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Originally Posted by JoeRedskin
Wow - pretty strong words based on one side of the story. Both Joe and GW have made it clear - stop freelancing. EVERY report - both from inside and sources around the league - blame LaVar's lack of playing time on his inability to play within the system - ANY SYSTEM.
He's not getting practice reps? Well, what does he do with the reps he gets? Apparently, he freelances (as usual). And your surprised this gets him fewer repetitions? If I'm GW, I'd do the same thing - "LaVar Show me you can practice within the system for a 3 or 4 packages. Can't do that? Okay, show me you can practice within the system for two packages. Can't do that? Show me you can practice within the system for ONE package. How about for just one rep? Can't do that? Guess what - I am giving your reps to someone who understands and is capable of playing the system AND who will improve and show himself capable of growing WITHIN the system."
LaVar's incredible athletic talent doesn't mean he is entitled to playing time. Despite his athleticism, it's teamwork not individual athleticism that wins championships (SI recently conducted a player poll asking "Outside of Vick, who is the most athletic player" - Every team accept one had players listed. The only team without a "most athletic" player? New England). To his credit, LaVar has been a team player and has not been disruptive - but even a good attitude doesn't warrant playing time. Athleticism, attitude AND most importantly discipline will get LaVar his practice reps and his playing time. But first, clearly, LaVar has to reestablish the trust GW gave him initially but then lost through LaVar's inability to practice or play disciplined football.
LaVar is frustrated, but all that has to happen is for the little light to go on in his head that says "Do what the coaches tell me to do". I have yet to hear him say "I am doing what they tell me to do, but they still won't play me" or simply (as you assert) "the coaches lied to me, they promised me X and I got Y". Other than Ramsey and LaVar, I have yet to see or hear any player rumblings about unfair treatment. And, in each of those cases, the players themselves haven't alleged they were lied to by the coaches. Rather, each complained that they simple weren't given the opportunity THEY felt they deserved. Further, not one other player has even hinted that they felt LaVar was getting a bum deal. Instead, it is "We know he wants to play." "With his talent, he could help us but we play as a team and everyone has to step up." Nobody is talking about how LaVar is really working on breaking down film or studying his role in the defense.
Don't get me wrong, I like LaVar. He is a tremendous athelete and a really good guy. But I also trust Joe - he ain't gonna air his laundry for us b/c, I believe, he feels that what is between a player and the coaches stays between the player and the coaches. Further, I think Gibbs reputation speaks for itself. You're calling Joe Gibbs a liar? or someone who tolerates liars on his staff? If your dealing in hyperbole, then it's simply uncalled for in what is already a touchy subject among fans. If you honestly believe this coaching staff lies to its players, then - sorry dude - that just blows your credibility. Please take your conspiracy theories to the appropriate X Files chatroom.
You may be behind LaVar (enjoy the bench), but I am behind the coaching staff that is playing winning football, that, apparently, has the confidence of the team, that has put up a couple of top 5 defenses, and that has historically won the trust and respect its players.
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