Chargers Opening Door to Anderson
Bobby Beathard, the Chargers’ new general manager, traveled across the country Thursday to offer an olive branch to holdout running back Gary Anderson, and Anderson apparently accepted.
Beathard said he was encouraged that Anderson, the team’s most valuable player in 1988, might consider ending his year-long holdout.
“Gary said he had no objection to playing in San Diego, and he said he always has enjoyed San Diego,” Beathard said in a statement.
Beathard characterized the 2 1/2-hour dinner near Anderson’s home in Tampa, Fla., as “very friendly and informal.” He said he used the meeting with Anderson, his wife, Ollie, and his agent, Peter Johnson of Cleveland, to assure Anderson that the Chargers want him back.
“We want Gary to play in San Diego,” Beathard said. “Gary asked if (Coach) Dan Henning wanted him to play here, and I said, ‘Absolutely.’ He asked if Mr. Spanos (owner Alex) has anything against him playing here, and I said, ‘Absolutely not, he’d love to have you play in San Diego.’ ”
The meeting was Beathard’s first with Anderson since he took over as general manager Jan. 3. His description of the conciliatory tone of the events differed from the rancor generated by both sides during Anderson’s holdout last summer and fall. Steve Ortmayer, the former director of football operations, previously handled those negotiations.
Anderson was not available for comment, but Johnson said the meeting had some positive effect.
“The Andersons were impressed with the fact that Bobby flew all the way from San Diego to Tampa to explain where the Chargers stood at this point,” Johnson said by telephone from Tampa. “The Andersons had never meant Bobby before, and they appreciated what he did.”
Beathard said the next step is to begin contract talks. Johnson said he expected to speak with Beathard again next week.
Charger Notes
The Chargers announced Thursday the signing of their third Plan B free agent. Mark Rodenhauser, 28, a punt-snapper and center with the Minnesota Vikings, signed Wednesday. Rodenhauser, a 6-foot-5, 263-pounder from Illinois State, played in 16 games for the Vikings. Rodenhauser played for the Chicago Bears in 1987 and previously with the Chicago Bruisers of the Arena Football League. . . . The Chargers also added another to the list of former members of the Washington Redskin organization who have joined the team in the past year when John Dunn was named strength and conditioning coach. Dunn has served with the Raiders in the same capacity for the past three years after three seasons as an assistant with the Redskins. Dunn, 33, is a former offensive guard at Penn State. He replaces Chris Hartman, 26, who has been dismissed. Hartman was promoted to Charger strength coach last season after one year as an assistant. . . . The Chargers are looking at two free-agent kickers, according to General Manager Bobby Beathard. Bjorn Nittmo, a Plan B free agent from the New York Giants, and Fuad Reveiz, who kicked for the Miami Dolphins before being released, are being considered as possible replacements for Chris Bahr, who was left unprotected by the Chargers under Plan B.