CHARGER NOTES : Players Put Dinner on 100 Families’ Tables
The Chargers made Thanksgiving a happy holiday for 100 needy families in San Diego Wednesday.
Strong safety Martin Bayless came up with the idea, and he and 32 teammates distributed turkey and ham dinners at homes designated by police agencies and the Salvation Army.
Funds were contributed equally by the Charger players, the team’s front office and the Big Bear food-store chain. The players chipped in $1,800. Charger owner Alex Spanos matched that, as did Big Bear, which provided the food.
After Wednesday’s workout, the players loaded the food into their cars and made the rounds of selected homes in Logan Heights, San Ysidro, Linda Vista and Southeast San Diego.
“It’s something we used to do when I was with the Buffalo Bills (1984-86),” Bayless said. “I asked the guys in a meeting last week if they wanted to go along with it, and I got 100% cooperation.
“It gives me a great feeling to do something for people who wouldn’t otherwise have a good Thanksgiving. I’ve seen some of the environments and conditions people have to live in, and I realize how lucky I am to be where I am.
“We paired guys up two to a car and gave them maps. Most of the families knew ahead of time that Chargers were stopping by to wish them a happy Thanksgiving, but they weren’t aware that food was going to be included.”
Bayless also took part in a charitable venture Tuesday, accompanying linebacker Billy Ray Smith on Smith’s fifth annual visit to Neighborhood House. With Bayless and Smith were linebacker Gary Plummer and defensive end Leslie O’Neal. The players bought lunch for 160 senior citizens there.
Running back Marion Butts will miss Sunday’s game against the Colts in Indianapolis because of a knee injury suffered in the Pittsburgh Steeler game Sunday.
Coach Dan Henning said Butts, the Chargers’ No. 2 rusher with 377 yards, would be out at least three weeks. Henning said that with only five games remaining, Butts might eventually be put on injured reserve but probably not this week.
A stronger immediate candidate for injured reserve is H-back Rod Bernstine, who has missed six games because of a knee injury and has shown no indication when he might be able to play. If a roster spot were made available, running back Victor Floyd could be activated from the developmental squad.
Tim Spencer, who gained a career-high 87 yards against the Steelers and leads the team with 432, is scheduled to start Sunday with Darrin Nelson and Dana Brinson in reserve. But Spencer has a sore knee and a chest bruise.
Both Butts and Bernstine were listed as questionable on the Chargers’ injury report. So were nose tackle Joe Phillips (ankle), linebacker Cedric Figaro (back), defensive end Lee Williams (knee) and free safety Vencie Glenn (knee), all of whom are expected to play.
Plummer (shoulder) and tight end Andy Parker (concussion) were listed as probable.
Charger Notes
Free safety Vencie Glenn attributed his knee injury to the artificial turf in Pittsburgh. Also on the subject of artificial turf, cornerback Gill Byrd said, “Every time I play on that stuff, I get all torn up. I don’t see how those teams can practice on it and play on it day after day. It shortens your career.” . . . The Colts listed cornerback Eugene Daniel (virus) as doubtful, wide receiver James Pruitt (ankle) and cornerback Chris Goode (hamstring) as questionable and offensive tackle Kevin Call (calf), cornerback John Baylor (ankle) and linebacker Duane Bickett (hamstring and shoulder) as probable.