Arrive late for work and you might get a hard stare from the boss. Arrive late to training camp and you might get bad luck for a year.
Washington Redskins rookie LaRon Landry was staring down the final figures of a deal Sunday night. After running back Adrian Peterson signed a five-year, $40.5 million deal with a $17 million bonus by 3 p.m. as the seventh overall pick, Landry at No. 6 pretty much knew his worth under the NFL’s slotting system.
Missing a few days of practice shouldn’t be a big deal for Landry, especially since Sunday’s Fan Day rainout greatly reduced the workout’s worth. Nothing like lightning burning a hole in the ground near the practice fields to provide a new edge on the day. You’d have thought “War of the Worlds” was being filmed outside.
History says Redskins holdouts are often “bloody idiots” as late owner Jack Kent Cooke called Mark Rypien’s tardiness in 1992. Rypien played poorly following his Super Bowl XXVI MVP while teammate Darrell Green broke his arm after also reporting late.
Quarterback Heath Shuler arrived 13 days tardy in 1994 and never seemed to catch up before departing in 1997. Receiver Michael Westbrook reported 26 days behind schedule and never met expectations in an injury-plagued career.
My favorite holdout was LaVar Arrington, who arrived a week late in 2000. Defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes and receivers coach Terry Robiskie asked veteran tight end James Jenkins to welcome the first-rounder in a special way on the field. Translation — Jenkins baited Arrington into a fight within 30 minutes of the first practice.
Is Landry doomed by holding out for more money? Probably not. Landry is considered a smart player who can grasp the system faster than most players. Missing a few days of conditioning is irrelevant so as long as Landry isn’t smoked more often than most rookies, he’ll be fine.
The Redskins have some comfort zone for Landry’s evolvement. Safety Pierson Prioleau is a good third safety despite missing all but the opening kickoff last year when injured on that first play. Prioleau has a veteran’s savviness to offset Landry’s inexperience. The first-rounder will get more snaps this season than Prioleau, but the Redskins can afford to play the latter in the short term.
Still, it sure would have been nice to get Landry to camp on time. NFL coaches seem to quickly forget those who aren’t in class and on the field each day very quickly. Landry would greatly benefit by playing in Saturday’s scrimmage at Baltimore against other novices, too.
Meanwhile, we know how defensive guru Gregg Williams can shackle someone in the basement of his doghouse. Good thing Landry looks like he has some bark and even a bite.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
