real penchant for kicking people out the door in an incredibly foul mood.

Certainly doesn't win us any reputation points, and more importantly it sure hasn't done much for the team over the past decade or so.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

Players come and go, that's not exclusive to the Redskins, that's the NFL, that's sports. Otherwise why do people remain fans of one team for decades? So yes, ultimately we are fans of the TEAM first and players second.

I think the sad part is some people have those roles reversed.

We're 9-6 and knocking on the door of the playoffs, but we've spent the week debating the importance of ONE player.

Now that's sad.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=FRPLG]Wow...
I am 100% torn on this one guys. I have been an ardent coaching staff supporter but part of me is now conflicted.

While I trust Gibbs and company 100% to make proper personel decisions I wonder how this situation got so mismanaged. The problem here seems to me not that Lavar should or shouldn't be playing but that Lavar seems to want to be treated one way but all his actions and reputation have soured enough opinions of him that he can't possibly be treated that way.

Let's clear one thing up. There have been rumors since he was drafted that he freelanced too much and couldn't be counted on to stick to assignments. These were rumors from everywhere and not within the Skisn necessarily. I think it is pretty obvious that the defensive coaching staff felt strongly that Lavar wouldn't fit in with his style of freelancing and by sheer bad luck he never got a chance to prove them wrong because of injuries. This whole situation has pretty much convinced me that Lavar does indeed freelance too much. It is hard for us to see because we don't know what assignments are what and for whom but considering this defense has been successful for two years now and there are exactly 0 complaints from other players it is real obvious that Lavar is not fitting in as well as we would hope given his abilities.

Given all that I would advocate moving Lavar on since he is getting way more money than his value should indicate.

But on the other hand I see a guy who is clearly very talented and clearly very positiviely emotional about being a Redskins and I would have thought the coaches could have cultivated this and found the best way to use him since he really seems like a Gibbs kinda guy. I don't think changing a scheme to fit him in is the right thing to do but I can't honestly believe that with work the coaches couldn't get him into the mental state that they needed for him to honor assigments. It disappoints me that it seems they are far too willing to move on without a guy who should be a star player for you even though you have been successful but I also realize that this is the way the league works now. Take it or leave it. Guys can't just stick around because they are liked by fans. The cap means if he can't produce up to what he is paid he has to go. I just wish he could have been treated better. I also wish he didn't take everything so personally and inflame the situation. Nothing good can come from any of this I don't think.[/QUOTE]

Very well put.

With respect to your last paragraph, I wonder the same thing about the "system." Clearly Lavar improved enough and adapted enough during this season to go from warming the bench to starting. He obviously showed GW and Co. SOMETHING in order to get back on the field.

What is it that's holding him back? Has he learned the system and now is forgetting again? What gives?

Granted I'm no defensive coordinator, but I find it a little difficult to believe that this system is such a work of art and runs like a swiss watch that there is just no room whatsoever for a guy with tremendous physical ability and spirit. I disagree that he needs to be "coddled" or "babied" as others have mentioned. He needs to be coached.

Take a gifted player and find a way to work him into the system, use the resources you have. I'm not saying totally overhaul the system for one guy, but work to your players strengths. That's not "coddling," it's called coaching.

Re: Lavar says he was misquoted - he wants to remain a redskin for his entire career
 

[QUOTE=#56fanatic]Have any one of you guys read the article in the post today from Wise.[/QUOTE]
I read the whole thing
[QUOTE=#56fanatic]
Sums up alot of crap going on inside Redskin Park. I think they are treating him like crap, just like other players in the past. You get on the bad side of danny, and out the door you go. Brian Mitchell, champ, Lav Coles,(although this one has been awesome for us) now LaVar.
[/QUOTE]
All three guys you mentioned weren't run out of town by Snyder.
Mitchell was dumped by the head coach at the time who thought he wasn't as good as the money he would be required to get based on his name recognition and veteran status. Snyder didn't get pissed off at Mitchell and get rid of him. The coaches made a personell move that ended up being questionable.
Champ was commanding a massive amount of money and the coaches didn't think he was worth it so they traded him and got some value in the form of CP.
Coles turned douche bag on us when Gibbs couldn't get him the ball because he was limping all over the field. He burned his bridges by attempting to manuver his way out which ended up screwing us on the cap. I think Dan had a right to tell him he'd send him a plasma to watch the games on next year. Before that no one reportedly had any problems with Coles so I fail to see how the FO gets the blame on that.
[QUOTE=#56fanatic]
Wouldn't you think a guy as disciplined and hard nosed as Marty and his brother would have said something about LaVar being careless or undisciplined if he truley was that way. I do believe LaVar likes to make plays using his athletic ability, it would be a waste if he didn't. However, how much of that is contributed to new defensive coordinator every year for 5 years. Maybe some. Maybe he doesn't pick up things as quickly as others, and plays on ability alot. I dont know, not on the field to see what is actually happening. Taylor is out of position alot, I dont hear about him getting berated on the sideline or in the locker room.
[/QUOTE]
Actually I have never heard Marty bad mouth anyone so no I don't think he would have said anything. Doesn't seem like his style to go moaning to the media about how Lavar missed an assignment or two or nine.
The other players had different coordinators too and they didn't seem to have much trouble sticking to their assignments this past year. That's a lame excuse. If he has trouble picking up systems then his talents are therefore diminished in my eyes. Again other players stepped right in and got the job done while apparently Lavar didn't. That says a lot. I think it has more to do with Lavar's ego driving him to be blind to the fact that he isn't necessarily the greatest LB in the history of the game and that he does have flaws.
Taylor is in his second year and it has been admitted by both he and coaches that he makes mistakes. The difference is that Taylor seems to understand his mistakes and works to fix them. Lavar seems to want to ignore the fact that just about everyone in the know thinks he freelances too much. I trust when dozens of scouts and coaches say I am doing something wrong then I am probably doing something wrong. Lavar doesn't for some reason.
[QUOTE=#56fanatic]
I just dont get it. Hopefully LaVar will not walk away from the game,, and play for someone else. Just not for somebody in our division.[/QUOTE]
I'd like for them to patch things up and work on getting his amazing talents corraled and utilized here to the best of his abilities but it is going to take a monumental effort by all parties to repair relationships and I doubt anyone is willing to try unfortunately.

Lavar seems upset about a couple things that go beyond playing football. They are: he feels like much of the top brass don't respect him and have turned cold towards him. and he feels they have slighted him by shifting marketing focus from him. Well sorry Lavar but grow the F%^& up! First you file a grievance with the league because you think the Skins up and screwed you out of 6.5 million dollars. Now this grievance essentially goes to the top of the FO in one Dan Snyder. The same Dan Snyder who befriended you and did whatever needed to be done to kake you a superstar with millions of fans and millions of dollars. And you go and accuse him and his organization with trying to steal from you basically? It doesn't take a genius to realize that that is going to burn some bridges. He gets no sympathy from me on that. It doesn't make sense that they'd try to take that money out and it does make sense that his agent(whom he has stood by loyaly it should be noted) never read the contract. Think maybe there was a mistake here Lavar? Why go getting pissed at the Skins when they either made a honest mistake that they couldn't undo they way you wanted or your agent made the mistake and told you the terms wrong. Either way filing a grievance is burning the bridge. Second when Gibbs was hired it was obvious that the marketing scheme would probably shift a little away from individual players like Lavar simply because Gibbs was the big name now. You know that Gibbs guy did win 3 superbowls for the Skins. How many has Lavar won? Also Gibbs is a team first guy by all accounts and marketing individual players seems a little out whack with that thought pattern. Also again, he got freaking hurt and other guys stepped in and played well. They should get some recognition for that too and not have to sit and watch Lavar get the adoration while they were busting their butts. Get over your ego about the marketing crap and realize you are the one who burned the bridges with the FO Lavar.
I do fault the coaching staff for not handling this situation the best. I think lavar presented a difficult guy to manage and they totally whiffed on him. He needs special attention to keep happy because he is so emotional but I think his talent makes that special attention doable if you try. That is where I am disappointed. The coaches haven't done all they can to make this situation work and I expect better froma Joe GIbbs staff.