Smith calls Tomlinson in effort to clear the air

Smith calls Tomlinson in effort to clear the air
January 27
San Diego Union-Tribune
"The Chargers on Monday made moves to reach out to their star running back and to their fans.

First, General Manager A.J. Smith called LaDainian Tomlinson to talk to him about comments he made last week that have drawn fire across the nation and inside his organization. The team then posted a story on its Web site.

“It was important to me that LT know exactly what happened,” Smith said on the site. “I just answered a question and unfortunately my response was inappropriate. After reading my response to the question, I can see why it was interpreted the way it was. I absolutely meant no disrespect toward LT – none. I have the utmost respect for him on two fronts – as a player and as a person.”

The Chargers are considering what to do with Tomlinson, who is due to make $6.725 million and count $8.79 million against the salary cap in a year in which they are trying to sign Philip Rivers and others to big-money, long-term deals.

Tomlinson likely will be offered a restructured contract in mid-February, in which he will be offered a pay cut with incentives that would allow him to recoup some money. Should Tomlinson refuse, he likely would be released after eight record-breaking seasons in San Diego.

The furor Smith addressed with Tomlinson on Monday began with a quote Smith gave The San Diego Union-Tribune last week. Asked about a statement Tomlinson made on his Web site Wednesday, Smith responded in a way that was widely interpreted as his mocking Tomlinson.

Sources on Sunday told the Union-Tribune team President Dean Spanos was “very upset” about the public back and forth, and linebacker Shawne Merriman spoke for many players who have privately expressed anger over the comments.

“That (stuff) doesn't help bring a Super Bowl to San Diego,” Merriman said Sunday. “And that (stuff) needs to stop, period. It needs to stop now.”

Said Smith: “Dean Spanos and many members of our front office and coaching staff know exactly how I feel about LT. And that is what has gotten me through this difficult time. And most important, LT knows how I feel about him.” "
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