Former Washington Redskins star and current Fox Radio co-host LaVar Arrington has long had strong opinions on the business dealings of team owner Dan Snyder.
For years Arrington, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2000 NFL draft, has questioned Snyder’s leadership, ownership and shaky business dealings.
In wake of the new congressional inquiry levied against Snyder and the team, last week Arrington shared his thoughts on his weekday sports show, “Two Pros And A Cup Of Joe.”
“All these things coming out, I literally was the first one that spoke on what was going on,” Arrington said. “And I don’t want a pat on the back. I don’t need to think about if I could file a lawsuit against this guy or against the team. … I’ve always loved the team. I just didn’t like the way the owner did business, and I talked about it.”
"All of these things coming out, I literally was the first one that spoke on what was going on…I love the city, love the fans, always loved the team. I just didn't like the way the owner did business, and I talked about it…"
🎙️@LaVarArrington https://t.co/w1xBT2yuQ3
— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) April 13, 2022
Based on Arrington’s comments, you could call him a de facto whistleblower of sorts. He’s been adamant about Snyder’s lack of character since he left the DMV in 2006 amidst a contract dispute.
Arrington Wants The Apology To Be As Loud As The Disrespect
While Arrington’s career didn’t pan out as many predicted, prior to injuries and misfortune he was a very good player. A two-time second-team All Pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection, Arrington was at the core of some formidable defenses during his time in D.C.
The relationship soured when Arrington accused the franchise of removing money from the final draft of his rookie contract. After eight years of deliberations, it was deemed the team didn’t owe him any money. The years of back-and-forth hurt Arrington’s relationship with the franchise and the team’s fan base. Now LaVar wants the apology to be as loud as the disrespect he’s endured ever since the long-standing contract dispute began and ended.
“I would love to have an official public apology because it strained my relationship with the city, and in a lot of ways it derailed my career because I didn’t want to play anymore,” Arrington said. “It sucked the love out of you to want to go to work everyday and want to get better and want to get right. It was a difficult, difficult task.”
"I would love to have an official public apology because it strained my relationship with the city, and in a lot of ways, it derailed my career because I didn't want to play anymore…"
🎙️@LaVarArrington on the Latest Dan Snyder Allegations pic.twitter.com/hVifpcHDA4
— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) April 13, 2022
Arrington Believes Snyder Should Relinquish Ownership
Since Snyder purchased the franchise for $800 million in 1999, he’s had some extremely controversial situations arise. None more than the 2020 report of 15 former women employees accusing male team employees of sexual harassment.
Now the allegations of the team keeping the visiting team’s ticket revenue, is just another of many controversies during Snyder’s tumultuous reign as team owner. Snyder has remained unscathed for the most part. A recent six-month suspension levied by league commissioner Roger Goodell is the equivalent of a slap on the wrist.
During the suspension Snyder turned over day-to-day operations to his wife, which is a direct conflict of interest, but the other owners in the league seemed OK with the move. It was a clear sign that he has the ear of the owners room, which makes it harder to remove him from ownership. The only way that may happen is if his dealings begin to negatively affect the bottom line of the other 31 team owners.
“I’m just wondering why now such an intensified approach or focus … on Dan Snyder,” Arrington said. “I feel like there’s something there.”
Arrington believes the path to removing Snyder is being paved. Snyder’s fall from grace will mean Arrington’s vindication. Only time will tell, but it’s been past time.
