Is Clinton Portis the New LaVar Arrington?

In the slow part of pro football season, who can pass up the opportunity to make mountains out of mole hills? Certainly not me. Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis has some type of open confrontation with head coach Jim Zorn during the recent Organized Team Activity (OTA). So naturally, Mike Florio at rumor-monger ProFootballTalk.com reports that Portis is becoming a major problem for Zorn. PFT actually does a decent job validating the rumors it reports, so there's little doubt that something went down at Redskin Park. But, major problem? You mean, more than normal? PFT rehashes the special relationship Portis enjoys with owner Daniel Snyder and comments Skins legend John Riggins said of Portis last January. "He (Portis) is already a headache," said Riggo, who then suggested that Portis is a problem created by the owner who regards Portis as a friend. Snyder is said to confide on Portis on team moves. But, problem for Zorn? That's a definate maybe and a more definate probably not. Jim Zorn is known for his candor. It's just as likely that he encourages candor from the players. It's just as likely that Portis had a bad day. This is a nit; a mole hill. But Snyder does have a too-cozy relationship with some of his star players. Clinton Portis is one of those players. That's not healthy for an organization. Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington enjoyed a similar friendship with Daniel Snyder. The management problem is that owners and players sometimes work at cross purposes. It's not personal. Their self-interests conflict sometimes. Daniel and his friend LaVar crossed swords on bonus payment, the matter became deeply personal. Personal involvement prevented Snyder from acting as a honest broker in the dispute the star player was having with the team. That strikes me a the bigger danger here and it's a management issue more than a player-coach issue.