Chargers : Earl Wilson Phones Team to See If He’s Wanted

Earl Wilson is alive, all right, but the reason he telephoned the Chargers Monday was to see if it really mattered one way or the other.

For the first time since mini-camp in April, Wilson, a 6-foot 4-inch, 280-pound defensive end, let his existence be known.

He doesn’t have a contract, and he doesn’t have an agent. But these must be mere technicalities, because Wilson’s first question Monday to his defensive line coach was something to the effect of: “Are you gonna kill me?”

Gunther Cunningham, Wilson’s coach, said no. And so it seems that Wilson will make a 1987 training camp appearance.

“I’m optimistic that he’ll be here in the near future,” said defensive end Lee Williams, who also spoke with Wilson Monday.

“He wasn’t sure how I’d feel if he came back,” Cunningham said later.

“I think he felt better after he talked to me. Sometimes it’s difficult for a player to face you. They feel you’re mad at them. How do I feel about Earl? It’s almost like when your wife makes you go to a party you don’t want to go to. When you get there, you have a good time. Earl is like that with football. I don’t think he likes training camp, but once he gets here, he’s glad he came.”

Wilson apparently will be coming to camp without an agent.

Wilson’s agent used to be former Kentucky football coach Fran Cursi, but Cursi has taken a broadcasting job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and says representing Wilson would be a conflict of interest.

Cunningham thinks Wilson was confused and didn’t want to stay in touch.

But Al Saunders, the Charger head coach, said, “It may be a ploy of negotiation. That’s all we can assume at this point. Evidently, he still wants to play.”

Steve Ortmayer, the director of football operations, made a contract proposal Monday to tight end Rod Bernstine, the team’s No. 1 draft choice. Bernstine’s agent, Ralph Cindrich of Pittsburgh, made a counterproposal. The ball was still in Ortmayer’s court late Monday night.

Quarterback Jim Harbaugh signed a four-year, $1.49-million contract with the Chicago Bears. Harbaugh was drafted 26th, two picks after Bernstine.

Cindrich is seeking less than Harbaugh got.

“Realistically, in an attempt to make a deal, I came in under that (Harbaugh’s deal),” said Cindrich, who wants a three-year deal for Bernstine, plus an option year. “I think it’s a fair offer that should be accepted.”

Ortmayer contends that the Harbaugh signing should have no bearing on the Bernstine negotiations because “quarterbacks are unique entities.”

Charger Notes

Linebacker Chip Banks will miss a week of workouts with tendinitis in his right Achilles’ tendon. Coach Al Saunders said Banks could rupture the tendon if he comes back too soon, so he will be watched closely. . . . Other injuries: Defensive end Karl Wilson is day-to-day with a sore hamstring; quarterback Dan Fouts continues to make progress with his sore back. . . . Kicker Steve Jordan of USC was waived Monday. . . . Saunders raved about wide receiver Eric Mullins of Stanford. Mullins is battling with Trumaine Johnson, rookie Jamie Holland and Wes Chandler for a starting job. “Eric has the same qualities as (Charlie) Joiner,” Saunders said. “He’s very consistent and understands the game. . . . It’s not often a guy comes in and steals the show like that.”