Swengali: Arrington Had Much Promise

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LAVAR ARRINGTON DID IT ALL as a member of the Redskins — except get nailed with a paintball in the groin.

While it was LaRon Landry who earned that dubious distinction last week, Arrington could tell Washington's top draft pick a few things about low blows at Redskins Park.

It will remain a sad end to the linebacker's legacy just how ugly it became in D.C. before he paid for his release. Arrington loves the area — where he still lives and where this week's motorcycle crash occurred.

If the Achilles' tendon that curtailed the former No. 2 overall draft pick's lone season as a New York Giant wasn't enough to end his star-crossed playing days, the accident almost surely is.

Who would want an aging, injury-plagued player known for ignoring assignments? And, remember, the Redskins already signed Arrington once.

Arrington's misfortune is a shame, though. He had so much potential coming out of Penn State. With that $1 million smile and by taking No. 56, he was an instant star here.

On the field, there were flashes of brilliance. But the three-time Pro Bowler struggled to mesh with coaches.

Arrington's career was a mixed bag, full of such hope and bitter disappointment. In some ways, it symbolizes the Redskins' past decade.

Photo by Joel Richardson/The Washington Post