In LaVar vs. Portis, "Wolverine" wins

When LaVar Arrington first entered the league, I quickly nicknamed him "Wolverine," after the comic book hero who was violent, very aggressive, and who had the ability to heal very quickly.

In his early years with the Redskins, Arrington displayed an unmatched tenacity on the field. He was like a rocket, hurtling towards running backs and quarterbacks alike. His most famous hit, of course, is the one that ended Troy Aikman's career.

Arrington's "healing factor," so to speak, was on display throughout his early career. I remember one instance in particular when Arrington was literally knocked out in the first half, but returned to play later in the game.

His healing ability ran out, though, and Arrington retired from the NFL and became a sports radio personality in the D.C. area.

And, apparently, Clinton Portis doesn't like him very much, but we'll get to that later.

Arrington had a falling out with the Redskins, and eventually left for the rival New York Giants before the 2006 season. He lasted just one injury filled season before he was forced to retire.


So it was with a bit of surprise when Arrington returned to the world of the Redskins at Sean Taylor's funeral in 2007. Arrington and Taylor were only teammates for two seasons -- most of which Arrington spent injured. But LaVar's words touched me more than any other that day:



LaVar's comments start at 2:52.

Enter Portis.

Portis first criticized Arrington back in February. Arrington then responded on his radio show, and if you haven't heard the audio from that response, I recommend that you do.  

All was quiet until yesterday, when a radio interview of Portis criticizing Arrington was released. Portis criticized Arrington for what he said at Taylor's funeral.

Courtesy of the Bog, here's what Portis said:

"I lost a lot of respect for LaVar at that moment, speaking at Sean's funeral. To get up, I really thought that was, um, I don't know what you call that. LaVar ain't know Sean like that....
"I remember me and Sean was going to jump LaVar, you know, for throwing pie at Sean's face his rookie year, and trying to haze Sean, and be the tough guy. He felt like it was a joke. We didn't like that [stuff]. For all the attention LaVar claim, and that him and Sean was cool -- they wasn't cool. Sean ain't [mess around] with LaVar....I don't think you should do that. If you cool with somebody, or you know somebody, you knew 'em. Don't go and portray, set out an image like 'this is your buddy, this is your pal,' like you all hung, when y'all really didn't. I don't think that's fair, man."

Wow.

Well, Arrington responded today on the radio, but not in the way expected: he took the high road.

Among his comments:

"When you go into personal things like that I can only hope and wish and pray he finds peace and clarity in his own life."

In this battle, Arrington did more by doing nothing. Portis continues to embarrass himself by spreading hate. If I didn't know any better, I'd think he was trying to get himself fired.

Way to go, LaVar, by turning the other cheek.

Things that need to change

Since the Redskins' season is nearing its halfway point (bye week this week, and the team's 8th game next week against Atlanta), it's as good a time as any to go through what I'd like to see from the team for the rest of the season.

It appears increasingly unlikely the Redskins (2-5) will turn their season around. At this point, they'd need a good 7-game win streak to turn it around, and looking at the team's upcoming schedule, that seems highly unlikely.

With that in mind, here are some things I'd like to see in the coming weeks ...

1. Who is Marko Mitchell?
The rookie receiver stood out in the preseason. That is to say that no one else played well. But Mitchell does have some promise. He's tall, he's fast and he seems to have good hands. I'd go so far as to say that he's played better than either Malcolm Kelly or Devin Thomas in his one year than they have in their two. So let's get him some reps. Antwaan Randle El is not long for this team, that much is clear. Get Mitchell some reps.

2. Free Brian Orakpo.
It's fairly obvious that the Redskins were fooling themselves thinking that Orakpo was going to be some fierce defensive end/linebacker combo linebacker in the mold of some Pittsburgh linebackers of old. I think the Giants picked up a linebacker - former Virginia LB Clint Sintim - who could be that guy for them, but Orakpo - from his first day on the team - always seemed to be more comfortable on the line. I still say that any play that doesn't have him on the line is a wasted play. In Orakpo's place, try out Chris Wilson. He's a former defensive end who has looked decent as a linebacker.

3. Time for a curtain call, Mr. Portis.
Truthfully, I feel really bad for Clinton Portis. The guy came to Washington coming off a pair of 1,500-yard seasons with Denver. He was young and dangerous. In Denver, he was a smallish, quick, break-away running back. When he leaves Washington, he'll still be relatively young (he's only 28), but god, what did the Redskins do to him? He has lost at least two steps (did you see his long run a few weeks ago? He had one guy to beat and a blocker, and still got caught from behind), and he's not small or quick. He beefed up for Gibbs' offense, and took pounding after pounding. He's injured every week, and it shows. I do think the guy has been a warrior for the Redskins, but the Redskins have burned him out.

It's time for the team to look at younger options. I'd even like to see Ladell Betts get more carries.

4. It's Collins time - yeah, I said it.
Todd Collins, that is. I've seen enough of Jason Campbell over the years here to know that he isn't going to be the guy - ever. He's never been consistent, but he's had flashes of genius that have buttered our opinion of the guy. Truth is, he hasn't improved in any way since his first year in the NFL. Collins won't be the Redskins' guy in the long term, but I do think that he'll give the team a better chance to win this year. Next year? Probably try Colt Brennan and finally see what he has, and bring in a veteran for some insurance. Draft a big-time QB in 2011 if need be.

5. Pray for our offensive line.
Seriously, I am pretty sure there is nothing that can be done about this group of fat guys. Stephon Heyer is obviously not a long-term answer at left tackle. He might be decent at right tackle, but the Redskins probably will be looking for a premier LT in next year's draft. Luckily it's looking like they'll have a relatively high pick to spend on that LT. Mike Williams hasn't looked horrible (that I can remember), but he hasn't exactly looked like a former 1st round pick. It's hard to count on anyone on that line right now. Randy Thomas has been injured quite a bit over the past few years. Chris Samuels sounds like he'll retire. Casey Rabach isn't getting any younger. Dockery has been solid, but that's about it. Questions with no answers right now.