Ryan Mathews

SAN DIEGO (AP)—The San Diego Chargers didn’t have perfect attendance Friday for their first two full-squad practices of training camp.

Running back Ryan Mathews, the heir apparent to LaDainian Tomlinson, hasn’t signed a contract yet and has missed five practices. He missed three practices earlier this week for rookies and selected veterans.

Mathews was the 12th overall pick. The players picked on either side of him, San Francisco’s Anthony Davis and Philadelphia’s Brandon Graham, both agreed to deals on Friday, which could help Mathews and the Chargers finalize a contract.

Also missing were outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, left tackle Marcus McNeill and Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson. They are unhappy about their status as restricted free agents.

While McNeill and Jackson are expected to have prolonged holdouts, Merriman’s holdout isn’t expected to be as long.

Still, coach Norv Turner isn’t happy.

“He needs to get back to where he’s practicing and playing every day,” Turner said. “The biggest thing people need to understand is that this is a team deal. Nothing we do is based on any one guy. It’s based on a team, on 11 guys playing together, and I’d like to get him back to being one of those 11 guys working on a common goal.”

The holdouts have been the talk of Chargers training camp and likely will be for some time, but Turner doesn’t believe it will distract from the team’s on-field work. He’s also put a moratorium on discussing anyone who hasn’t reported to camp.

“I’m not going to address the three guys who aren’t here after today,” he said. “I’m not going to speak of it and our guys aren’t going to spend a lot of time talking about it either. They would all like those guys to be here, but this group has handled change and distraction as well as any I’ve been around. I don’t think it creates distraction in our building.

“There are a bunch of guys getting an opportunity to play and I believe our team has confidence that they’ll get the job done.”

McNeill and Jackson appear to be prepared to sit out training camp and the season’s first 10 games. They’ll likely report for the final six games in order to accrue another season toward unrestricted free agency.

Jackson and McNeill were tendered one-year deals at just more than $3 million each. When they didn’t sign the offers by June 15, the Chargers were entitled to offer them their same salaries as 2009, resulting in a loss of about $2.5 million each.

Merriman hasn’t signed his tender for $3.269 million, but the outside linebacker was due a 10 percent raise anyway, which would put his 2010 pay at approximately the tender amount. Still, he hasn’t said when he’ll report.

He did comment on his Twitter account recently about tight end Antonio Gates’ $36 million contract extension: “1st thought upon seeing Antonio Gates’ full deal: wht do Vincent Jackson, Marcus McNeill & Shawne Merriman think?God Bless.”

By Bernie Wilson

Antonio Gates inks a 5 year deal worth $36 Million.

SAN DIEGO (AP)—Antonio Gates has caught plenty of big passes for the San Diego Chargers, and on Wednesday he hauled in the biggest contract ever given to an NFL tight end.

Gates agreed to a $36.175 million, five-year contract extension, with $20.4 million guaranteed, according to a person familiar with the deal, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the figures weren’t released. The deal averages $7.235 million per season from 2011-15.

A college basketball star at Kent State, Gates blossomed from a rookie free agent in 2003 to a superstar who is a three-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler.

With three other star players unhappy about their contracts, talks with Gates apparently intensified this week. Gates and other veterans are due to report to training camp on Thursday, with the first full-squad practice on Friday.

“I’ve been blessed my whole career to be with one team,” Gates said in a statement released by the team. “It’s always good to get it out of the way. The goal is to win a championship. We all are human and it becomes a distraction even though you might not want it to be. It’s always great to be able to go ahead and do what you need to do and get it out of the way.”

It wasn’t clear if getting Gates’ deal done would lead to new deals for restricted free agents Marcus McNeill, Vincent Jackson and Shawne Merriman.

McNeill, the left tackle who protects quarterback Philip Rivers’ blind side, and Jackson, a Pro Bowl wide receiver with two straight 1,000-yard seasons, are unhappy that they haven’t been given long-term deals and are expected to hold out through training camp and the season’s first 10 games. They are expected to return for the final six games to accrue another season toward unrestricted free agency.

Jackson and McNeill were tendered one-year deals at just more than $3 million each. When they didn’t sign the offers by June 15, the Chargers were entitled to offer them their same salaries as 2009, resulting in a loss of about $2.5 million each.

Merriman hasn’t signed his tender for $3.269 million, but the outside linebacker was due a 10 percent raise anyway, which would put his 2010 pay at approximately the tender amount. Still, he hasn’t said when he’ll report.

These negotiations between Gates and the Chargers went much more smoothly than in 2005.

Gates held out during training camp that year, leading general manager A.J. Smith to take the extreme measure of placing him on the roster exempt list in an attempt to break the impasse, automatically triggering a three-game suspension. Gates missed the final two exhibition games and the season opener, which the Chargers lost.

Gates dumped the agent who represented him then and hired Tom Condon.

Smith said in a statement that Gates’ work ethic and desire are unmatched. Smith didn’t return calls seeking further comment.

Since his rookie season, Gates leads tight ends in touchdown catches with 59. He ranks second in yards, 6,223, and third in catches, 479. Gates has led the Chargers in catches each of the last six seasons. In 2009, he topped the Bolts with 79 catches and a career-best 1,157 yards, with eight touchdowns.

This is the second big contract for a Chargers player in less than a year. Rivers was given a contract extension worth nearly $93 million toward the end of last year’s training camp.

NOTES: The Chargers don’t appear close to signing RB Ryan Mathews, the No. 12 overall draft pick and the heir apparent to LaDainian Tomlinson. Mathews missed three practices for rookies and select veterans. … San Diego coach Norv Turner canceled Thursday’s practice. … Turner said third-year pro Brandyn Dombrowski sits atop the depth chart at left tackle and will get first crack at starting in McNeill’s place, with Tra Thomas, 35, providing depth. “That’s great news, but it’s the beginning of training camp and I’m not taking anything for granted,” Dombrowski said Wednesday. “I’m going to take advantage of the reps I get with the first team and try to make the most of this opportunity.” Dombrowski was a super-sub last season, making two starts at right guard and seven starts at right tackle in place of injured teammates. While he hasn’t played left tackle at any level, Dombrowski said he’s more comfortable playing on the left side.

Antonio Gates

Few Chargers will be watched more closely in the coming days than Antonio Gates.

The Chargers’ standout tight end has been nursing a foot injury this offseason. It prevented him from participating in minicamp and derailed much of his offseason conditioning.

The good news for the Chargers is Gates’ aliment is on the opposite foot that has caused him trouble in the past. Last year his injuries — he’s also been slowed by a bum ankle and toe — were diminished and he had produced one of the best seasons of his stellar career. Gates had a team-high 79 receptions, and his career-best 1,157 receiving yards and eight touchdowns were second among Chargers only to wide receiver Vincent Jackson.

But will the perennial Pro Bowler be good to go when the veterans report on July 29?

The early indications were he would be fit. Still, there’s a degree of mystery lingering over his availability, which has many taking and wait-and-see stance.

Gates, if his foot is right, is on the verge on accomplishing some big things this season as the Chargers go for their fifth straight AFC West title.

He needs but 23 receptions to reach 500 in his career as he aims for his seventh Pro Bowl selection.

But will the Pro Bowl aspirations be denied?

It will also be interesting to gauge how much Jackson’s absence will hamper Gates. Jackson, who is locked in a nasty contract dispute with the Chargers, has insisted he won’t report until well into the season.

If so, could Gates find defenses concentrating on him more by not worrying about the acrobatic Jackson stretching the field? If Jackson’s replacement — Malcom Floyd — doesn’t pose as big of a threat, might defenses squeeze Gates on the underneath stuff?

Maybe, but knowing Gates penchant for getting open and using his body to shield defenders from the football, he should be just fine.

But first, he must prove he is healthy. That’s why so many will be watching his every move when the players report to training camp.

CAMP CALENDAR: July 25: Rookies and select veterans report; July 26: First practice; July 29: Balance of veterans report; July 30: First full-squad practice; Aug. 4: Practice session at Qualcomm Stadium; Aug. 15: Players off. Aug. 20: Walk-through at Marines Corps Air Station Miramar; Aug. 23: Final training camp practice.

NOTES, QUOTES

—Antonio Gates isn’t the team’s only tight end looking for a big year. Randy McMichael, who came over from the woeful Rams, is fired up, too. “I feel like I’ve been in a dormant state for three years (and) my time has finally come.”

—Despite needing a No. 1 receiver, the Chargers have given no indication that they are interested in free-agent Terrell Owens.

—A recent positive report on the financial windfall the City of San Diego has reaped by helping fund the Padres’ Petco Park could help the Chargers in their cause to build a stadium adjacent to the baseball stadium.

—Since leaving Chicago for the Chargers, CB Nathan Vasher has been energized.

“There’s nothing like a fresh start,” Vasher said. “I feel like I’m getting an opportunity here.”

—OLB Shawne Merriman and FS Eric Weddle were among the Chargers enjoying the recent opening day at Del Mar Race Track. It offered one of the last respites before camp starts next week.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “We felt he was the most complete back in the draft and we’re going to give him an opportunity to be a factor right away.” — Coach Norv Turner when asked how quickly top pick Ryan Mathews could contribute this season.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

It’s the news before camp, during camp, and likely well into the season: how will the Chargers fare without two key players?

Left tackle Marcus McNeill and wide receiver Vincent Jackson are taking a hard-line stance — as is the club — regarding their 2010 season. Both players were seeking long-term deals, and when those weren’t presented, they indicated they could sit out until the season’s final six weeks.

While there are other position battles in what should be one of the most spirited camps in years, the two biggest holes are the gaps left vacate by McNeill and Jackson.

UNIT-BY-UNIT ANALYSIS

QUARTERBACKS: Starter — Philip Rivers. Backups — Billy Volek, Jonathan Crompton.

Rivers hasn’t won a Super Bowl — or an AFC title for that matter — but he has established himself as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. With his quick delivery and uncanny accuracy, the Chargers are set at No. 1 as Rivers continues to grow and improve under the tutelage of Norv Turner. Rivers is the main reason the Chargers prefer moving the ball through the air. Volek supplies the team with a backup who has won in the regular and postseason — that is quite a luxury. Volek has the full confidence of the coaches and his teammates. Crompton will be asked to carry the clipboard — but that could change if there is a leak in Rivers’ blind side protection by the team missing holdout left tackle Marcus McNeill.

RUNNING BACKS: Starters — Ryan Mathews, FB Jacob Hester. Backups — Darren Sproles, FB Mike Tolbert, Marcus Mason, Shawnbrey McNeal, Curtis Brinkley, FB Billy Latsko.

Mathews is the guy the Chargers targeted to replace LaDainian Tomlinson and they proved it when shooting up the draft board — at considerable cost — to grab him. Mathews has been impressive in the offseason and the plan is for him to start right away and be an important part of the offense after rushing for 1,808 yards and 19 touchdowns last year at Fresno State. In Sproles the Chargers have a dangerous change-of-pace runner — and he is dynamite out of the backfield as a receiver. Sproles, simply, is a threat to score from anywhere whenever he touches the ball — he is that quick. Tolbert and Hester share the fullback duties, with Hester expected to get a sprinkling of carries. Mason was a seldom-used backup last year in Washington; McNeal will have to fight to make the team.

TIGHT ENDS: Starter — Antonio Gates. Backups — Randy McMichael, Kris Wilson, Dedrick Epps, Richie Brockel, Dajleon Farr.

Gates is a stud but he needs to show he is healthy entering the season after a nagging soft tissue foot injury derailed his offseason. But when right, Gates takes a backseat to no other player at his position and he is in the perfect offense to display his considerable skills. McMichael will supply depth, although depending on Gates’ fitness he could see the field more. Wilson will be asked to block; Epps is a rookie who could land on the practice squad.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters — Malcom Floyd, Legedu Naanee. Backups — Buster Davis, Josh Reed, Gary Banks, Seyi Ajirotutu, Richard Goodman, Ernest Smith, Bryan Walters, Jeremy Williams.

With no Vincent Jackson here with him in a contract tussle, suddenly this unit doesn’t look so imposing. Floyd is decent in getting downfield and he is a keen red-zone target at 6-foot-5 — but he is no Jackson. Naanee is intriguing; he’s seen some playing time when the Chargers would go to the version of the Wildcat formation. But the athletic Naanee has to prove he can consistently contribute over the course of a season. Davis continues to be a first-round bust; he will get another chance this season. Reed was signed in the offseason, but he’s seen as more of a possession receiver than one that is going to spread secondaries thin. This all could change quickly if Jackson signs a contract, but right now, that appears to be a long shot.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters — LT Tra Thomas, LG Kris Dielman, C Nick Hardwick, RG Louis Vasquez, RT Jeromey Clary. Backups — T Brandyn Dombrowski, T Corey Clark, G Tyronne Green, C/G Scott Mruczkowski, T Brady Bond, C/G Jeff Hansen, C Ryan McDonald, T Ryan Otterson, T Nick Richmond.

Does Thomas have much gas in the tank at age 35? Can he be sturdy against the speed-rushers coming after Philip Rivers in his 13th season? For a team which leans on the passing game as much as the Chargers, Thomas finding one more year in his battered body is critical. If he falls short, the team would insert Dombrowski into the mix; he played well on the right side last year when filling. All of this could change if Pro Bowl LT Marcus McNeill reports before camp, but that doesn’t seem likely. The interior line is stout with Pro Bowlers Dielman, Hardwick, and an emerging force in Vasquez. Clary is bouncing back from a foot injury. But the key for this unit — and possibly for the entire team – is how well the replacement for McNeill is able to perform.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters — LE Jacques Cesaire, NT Ryon Bingham, RE Luis Castillo. Backups — E Travis Johnson, T Vaughn Martin, T Antonio Garay, T Ogemdi Nwagbuo, E Alfonso Boone, T Cam Thomas, E Derrick Jones.

The return of Bingham — he missed all of last season — is a plus for a team which will be without three-time Pro Bowl tackle Jamal Williams after he left for Denver. Bingham is hard-nosed, if a little light, as the anchor of the 3-4 alignment. The team is hopeful Martin can contribute more in his second year and that rookie Cam Thomas will be a quick study on running downs. Castillo needs to pick up his game; Cesaire has morphed into a reliable backup to a steady if not spectacular starter. Johnson, Garay and Nwagbuo — a starter last year — will all see considerable action as coordinator Ron Rivera loves rotating this part of his defense.

LINEBACKERS: Starters — OLB Shawne Merriman, ILB Stephen Cooper, ILB Brandon Siler, OLB Shaun Phillips. Backups — ILB Kevin Burnett, ILB Donald Butler, OLB Larry English, OLB Antwan Applewhite, OLB Jyles Tucker, ILB Darry Beckwith, OLB James Holt, LB Brandon Lang, LB Mike Nixon, LB Kion Wilson.

Merriman is one more year removed from a significant knee injury and playing for a contract for next season. Those two factors have the Chargers encouraged that the three-time Pro Bowler can regain the burst and production which once made him among the NFL’s most feared defenders. Phillips is coming off a sensational year — and crummy playoff game — after he set a franchise record with seven forced fumbles. He is a force, especially when blocking schemes must focus on Merriman. English was spotty in his rookie year with just two sacks. The Chargers need more from their 2009 first-round pick. Tucker looks to bounce back after spending last year’s final two months on IR. Butler could push for playing time as a rookie. The team was thrilled, though, how Siler came on last year in knocking the departed Tim Dobbins from a starting role. Cooper will continue to lead the team in tackles.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters — LCB Quentin Jammer, RCB Antoine Cason, FS Eric Weddle, SS Steve Gregory. Backups — CB Nathan Vasher, CB Donald Strickland, CB Dante Hughes, CB Brandon Hughes, SS Darrell Stuckey, FS Paul Oliver, FS C.J. Spillman, CB Traye Simmons.

Can Cason be a reliable starter? He will get first crack at the job left vacant when the team traded Antonio Cromartie to the Jets. But Cason is no lock; he lost his nickel spot last year because of inconsistent play. If he falters, veterans Vasher and Strickland are at the ready and would be counted on to step in. Jammer continues to supply a physical presence on run-support and seldom gets beat deep — he’s among the defensive leaders. Weddle will hold down the free safety spot but the team is looking for more from the strong safety position and went about it by drafting Stuckey out of Kansas. Gregory, who can also play the nickel back, will be tough to chase from that spot but Stuckey will be given a long look. Oliver will also see the field in the dime package.

SPECIAL TEAMS: PK Nate Kaeding, PK Nick Novak, P Mike Scifres, P Cort Johnson, KR Darren Sproles, PR Darren Sproles, LS David Binn.

In Kaeding, the Chargers have one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history. But Kaeding will long be remembered for missing three field goals in last season’s playoff loss to the Jets. Kaeding is strong mentally, and he will have to be to put that disaster behind him. Scifres continues to be a weapon with his booming punts — he’s very close to being a Pro Bowler. In Sproles, there are fewer dangerous return men. Sproles, though, is looking to improve after returning just one for a touchdown last year. Binn is entering his 17th season and few are better at what he does.

Walking through San Diego State on a midsummer day, you don’t expect to hear the crack of pads and the whoops of players. Summer is more about baseball and the beach in San Diego then it is about football, at least until training camp starts for the Chargers. But tucked behind Tony Gwynn stadium, onlookers would be surprised to see a former San Diego Chargers superstar working with the young men hoping to be the future superstars of college and the NFL.

From June 29th until July 2nd, San Diego State University played host to dozens of youth football players ranging in age from seven to eighteen as the Lorenzo Neal football camp took place. The future football players immersed themselves in football fundamentals and drills taught by coaches from throughout North America and under the watchful eye of numerous past and present NFL players. The spirits were high as the players scrimmaged, practiced drills in entire units or in just position groups. And it was the drills and the focus on fundamentals that was the basis of the entire football camp.

Download audio file (Lorenzo-Neal-Interview.mp3)

What made Lorenzo’s camp so unique compared to other football camps, besides the focus on fundamentals, are two things. First is that the NFL players were very active in their participation with the kids. Lorenzo Neal bounced between the fields calling out players by name and number, telling them to focus. Other NFL players were active in showing their students how to perform each drill correctly, shouting for them to make it that extra yard. Charger offensive linemen Scott Mrzucowski provided insight into both how to play football like a pro and the relationship between players.

Download audio file (Scott-Mrzucowski-Interview.mp3)

Second is the interest that this camp attracted with coaches and parents from around the country. Expecting a crowd of mostly San Diegans at a football camp in San Diego with a player who earned a great deal of admiration and love from San Diego football fans, I was surprised to find parents and players from Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Hawaii and even Okinawa, Japan. All of the parents were happy to have their sons in the camp, many hanging out on lawn chairs watching practice talking shop almost like a tailgate. Coaches came from an equally diverse group ranging from local San Diego high school coaches to one from Canada. All of them were excited to provide the kids with their knowledge of football.

Download audio file (Counselor-from-Canada.mp3)

Download audio file (Kind-Interview-3-Okinawa.mp3)

Download audio file (Parent-Interview-1.mp3)

Second is the interest that this camp attracted with coaches and parents from around the country. Expecting a crowd of mostly San Diegans at a football camp in San Diego with a player who earned a great deal of admiration and love from San Diego football fans, I was surprised to find parents and players from Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Hawaii and even Okinawa, Japan. All of the parents were happy to have their sons in the camp, many hanging out on lawn chairs watching practice talking shop almost like a tailgate. Coaches came from an equally diverse group ranging from local San Diego high school coaches to one from Canada. All of them were excited to provide the kids with their knowledge of football.

When the afternoon practice ended and the players either iced their aches or walked back to the dorms and dinner, the players all had a smile on their face, as did their coaches. They all seemed to regard what they were doing as something worthwhile, that the sweat and aches working with NFL players and the coaches would lead to something better for themselves. The NFL players and coaches had an equally big smile, the kind of satisfaction from spending another practice imparting their knowledge to the next generation of players to strap on the pads. And to both, that’s what the camp is all about.

Thank you to the fine people at Lorenzo Neal’s football camp who invitied us to observe, to Doug Berger who made it possible and to Denise Stafford (Rexy) for the great photography work.

Philip Rivers chats with kids during his 1st annual football camp.

For the second day the skies above UCSD in La Jolla, California were gray with a cool wind coming in off of the Pacific Ocean. Kids gathered on the pristine fields awaiting the start of the second day of the inaugural Philip Rivers Football Camp, benefiting the Rivers of Hope Foundation.

Jake Nagian, a young man from San Marcos loved the scrimmages the day before. Luke who is 10 will remember catching the pass from Philip Rivers on the first day of camp. He also suggests all kids come out next year and play ball with Philip. Max MacArthur of the San Dieguito brought 25 youths and four other adults with him to camp. He was impressed with how Philip was all over the camp coaching up the kids, and his kids responded. He said that his kids had the time of their lives. He thought the camp was better than he expected for a first time camp. In the first day all the boys from the San Dieguito had received at least one pass from the two time pro bowl Quarterback of the Chargers.

The action got underway early as the kids were sent out to their teams at 9am, there they spent about 10 minutes warming up then they got grouped up and Philip addressed the assemblage of 300 kids eager to play some football. Philip seemed to be at home in amongst the boys and girls from 7 to 14. He mentioned to the kids that every day you can get worse at something, you can stay the same or get better. He encouraged the kids to get better in everything they do.
(http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?…38092229542726)

Philip then asked the kids if they thought about football the night before, and he insisted that he did. He joked that he had nightmares about the day before. He called out two kids who had intercepted him the day before, insisting it caused him to lose sleep. This brought forth a chorus of laughs and cheers from the crowd. He joked about how he likes to argue with Referees, keeping things light for the kids.

However, just like with the Chargers Philip has a team he works with, and one of his lead players at the camp is Coach Ron Humber, who is in his eighth season as the Mt. St. Joesph Lions’ head coach. Huber led the program to a third straight HCAC championship last fall, as the Lions went 7-0 in conference play. The Mount became the first team in HCAC history to record three straight conference titles.

The HCAC title enabled the Lions to return to the NCAA Division III playoffs for the third straight season, as they took on Wheaton College in the first round. The Mount had 15 players selected all-conference (best in the conference), the HCAC Offensive Most Valuable Player and the HCAC Defensive co-Most Valuable Player. The Lions also had one of the top overall and rushing defenses in the nation again last season. In addition, the Mount was ranked among the top teams in 2006 in various national polls. Huber is a two-time HCAC Coach of the Year and has the most wins of any Mount football coach in program history, sporting a 41-32 record.

Huber has 25 years of coaching at the high school and college level and has been on the Mount football staff since the program’s inception in 1990. Prior to becoming the third head coach in Lions’ football history in 2000, Huber was a defensive position coach and spent four years as the Lions’ defensive coordinator. He also coached the College’s wrestling program for four seasons. During the 1999-2000 season the team garnered Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament and NCAA Division III Midwest Regional championships. Huber was named conference and regional coach of the year that season.

Coach Huber MC’ed the event, working with the kids and letting the parent know what was going on by continually working the microphone and bringing an energetic vibe to the camp. The kids responded to him as well.

The staff kept the kids busy, and entertained. The coaches worked nonstop with the kids, just as Philip did. Those who looked on from the sidelines also liked what they saw. At a point halfway through the day, the staff got the kids together to get them hydrated and go over the day’s activities so far. Philip chose three kids to demonstrate the drills that they had worked on in the morning. He also took several questions from the kids, who asked some good questions. Such as how easy is it to stay cool when there is a pass rush. Rivers had some good answers and one comment he made seemed real poignant, “The best ability is dependability.” He used this comment when discussing the wide receivers. He was asked if he trusted his wide receivers, he did not hesitate in saying yes, he has some good ones and it is easy to trust them. One kid then asked Philip if he would ever play for the Raiders. I believe the response was “no Chance.” This again brought a quick chorus of cheers from the kids and parents alike.

Philip then chose three players to throw long passes to. All of them got their hands on the ball and at least one hauled the ball in for the completion. (http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/…8423&ref=notif).

After the break the kids got back to the field to play some touch football games in order to determine who the best team from each age group was. The games were for fun, and to their credit the kids could be seen congratulating team mates and competition alike. They were taking to hart the words of Coaches Rivers, Huber and all the volunteer Coaches from the local High Schools and Colleges.

Three twenty minute games were played before the campers were called together one more time. This time Rivers addressed them with closing comments, he told the kids that he had a great time and that they were a great group of kids. He also told the kids to thank those who brought them to camp and to appreciate the time at camp. (http://www.facebook.com/video/video….32874249&saved)

I was left with a deep appreciation of the great role model this young man is. How he has conducted himself in a manner that is a credit to the Chargers, their fans, his family and the Rivers of Hope Foundation. We all know the NFL has many examples of players that we would not like to have our children follow as a role model. The Chargers have many player who are the opposite, a great role model we can be happy to have our kids emulate. Philip took his spot at the head of those players, leading not only on the field but off.

I recall the story of a young LaDainian Tomlinson attending the Emmitt Smith camp in Texas, and there developing a great thirst for the game and a desire to play professionally. I wonder if one of these 300 children will one day repeat a similar story based on their time at this camp. Regardless, everyone enjoyed their time and several of the campers I spoke to can’t wait for the second football camp that Philip hosts

Camp Photos:
http://www.facebook.com/editalbum.ph…9412&aid=20301

Philip Rivers instructs while youngsters listen on.

The skies were gray in La Jolla California on the morning of Julyy 10, 2010, but the smiles on the faces of the children between the ages of 8 and 14 were as bright as a Caribbean sun. These children and their families gathered at the beautiful campus of UCSD in La Jolla California to attend the first ever Philip Rivers football camp for kids.

Football was the overt reason that everyone gathered on the beautiful morning with a nice breeze coming of the Pacific Ocean just a few blocks away. However the camp was also to raise awareness and funds for the Rivers of Hope Foundation. The Rivers of Hope Foundation was created to help unwanted, abandoned and orphaned children find permanent loving homes and their own sense of self-worth by developing and coordinating resources and programs to create community awareness, recruit adoptive families, provide financial aid for adoption and assistance for foster children and orphans. (http://riversofhopefoundation.com)

Before the beginning of the event the children were throwing footballs and enjoying the morning. Boys and girls having fun with one another, all eager to meet the two time pro bowl Quarterback of the San Diego Chargers.

One thing that has become a staple of the San Diego Chargers of later is high character players who help out the community and are down to earth. Philip Rivers did not break this mold, no in fact he reinforced it, showing up more than two hours before the event to help make sure that the day went off without a hitch and that the children got a quality event they would remember and it would be a character building experience for them.

As things got organized the children were divided up into different age groups and began warming up. Philip Rivers wasted no time in jumping in and throwing passes to the kids, cheering them on and high fiving them. He genuinely enjoyed being able to work with the children. In fact at times the smile he was sporting and his enthusiasm made him seem like the biggest kid out there, but the children responded to him. Not only because he is the star Quarterback with a career passer rating of over 95 % (second in NFL), but because of his spirit and enthusiasm.

The activities started at 9am, the drills, registration and draft of teams was over by 9:30 and the day’s events were underway. Philip Rivers and the camp director kicked things off introducing the numerous local High School and College coaches who volunteered their time to help the children at the camp. Poway High School, San Diego High School as well as other were represented. By 10am the core drills were underway, these included the 3 step drop drill, the hand off drill and the roll out. Rivers joked with the kids about his throwing style, saying that while his was not the way other coaches would teach them to pass the ball, that none the less it worked for him. During the handoff drills he commented on how important the hand off was and spoke about the quality of running backs he has had behind him with the Chargers, giving some respect the LaDainina Tomlinson who departed the shores of San Diego to be a New York Jet in the off season.

Once the kids were back out in their teams working on what they had been shown by ‘Coach’ Rivers, the ‘Coach’ eagerly jumped in again and played with the kids. I believe by the end of the day a majority of the kids got a high five or encouragement from ‘Coach’ Rivers.

Philip also took time to speak to the local media, commenting on the Rivers of Hope foundation, and mentioning that he and his wife Tiffany have announced that their official charity, the Rivers of Hope Foundation, will provide a $25,000 grant to Angels Foster Family Network, a local organization that places babies and toddlers in the foster care system with loving and supportive foster families.

Angels Foster Family Network is a unique organization that is contracted by San Diego County to place babies and toddlers in quality foster care. Angels operates on the well-documented belief that early intervention can prevent a myriad of problems in later life. Angels places just one baby in a home with screened and well-trained primary caregivers to insure that secure attachment and bonding will take place—a key to later healthy development.

Graciously, Rivers took time to answer questions about the Chargers, commenting that this may be one of the most focused teams he has been part of in San Diego, and that they were hungry for a championship. He also took a question about his father, where he was asked if he is channeling his father, who was a football coach (http://www.facebook.com/video/video….37822406236375), with a smile on his face he answered positively that he was and saying that he would coach the way his father coached. If the way ‘Coach’ Rivers handled himself with his ‘team’ on this day was any indication Philips father was a coach who was good with his players.

Rivers also commented that his fellow players sometimes tell him that they have enough coaches (http://www.facebook.com/video/video….37830542902228) because he is always trying to make sure things are done the right way. He commented on losing team mates in the off season, and about how the game is a business (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?…37829766235639). All in all Rivers appears to be ready to enter the new season and work for a fast start with one goal in mind, bring home the Lombardi.

While he did take time to speak to the media, he was soon back on the field with the kids. He finished up the day jumping from one game to another throwing passes to the kids and being a positive role model, and simply having fun out on the field.

Rivers’ night will be busy, he has over 300 photos to autograph for tomorrow when the campers return for the second day of camp. The second day where more kids will get a chance to catch a pass from the Chargers star Quarterback, or possibly even win autographed jerseys with the number 17 on it. Regardless the kids will be treated to a fun event with a good role model, one that every Chargers Fan can be proud of.

SAN DIEGO (AP)—The San Diego Chargers have agreed to four-year contracts with third-round draft pick Donald Butler and fifth-rounder Cam Thomas.

The only unsigned draft pick heading into training camp is running back Ryan Mathews, the 12th selection overall.

Butler is an inside linebacker from Washington. Thomas is a defensive tackle from North Carolina who could eventually replace Jamal Williams, a 12-year veteran who was released and signed with the division rival Denver Broncos.

We will as always answer your phone calls and emails too.

Show Links

• Don Coryell Passes Away at 85.
• Jackson suspended 3 games for DUI.
• Ellison, Scott, and 3 others released.
• Chargers sign WR Josh Reed to 1 year deal.
• Discussion: Jackson not on trade block.
• Discussion: Smith holds ground on Jackson and McNeill.
• Don Coryell Celebration Info.
• We Charge Hard (Chargers Anthem)
• www.sdstadium.org
• BoltTalk donations.

Follow us on Twitter

Ray Chan
Loren Casuto
BoltTalk.com

Show your support of the show this month by voting for us on Podcast Alley! Subscribe to the show and leave us review on iTunes. Digg our podcast on Digg.com.

Visit our forums at http://forums.bolttalk.com
Download audio file (BoltTalk-20100708.mp3)
Direct Download

BoltTalk Podcast Logo by Chris Hudson

Vincent Jackson

An eventful offseason for Vincent Jackson has taken another turn.

Jackson, the Chargers’ Pro Bowl wide receiver, has been suspended for three games by the NFL for violating its personal-conduct policy. This comes in the wake of Jackson’s second conviction for driving under the influence.

Jackson was already in the news, but again for the wrong reasons as far as the team is concerned.

Jackson, along with left tackle Marcus McNeill, declined to sign their restricted free-agent tender offers last month. That move will cost both men some $2.5 million in 2010 compensation.

But Jackson and McNeill have no plans of playing a full season at a reduced wage. Instead, indications are Jackson and McNeill will be absent through the Chargers’ first 10 weeks, coming in late just to accrue a season of playing.

The NFL’s punishment assures Jackson of missing at least three games; the penalty could be lessened upon appeal.

Chatter has picked up that the Chargers are actively trying to move Jackson. He would seem to be a valuable piece in which the Chargers could possibly receive what the Broncos did — two second-round picks — when trading Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins.

But Jackson, too, comes with baggage.

Not only could be potentially miss nearly a quarter of the season with his suspension, but he is in the market for a rich long-term deal.

His production shows he deserves one. But his decision-making off-the-field might have some to wonder if he is worth the risk to obtain.

Plus, can Jackson be the same receiver without top-notch quarterback Philip Rivers heaving passes his way?

Fans who know their Chargers’ history can’t help but be reminded of John Jefferson. He wore No. 83, like Jackson, but was got caught in a contract dispute with the club during the Air Coryell days.

Jefferson was a key part of that aerial assault, then was traded to the Packers and never reached the same production level.

Depending on the team, that same fate could follow Jackson.

But there is no doubt he is talented and motivated. He’s never been accused of not working hard.

A possible Jackson trade has drawn interest, it’s believed, from the Redskins and Seahawks.

And if the offer is right, hard-nosed general manager A. J. Smith wouldn’t hesitate to peddle Jackson.

But now with a suspension to add to his in-limbo status, trade talks could be compromised.

—Are the Chargers headed for a drug scandal?

The team’s offices, along with those of the San Diego Padres, were raided by the Drug Enforcement Agency last week.

Some concluded the DEA’s focus on the Chargers comes after former safety Kevin Ellison was arrested for possession of 100 Vicodin pills. At the time, Ellison, who started nine games last year for the Chargers, was a member of the team. He has since been released and signed by the Seahawks.

Ellison’s agent, Jerome Stanley, said there is no connection between the two incidents.

“Kevin has nothing to do with that,” Stanley said. “Whatever happened (Tuesday) is between the Chargers and the DEA.”

The Chargers issued a statement after the raid that said Ellison didn’t get his pills from their medical staff.

Stanley said that was a cheap shot.

“Now they’re trying to make him somewhat responsible for their issue,” Stanley said. “It’s not our issues at all. It never was.”

According to the DEA’s statement, the searches were conducted “to verify the correctness of controlled substance inventories, records and reports.”

Ellison became expendable after the Chargers drafted Darrell Stuckey, and were impressed with Stuckey’s play in the offseason drills.

NOTES, QUOTES

—Rookie RB Ryan Mathews has found a mentor and role model in former Chargers FB Lorenzo Neal. Not only do both share of love for the Chargers, they were stars at Fresno State.

“He’s become a mentor in a lot of ways, someone to rely on regarding football or the life that surrounds it,” said Mathews, the Chargers’ top pick. “I think he respects me, my ability and how I work.”

Mathews, and the rest of the Chargers’ rookies, will report to camp on July 25.

—The Chargers’ first full-squad training camp workout will be July 30.

—QB Philip Rivers is having his inaugural football camp, July 10-11, at UC San Diego. It is open to players ages 7-14.

—ILB Donald Butler absorbed plenty of lessons at the NFL’s recent rookie symposium.

“We get some of the veteran guys out here to talk to us, different doctors and people who really care about our well-being and want us to understand that this isn’t going to last forever and hopefully give us some information that’s going to better us after we play,” Butler said. “As a rookie you can’t help but like that. It gets a little tedious, but you take it all in and take pointers that you can use to better yourself.”

QUOTE TO NOTE: “Ryan succeeded at every level; it hasn’t been determined if he can make it in the NFL. But I believe he can be great at the professional level, I really do.” — Former Chargers Pro Bowl FB Lorenzo Neal on the potential of Ryan Mathews, the Chargers’ heralded rookie running back.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

The Chargers, facing the possibility of Marcus McNeill not being with them for the regular-season opener — unless an unexpected reduction or elimination of Vincent Jackson’s three-game suspension, he’s assured of missing that game even before a potential holdout is considered — are fast-forwarding the learning curve of two possible replacements.

Veteran left tackle Tra Thomas was signed as a possible fill-in for McNeill. Thomas is a three-time Pro Bowler, but he’s not close to that level as a 35-year-old.

Josh Reed was also obtained, but he’s not the same dynamic pass-catcher as Jackson. Reed is more of a possession, underneath route runner while Jackson is a down field threat with his speed and great leaping ability.

Both positions, are how fast those possible voids can be filled, consumes the Chargers as they head for training camp.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)

—*OLB Marques Harris (not tendered as RFA).

—C Dennis Norman (not tendered as UFA.

—*LB Dontarrious Thomas (not tendered as RFA).

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (*indicates restricted because of uncapped year)

—*WR Vincent Jackson (tendered at $3.268M with first- and third-round picks as compensation).

—*LT Marcus McNeill (tendered at $3.168M with first- and third-round picks as compensation).

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

DRAFT CHOICES SIGNED

—S Darrell Stuckey (4/110): 4 yrs, terms unknown.

—QB Jonathan Crompton (5/168): 4 yrs, terms unknown.

—TE Dedrick Epps (7/235): 4 yrs, terms unknown.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

—OLB Antwan Applewhite: ERFA; $470,000/1 yr.

—DT Alfonso Boone: UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

—OT Jeromey Clary: RFA; (tendered at $1.684M with second-round pick as compensation); $1.684M/1 yr.

—*WR Malcom Floyd: RFA; (tendered at $3.168M with first- and third-round picks as compensation); $3.168M/1 yr.

—*DT Antonio Garay: Not tendered as RFA; terms unknown.

—*DE Travis Johnson: RFA; (tendered at $1.226M with first-round pick as compensation); $1.226M/1 yr.

—*OLB Shawne Merriman: RFA (tendered at $3.168M with first- and third-round picks as compensation): $3.168M/1 yr.

—*RB Darren Sproles: RFA; (tendered at $7.283M with first- and third-round picks as compensation); $7.283M/1 yr.

—FB Mike Tolbert: ERFA; $470,000/1 yr.

—TE Kris Wilson: UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

—RB Marcus Mason (waivers Redskins).

—TE Randy McMichael: Not tendered as UFA by Rams; 1 yr, terms unknown.

—WR Josh Reed: Not tendered as UFA by Bills; terms unknown.

—CB Donald Strickland: FA Jets; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

—OT Tra Thomas: FA Jaguars; 1 yr, terms unknown.

—CB Nate Vasher: FA Bears; $4.5M/2 yrs.

PLAYERS LOST

—RB Michael Bennett (released).

—WR Demetrius Byrd (released/non-football injury).

—CB Antonio Cromartie (traded Jets).

—*ILB Tim Dobbins (traded Dolphins), had been re-signed as RFA; (tendered at $1.176M with fifth-round pick as compensation); $1.176M/1 yr.

—S Kevin Ellison (released).

—*C Eric Ghiaciuc: Not tendered as RFA/Browns; terms unknown.

—TE Brandon Manumaleuna: UFA Bears; $15M/5 yrs, $$2M SB/$3M RB.

—WR Kassim Osgood: UFA Jaguars; $6.675M/3 yrs, $2.975M guaranteed.

—OT Jon Runyan: UFA (retired).

—DT Ian Scott (released).

—RB LaDainian Tomlinson (released).

—*QB Charlie Whitehurst: RFA; (tendered at $1.176M with third-round pick as compensation); re-signed, traded to Seahawks.

—NT Jamal Williams (released).