Of all the legitimate criticisms one might level against Mike Shanahan directly or via inference, failing to plan isn’t remotely among them.  He hasn’t succeeded by not being deliberate or thoughtful enough.  And clearly, he has succeeded.  In fact, Coach Shanahan reportedly spent all of last year planning.  Now, he did recently admit that he had never encountered a situation like the Albert Haynesworth ordeal before.  But, that does not in any way reflect on the depth and breath of his planning.

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The Washington Post Announces LaVar Arrington as New Sports Contributor

The Washington Post will add former Washington Redskins All-Pro linebacker LaVar Arrington to the ranks of its sports commentators later this month. Arrington will write a blog on sports topics that will be featured on washingtonpost.com. He also will be a regular contributor to sports video commentary on the site and be a panelist on the Post’s weekly Redskins webcast.

“I love the people of Washington, D.C., and now, teaming up with the Washington Post, I will have the largest platform I have ever had in staying connected with the true sports fans in the Washington area,” Arrington said. “Being part of the Washington Post is almost as exciting as it was when I joined the Washington Redskins. I’m poised to give new and interesting perspectives on D.C. sports.”

Arrington, who played college football at Penn State, was the second player selected overall in the 2000 NFL draft when he was picked by the Redskins. He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times in his six-year career in Washington. He played one season for the New York Giants before his retirement. Arrington hosts a radio show on 106.7 FM The Fan weekdays from 2 to 7 p.m., and a weekly sports show on WDCW (Channel 50).

“I think Washington Post readers will find LaVar to be a refreshing, lively commentator on the region’s sports scene,” said Matthew Vita, the Post sports editor. “He gives us a new perspective, that of someone who has actually competed in sports at the highest level.”

Continue to check www.washingtonpost.com/sports for the latest developments.

This is almost becoming a regular “back and forth” between these two, however, Arrington has not yet responded but will today on his show on 106.7 the FAN DC.

This time Portis is making arguments that LaVar Arrington had no right to give a eulogy at Sean Taylor’s, the slain star free safety of the Redskins, funeral nearly three years ago.  Portis cites that Arrington was not on the same level relationship-wise with Taylor, and did not have the right to speak so fondly of him.

“I lost a lot of respect for LaVar at that moment, speaking at Sean’s funeral,” Portis told Chris Russell of 106.7 The Fan.  “To get up, I really thought that was . . . 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 sh-t.  For all the attention LaVar claim, and that him and Sean was cool — they wasn’t cool. . . .  Sometime, people should stop. . . .  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.”

I am a supporter of Portis on the field, but these off the field comments and shinanigans are getting old and continue to be a distraction. With mini camp looming, questions will not be on schemes or formations, they will about his relationship with Arrington.  These comments are the product of good journalism, because one could argue that he was enticed to respond at Arrington when his name was merely mentioned in the interview, but Portis could have kept him mouth shut. From all accounts, his actions were unprovoked, just like last time.  I look forward to what Mr. Arrington has to say in response.