CHARGERS UPDATE : MINICAMP REPORT : Bernstine Shows He’s Eager to Settle Pact
Free agent running back Rod Bernstine, while not protected against injury, participated in the Chargers’ minicamp Saturday in a good-faith gesture to move along negotiations on a new one-year deal.
The Chargers have six veteran free agents, but Bernstine was the only one to go work without signing papers to provide for at least 100 percent of his 1990 salary in the event of injury.
“There are certain risks you take,” said Ralph Cindrich, Bernstine’s agent, “and Rod wants to play and Rod wants to participate. You have to be business-smart, but he wants the Chargers to see his sincerity.”
Bernstine bypassed the team’s 11-on-11 drills and 40-yard dash, but took part in other activities.
“I’m trying to participate as much as I can,” Bernstine said. “I just stayed out of the things where there’s a lot of running in congestion.”
Bernstine’s willingness to work at minicamp appears to dispel the notion that he might be difficult to sign this year.
Bernstine has had his differences with the team in the past in regards to his willingness or unwillingness to play while injured. His name has also surfaced several times in trade talks.
Bernstine is also not only represented by the same agent who handled Gary Anderson’s negotiations, but by an agent who has had his disagreements with General Manager Bobby Beathard in the past. However, Cindrich said Saturday night that he’s optimistic.
“There’s a good chance (an agreement) could be before the end of this next week,” he said. “I would hope certainly before June.”
Cornerback Sam Seale edged wide receiver Anthony Miller and ran off with the Chargers’ fastest 40-yard dash time.
Beathard said Seale ran a 4.51 on grass; Miller was next best at 4.52.
“The grass takes something away from the times,” Beathard said. “Anybody down in the low 4.5s would probably be in the high 4.3s on artificial turf.”
Seale was startled to hear that he had run faster than Miller.
“They must be wrong,” Seale said. “Anthony’s probably the fastest one on the team, and I sure like the fact he’s on my team. I figure as long as I can keep up with Anthony I can play in the NFL.”
Wide receiver Yancey Thigpen, the team’s fourth-round draft choice, came to minicamp with a sprained ankle and was unable to participate.
Mark May, a Plan B free agent, made his debut.
“Mark May ran today exactly what he ran 10 years ago when I first saw him in minicamp in Washington,” Coach Dan Henning said. “It wasn’t real fast, but it’s the same.”
May has been recovering from a knee injury and has not played for the last year and a half.
“Whether he is capable of taking the pounding at an older age now and playing like he did,” said Henning, “that will be a training camp observation.”
Nose tackle Joe Phillips, who missed most of last season after having his eye orbit fractured in a beating outside of a Mission Beach restaurant, was on the practice field.
“He’s worked hard and he’s probably our strongest man,” said Beathard. “He looks great physically, so I would anticipate he’ll take up where he left off last year.”