Latest Charger News
MARTY: SHORTER PRACTICES
Coach Marty Schottenheimer swears he isn't becoming laid back, just because he's in California. But he did announce Aug. 4 that he's reducing the practice requirements for the Chargers, as they draw closer to the Aug. 10 preseason opener against the visiting Cardinals. "I want to make sure we get our legs back,'' said Schottenheimer, who's knocking roughly 45 minutes off each practice. ``They are working hard, and you know as long as we are getting the work done, there is no reason to be out there just to out here. I don't know whether that qualifies me as getting soft or getting smart,'' he said. His coaching points are getting across to the Chargers, a team that has won just six games in two years.
TOMLINSON GOES DOWN WITH AN ANKLE SPRAIN
Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, already slowed in training camp by a blister, sprained his left ankle Aug. 2 and was driven off the field on a cart. Tomlinson was hurt during a team drill in which he was to hit the hole between the right guard and tackle during the morning practice. He thinks another player fell on his ankle from the inside. The Chargers say X-rays are not necessary at this time. "I don't think it is too bad; hopefully it will just be a day-to-day thing but we've just got to be careful with it,'' Tomlinson said. "It's not something that is going to keep me out for a while."
JOHN BUTLER READY TO FIGHT LUNG CANCER
John Butler, a tough, sometimes gruff ex-Marine, called his lung cancer "just a little setback" and said he'll continue to run the Chargers while fighting the disease. Butler, in his second season as the Chargers' general manager, was diagnosed with cancer on July 4 and has had his first chemotherapy treatment. "We all go through different things in life," said Butler. "There are so many people who are fighting cancer and I hope I'm just as tough and brave as some of the people who fight it, and I guarantee I'm going to fight it." Coach Marty Schottenheimer told the players of Butler's illness at a team meeting July 29, at Butler's request.
DOUG FLUTIE TO START FIRST PRESEASON GAME
Quarterback Doug Flutie will start the Chargers' exhibition opener against Arizona on Aug. 10. "Somebody has to go first, and we'll just go from there," said Flutie, the incumbent who's battling second-year pro Drew Brees for the starting job. "All I'm trying to do is play my best." Coach Marty Schottenheimer said Flutie will start the exhibition opener because he was the starter last year, his first with the Chargers. Flutie will probably play the first quarter, followed by Brees, who is then expected to start against Seattle at home on Aug. 16.
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Latest Charger Transactions
08/01/02 - Defensive tackle Scott Pospisil signed to one-year deal.
07/29/02 - Second round pick Toniu Fonoti signed to four-year deal.
07/29/02 - Brian Poli-Dixon placed on "Reserve-Left Squad."
07/23/02 - Rookie wide receiver Eric Parker signed to one-year deal.
07/22/02 - Rookie DT Anthony Fletcher released after failing to report to camp.
07/22/02 - Al Williams named senior premium seat account executive.
07/21/02 - Four draft picks signed: WR Reche Caldwell (2nd round, four-year deal), LB Ben Leber (3rd round, four years), T Matt Anderle (6th round, three years) and QB Seth Burford (7th round, three years).
07/18/02 - Linebacker Jamel Smith signed to one-year deal.
07/18/02 - Running back Levron Williams released.
07/18/02 - Three players placed on Reserve-Non Football Injury: LB Eric Geunther, WR DeRonnie Pitts and RB Mukala Sikyala.
07/17/02 - Fourth-round pick Justin Peelle signed to three-year deal.
07/16/02 - Quarterback Bart Hendricks released.
07/16/02 - Ron George named Director of Player Development.
07/12/02 - Fifth-round draft pick Terry Charles signed to three-year deal.
06/25/02 - Punter Bill LaFleur signed to one-year deal.
06/20/02 - Tackle Sammy Williams signed to one-year deal.
06/17/02 - Darrell Moody named college scout.
06/06/02 - Linebacker Sam Rogers released.
06/04/02 - Linebacker Donny Green signed to one-year deal.
05/06/02 - Wide receiver/kick returner Tamarick Vanover signed to one-year deal.
05/01/02 - Rookie free agent wide receiver Ryan Dennard signed to two-year deal.
05/01/02 - Guard Bob Hallen signed to two-year deal as unrestricted free agent from Atlanta.
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