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Chargers GM Apologizes For Comments Mocking L.T.

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The Associated Press

Published: January 28, 2009

SAN DIEGO - Chargers general manager A.J. Smith regrets making comments mocking star running back LaDainian Tomlinson, whose eight-year stay with the team could be over because of salary cap issues.

Smith called Tomlinson on Monday to try to clear the air.

"It was important to me that L.T. know exactly what happened," Smith said on the team's Web site.

After Tomlinson said on his Web site last week that he wanted to stay in San Diego, Smith mocked the 2006 NFL MVP in comments to the San Diego Union-Tribune, mimicking the running back's comments practically word-for-word.

"I just answered a question, and unfortunately my response was inappropriate," Smith said. "After reading my response to the question, I can see why it was interpreted the way it was. I absolutely meant no disrespect toward L.T. ... none. I have the utmost respect for him on two fronts, as a player and as a person."

Smith didn't return phone calls seeking further comment. The team has refused to make team president Dean Spanos available to comment on the Smith-Tomlinson tiff.

Earlier this month, the GM was angry that the severity of Tomlinson's groin injury was revealed, calling out the player and his agent, Tom Condon. Tomlinson confirmed that he had a detached tendon in his groin while the team said only that he had a strained groin.

In other Chargers news, former Bucs player Mike Sullivan was hired as San Diego's offensive line coach. Sullivan played for Tampa Bay (1992-95 as a center and guard) and Dallas for one season.

TICKET SALES BRISK: The first 70,000 tickets for the NFL's third regular-season game in London have been sold, with 20,000 bought in the first seven minutes of availability. The New England Patriots will face the Bucs on Oct. 25 at Wembley Stadium.

PATRIOTS: Hired former Tennessee Titans general manager Floyd Reese to be senior football adviser as part of the restructuring of the team's front office.

LEGAL: A Philadelphia man shot with a gun owned by Colts receiver Marvin Harrison is headed to trial today, accused of lying to police.

Dwight Dixon is scheduled to appear in a Philadelphia municipal court on a charge of making false sworn statements.

Dixon initially told police he was shot during a robbery but later accused Harrison of shooting him. Dixon's attorney, Robert Gamburg, said Dixon did not immediately identify Harrison because he was afraid of him.

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