Fouts Says He Will Play Under Terms of Contract

Charger quarterback Dan Fouts says that he wants to play for the Chargers for $750,000 this season, that he is not trying to renegotiate his contract and that it was the Chargers who recently approached him about discussing his future, rather than vice versa.

Fouts’ comments on Thursday contradicted what Charger owner Alex Spanos said in a statement released Wednesday. In the statement, Spanos said Fouts and his representative indicated that Fouts would need additional compensation if he were to continue his playing career with the Chargers and that Fouts turned down a $1 million offer for this season.

Spanos said in the statement that “since the offer was not satisfactory to Dan, I feel our only alternative is to seek a possible trade for Dan to a team that will satisfy his demands.”

Fouts said the content and timing of the statement caught him by surprise.

“I don’t know what their motivation is,” Fouts said. “You’ll have to talk to Mr. Spanos about that.

“The club called me over to their office (Wednesday of last week) to discuss the future,” Fouts said Thursday. “I don’t want to get into details, but I can tell you we were not negotiating. I was there with Mr. Spanos and Mr. (Steve) Ortmayer, without my agent. I’d be a fool not to have an agent with me if I was going to negotiate. Especially a guy like Howard (Slusher). He’s the best in the field, and I’ve been with Howard for 15 years.”

Fouts, who has been the quarterback of the Chargers for the last 14 years, made it clear how he felt about a possible trade.

“I have the greatest job in the world being quarterback of this team,” he said. “And that’s what I want to do.

“I’ve been working for two weeks now to get my health to the point where I can play quarterback,” added Fouts, who has been rehabilitating a strained back during training camp.

As for his next move, he said: “I don’t think I can indicate to them any more than I already have. I’m following orders, I’m receiving treatment, I’m in training and I’m stepping up my practice regimen every day. I’m throwing more and throwing more types of simulated pass routes and getting ready for the season.”

When asked if the Chargers called in Fouts to talk about his future, Ortmayer, the Chargers’ director of football operations did not reply.

Moments later, when asked if the Chargers initiated the conversation by approaching Fouts, Ortmayer said, “No.”

Did the Chargers possibly suggest retirement to Fouts when the parties met? “Absolutely not,” Ortmayer said.

“What is accurate,” Ortmayer continued, “is Mr. Spanos’ statement. . . . I think that statement is self explanatory.”

Ortmayer was told that Fouts had said he would play for the amount in his current six-year guaranteed contract, which will pay him $750,000 in 1987 and 1988, the final year.

Said Ortmayer: “I guess when he says that to Mr. Spanos . . .” He ended his sentence there.

Spanos was flying back to San Diego from New York Thursday and could not be reached for comment.

Ortmayer said the Chargers are waiting to find out if Fouts’ back is sound and if he is physically ready to play.

Fouts has thrown on the sidelines for the last six days. He has not been cleared to practice by the team’s medical staff.

“I’m getting better every day,” Fouts said, “but it’s really a long, slow process. They’re (the medical staff) pleased with my progress, and as long as they see the light at the end of the tunnel, that gives me hope.”

Charger Coach Al Saunders said that he has no indication that Fouts will not be available.

“I will proceed with Dan Fouts as a player on this football team until such time as someone tells me differently,” Saunders said.