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Originally Posted by JoeRedskin
Yup. I agree wholeheartedly. I think the person most dissillusioned with LaVar was Williams. I have said it before and I will say it again: When GW came here, he was counting on LA to be the defensive force w/in his scheme. For reasons known only to him (though guessed at by the majority of us) GW was quickly dissuaded of that notion. LaVar had a few big games for GW, including the TBay game, but, nevertheless, he just didn't seem to "get it". LaVar WAS the face of the team when it was disorganized and losing. He stuck by it and truly wanted to win - but when push came to shove, he chaffed under the discipline and self-sacrifice demanded of winners in this league (see - M. Lewis, G. Williams). And, unfortunately (and unlike Ramsey), he needed to make his discomfort known. He reveled in the fan adoration during his success, but he seemed to need the fans, rather than the coaches, to love him during his most recent problems.
LaVar, at his peak, was an exceptional talent who clearly was able to cover for any lack of discipline by his sheer speed, strenght, and instincts. Now, however, his speed is called into question, and the defense he played in relies more on team scheme/cohesion rather than individual instinct.
LaVar may be successful somewhere else (SD has been mentioned, but I doubt it as Marty appears to be on the outs w/ ownership there), but he will always ALWAYS break some D Coordinator's heart by just not doing the small things he is supposed to do. He never has, and likely never will.
I am not here to rehash the debate on LaVar v. Gibbs/Williams/the Great Conspiracy. These are just my opinions (which I believe to be well supported).
He is in many ways a class guy. He is, in my opinion and in many ways, also a bit of head case. I wish him well and hope he has success in all his endeavors (except when playing the Skins).
Now, Thank God, we can finally move past the "Great LaVar Debate"
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03-06-2006, 10:46 AM
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