Chargers Progress in Talks : Ortmayer Says Tolliver, Hall May Report Today

Steve Ortmayer said late Saturday that he is “encouraged” about the negotiations with the Chargers’ two second-round draft picks--quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver and center Courtney Hall.

Ortmayer, the team’s director of football operations, even said there was a good chance both would be in uniform today when rookies, free agents and selected veterans begin summer camp drills at UC San Diego.

But Ortmayer is confused and discouraged about the bizarre turn of events surrounding No. 1 draft choice Burt Grossman, the defensive lineman from Pitt.

It turns out Grossman switched agents more than 10 days ago. And the agent he dumped, Richard Woods, has on several occasions refused to admit it. Woods has a good reputation among professional football people and represents Royal/Raider Bo Jackson and Buffalo linebacker Cornelius Bennett, among others.

Ortmayer said he doesn’t know why Grossman is now represented by Cleveland attorney Robert Jackson. And he wouldn’t characterize negotiations with Jackson’s people.

But one Charger official said Jackson is new to the business, and his early talks with the Chargers have been a “real circus.”

Said Woods Saturday: “I can tell you this: Burt Grossman won’t be in camp Sunday.”

The Chargers have agreed to terms with all six of their remaining draft choices except ninth-round tight end Pat Davis.

They also have agreed to terms with wide receiver Jamie Holland, their leading receiver last year, and starting linebacker Keith Browner. Ortmayer said they are close to reaching an agreement with defensive lineman Tyrone Keys, a starter much of last year until he injured his back. Veteran skill positions players (quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs) will take part in drills early this week, depart, then re-report with the rest of the veterans next weekend.

Veterans who don’t report after that point will be doing so at their own risk, according to Coach Dan Henning.

“By not coming in, a veteran may be allowing somebody else to get a foothold in the door when it might lessen his negotiating power,” Henning said.

Last week Henning had publicly warned Tolliver about the mistake he would be making if he didn’t report on time. Tolliver’s agents responded by saying the Chargers weren’t offering enough money.

The new optimism on Tolliver and Hall, Ortmayer said, stemmed from “a willingness on the part of the agents and a willingness on our part to work hard and get these deals done.”