Arrington shines as No. 2 pick

By William Kalec
Collegian Staff Writer

NEW YORK — The showman was now in the show, and his first professional performance was receiving rave reviews.

"What's that? Did he really?" new Washington Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington said, responding to the fact NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor was drafted No. 2, just like Arrington was Saturday at the NFL Draft.

"Hey, see my jersey? I'm gonna try to be that. That's lofty, but I'll give it a try."

Laughter followed. Just as it did when he talked about the Blue-White Game. Just as it did when he talked about what it was like hearing his name called.

Just as he did when he held up his No. 56 jersey in front of reporters.

The crowd, the stage and the moment all belonged to him.

"I got to put my recorder on this guy," one Washington, D.C. media member said.

Every person in the Madison Square Garden media room was falling in love with the Butkus Award winner.

"I am not a joker, man. I am no comedian," Arrington said, sarcastically. "What do you think this is, man? I play ball. I'm a football player, man."

Arrington smiled and winked. More laughter.

But lost in all this fun and excitement was the man who gave the showman the show. Michael Arrington was one of 40 people wearing Washington Redskins hats, but he wasn't part of the crowd. He sat by himself at a table away from the commotion that was taking place no more than 30 feet away. And while LaVar was quickly becoming the capital's protocol son, he reflected on the man he raised and the ways in which his own son has grown.

Michael Arrington was molded in the streets of Pittsburgh he has called home ever since he can remember. He too was a football player at one time. But one fateful day in Vietnam erased those days. Michael lost his legs when a tank ran over them.

Still, Michael moved on.

He would not sit in a wheelchair, opting to use his legs and support himself with artificial limbs.

After the war, Michael went on to have three children and lead a normal life, even if the middle child was anything but.

"When he is around, there is never a dull moment," Michael said. "That typical boy that comes in the house with a snake or animal. You never knew what LaVar was liable to come in the house with. What he had done or where he had been trekking up some mountain or whatever.

"LaVar was a bit different."

That difference was noticed when Michael popped in some of his favorite videotapes. At a young age he introduced LaVar to his collection of NFL Films cassettes. And when figures such as Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers flashed on the screen, that sense of adventure and mischief was corralled into an interest in gridiron glory.

For hours in the Arrington family living room, Michael would share his passion with LaVar.

LaVar would return the passion — not for football, but for his inspiration.

National High School Player of the Year in 1996, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 1998, Butkus Award winner in 1999, No. 2 pick in 2000 — all gifts from LaVar to Michael.

"By me losing my legs in Vietnam and not being able to do the things a father likes to do with a child, it was a way for them (his kids) to be my legs," Michael said. "Playing the sports, doing those things, they were inspired that they could run for me and the things I couldn't do, they would do it for me.

"I heard him say that from time to time. I guess this is a tribute to me, they are running for me. It's just a blessing."

And as the spotlight on LaVar was growing brighter and brighter with each question Saturday, he soon deflected it toward the 40 people wearing Redskins hats — and his father.

It was because of their upbringing that the show now has its new, smiling, laughing, winking, wise-cracking showman.

Arrington went through the cast's roll call.

"Well I got to start with my mom. Come on, stand up woman," Arrington said, laughing. "That's my special woman. My mommy, I love my mommy.

"Where you at Pop?" Arrington asked. "There he is."

Michael flexed for the crowd. Once again, more laughter.

"That's my dad," Arrington continued.

"Gramps, you might as well stay up. In fact, everyone stand up. I can't categorize. This is my family. This is what has helped me get to this point — all this support. This is a family unity. I mean, I got my barber here.

"Doesn't my hair look nice? He has been cutting my hair since grammar school. This is a family affair."

One by one, he thanked the entire supporting cast.

Without them, the show would not go on.