O’Neal, Team Compromise on Contract

Outside linebacker Leslie O’Neal, a Pro Bowl alternate last season, has agreed in principle to a two-year contract, Charger General Manager Bobby Beathard said Saturday night.

Both Beathard and O’Neal’s agent, Marvin Demoff, had said the deal was close for the past week, but final terms weren’t put in place until Beathard and Demoff met Saturday morning. Beathard said the deal won’t be finalized until Demoff gets approval from O’Neal. Beathard was unable to reach Demoff Saturday for confirmation.

The contract was a compromise for both sides.

“I think it worked out in the middle of where (O’Neal) wanted it and where we wanted it,” Beathard said.

O’Neal, who met with Beathard Wednesday at UCSD, said he has been keeping in shape by running. This has been his longest holdout. He missed all of the 1987 season and half of 1988 with a knee injury.