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Monday, April 17, 2000 By Mike White, Post-Gazette Sports Writer
LANDOVER, Md. -- LaVar Arrington was handed the microphone as he stepped to the front of the stage. He paused and then exclaimed:
"Whazzzzuuuup."
The couple hundred Washington Redskins fans roared with laughter and cheers. Welcome to the LaVar Arrington Show. Penn State's Short goes to Giants in fourth round after `slap in my face'
Sure, Arrington is a wonderful football player. That's why the Redskins made the Penn State linebacker the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft on Saturday. But Redskins fans at a draft party Saturday night at FedEx Field got a glimpse of another side of Arrington.
Arrington and Alabama offensive lineman Chris Samuels, who was selected by the Redskins with the No. 3 pick, flew from the draft in New York to Dulles Airport on the private plane of Redskins owner Daniel Snyder. From the airport, they were taken by helicopter to a news conference at Redskins headquarters and then to FedEx Field, where fans surrounded a stage on an outdoor pavilion as Samuels and Arrington were introduced.
Although Arrington has never played a down in a Redskins uniform, he already knows how to work a Redskins crowd.
After he was introduced to a rousing ovation, Arrington, wearing his No. 56 Redskins jersey, put his hand to his ear, wanting more noise.
After his "Whazzzzuuuup," Arrington was asked by the master of ceremonies why he wanted to be in the "burgundy and gold" of the Redskins?
"This is the reason right here," Arrington said, pointing to the fans as they roared with approval.
"But this might be a close second back here," Arrington said, pointing to the Redskins cheerleaders lined up behind him.
You're killing 'em, LaVar.
Arrington's agents, brothers Kevin and Carl Poston, stood near Arrington on the stage.
"Poston brothers, meet The Hoooooogs," Arrington said as the crowd began barking.
Arrington was then asked about the helicopter ride.
"I was a little nervous because Chris got on with me. He's a little big," Arrington said.
To wrap things up, one fan was allowed to ask a question.
Oozing with intelligence, the fan asked, "Are you going to just go after [Dallas Cowboy quarterback] Troy Aikman, or are you going to hurt him?"
Arrington paused to reflect and hit the microphone five times with his hand, making a thumping noise.
"That might be the sound of Troy hitting the ground," Arrington said.
His five-minute monologue was finished. After doing a couple TV interviews, Arrington and Samuels were whisked away and shown the confines of FedEx Field. At 7:45, they were driven on a golf cart out of the stadium to a waiting helicopter. It was back to the airport for the return trip to New York.
Arrington spent some time with his family in New York and then went to bed. The Arringtons came back to Pittsburgh yesterday, proud and tired.
"I'm proud of him because he's paid his dues. But I think he's kind of tired of it all," said Arrington's father, Michael. "He's glad this is all over."
Arrington is back in State College today.
"He said, 'Dad, it's time to get busy again,' " Michael said. "With this draft stuff, he feels like he's missed a lot of workout time."
Besides working out to get ready for his rookie season, Arrington also is getting ready for fatherhood. He and his fiancee, Casey Hall, are expecting a child next month. The two met at a track and field meet as seniors in high school when Hall was running for Derry Area and Arrington for North Hills. They have been together since.
"It's supposed to be a boy," Michael Arrington said.
Another LaVar?
"I don't know if he wants to put that kind of pressure on him," Michael said.
Besides, there is really only one LaVar Arrington.
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