Chargers Obtain Vernon Maxwell From Colts
For the price of a fifth-round draft choice, the Chargers on Thursday obtained a talented, but seemingly troubled linebacker, Vernon Maxwell, from the Indianapolis Colts.
Maxwell (6-foot 2-inches, 225 pounds) is a third-year pro from Arizona State who was named the National Football League’s defensive rookie of the year in 1983.
But he slumped last year from 92 tackles to 53, giving rise to speculation about personal problems and making the former second-round draft choice expendable in the eyes of the Colts.
As Coach Don Coryell sees it, the Chargers have little to lose by taking a gamble on Maxwell, whose speed could make him an asset rushing the passer or covering short receivers.
“I don’t know about any problems, and I don’t care,” Coryell said. “We know he has the ability to make our club. If not, we only give up a fifth-round pick (in the 1986 draft).”
Coryell admitted Maxwell played poorly against San Diego in a game last year at Indianapolis. “There’s no way he would stick with us a week if he doesn’t play better than that,” Coryell said.
Defensive line coach Gunther Cunningham, who was with the Colts last year, recalled Maxwell’s exceptional rookie season. “All he did was sack quarterbacks,” Cunningham said.
“Last year, the team was 4-12, and tempers started to flare. He got a little cantankerous, but nothing out of the ordinary. I don’t know the inner workings of what goes into a trade, but coming here for a fifth-rounder, he could be a steal or more.”
Defensive coordinator Tom Bass said he doesn’t anticipate problems with Maxwell.
“If he raises hell, you just cut him,” Bass said. “I look at him as a player getting a fresh start and putting the past behind him. I don’t like to begin a relationship by saying, ‘Boy, you better not do anything or you’re gone.’ ”
Charger Notes
Offensive tackle Ed White has a sprained foot and will miss one or two days of practice. He probably won’t participate in this afternoon’s scrimmage against the Los Angeles Rams at 3 o’clock on the UC San Diego practice field. . . . A slight ankle problem has sidelined Chuck Ehin, who was the leading candidate to start at nose tackle, according to Gunther Cunningham. Gaining in favor are Keith Guthrie and Dewey Forte. “Guthrie has come out of the woodwork,” Cunningham said. “I was just about ready to ship him out of here. Forte is also making a move. I thought he was just a big guy who wouldn’t make any plays, but now he’s showing up around the ball.” . . . The Chargers will practice twice Saturday and then take a day off Sunday. Their exhibition opener is next Saturday against Cleveland at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium.