IT WAS DAY ONE of the Washington Redskins' 2000 training camp in Ashburn. Practice had just ended and local reporters awaited the opportunity to talk with Washington's rookie linebacker. Several minutes passed, and the first-year player was nowhere to be found.
Eventually the rookie emerged, announcing that he had been getting veteran defensive backs Darrell Green and Mark Carrier sunflower seeds. He apologized
That rookie linebacker was LaVar Arrington.
Six years have passed since the Redskins selected Arrington with the second pick in the 2000 draft. Today, in his fourth game as a New York Giant, Arrington gets his first opportunity to face his former franchise.
In his six years in burgundy and gold, Arrington became one of the most revered defenders in football. Compiling 21.5 sacks in his first four seasons in Washington, Arrington spent much of the early part of his career in the opposition's backfield.
Arrington, a 257-pound linebacker who can run, was Washington's most daunting defender. It wasn't long before the garrulous leader became a fan favorite. Fans loved Arrington, and he sure loved them. His jersey was the one most frequently purchased during his time in D.C., and still may be the easiest to find on game day at FedEx Field.
But all good things must come to an end--in this case a bitter and unpleasant end. Arrington's marriage with the Redskins soured mightily in his final two seasons.
A season-ending knee injury
Playing time was just one of myriad disputes Arrington had with his former employer in recent seasons. He also sued the team over a contract dispute that left the player feeling as though he'd been cheated out of more than $6 million.
The Redskins haven't viewed Arrington as a big-time player since his 2004 knee injury. He rehabilitated tirelessly to get back into playing shape for the start of last season, only to stand on the sideline. His coaches professed that Arrington wasn't playing because he wasn't healthy, but the All-Pro-caliber defender, who was medically cleared to play, reiterated that he was ready to go at full tilt.
During the playoffs last season, Arrington made 10 tackles and returned an interception inside the 10-yard line in Washington's first-round victory over Tampa Bay. The game may have been his second-to-last as a Redskin, but it went a long way toward proving that the 28-year-old linebacker still could play.
Those who knew Arrington, how team-oriented and win-hungry he was, couldn't help but feel for him this offseason. The fact of the matter is that he was mistreated in Washington over the last few seasons. One of the reasons he cited for signing with New York after being released by Washington this offseason was that he gets to play the Redskins twice a year.
Today marks Arrington's first chance to re-prove himself to his former coaching staff. There are few things more frightening than an ultramotivated player, particularly one as talented as Arrington. His impact against the team he used to want to retire with may go a long way toward determining today's outcome.
GRANT PAULSEN is an 18-year-old sportswriter who grew up in King George County and now attends George Mason University. He hosts a talk show each Saturday on XM radio. He can be reached at The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia Street, Fredericksburg, Va. 22401,