Jimmy Laister Has Change of Heart

In the coming days Bobby Beathard will get a Wizard of Oz-like call from tackle Jimmy Laister, the Chargers’ seventh-round pick.

Laister said he’s still not sure if he has the heart to play football, but he wants to consult with Beathard about possibly rejoining the Chargers.

“I don’t want to say anything until I talk to Bobby Beathard,” Laister said. “But if they wanted me the first time, then they should want me again, right?

“If they say, no, then I’ll just have to live with it. I just want to find out if they would really work with me on this situation. If they can deal with me the way I am, then I’ll be more than happy to come back.”

Laister, a 6-4, 300-pound offensive tackle from Oregon Tech, returned to Klamath Falls earlier this month after his first minicamp practice in San Diego. The Chargers attributed Laister’s sudden departure to cold feet.

Laister, however, said he had hidden a heart problem from the team. He said he underwent a surgical procedure to remedy an arrhythmia problem in January, but he said he suffered another attack when he attended minicamp.

He said he had difficulty breathing, broke out in a cold sweat and became weary. He said he feared for his life and he announced he would no longer play football.

He’s apparently had a change of heart, however.

“Nothing’s changed medically,” he said. “I’m still not sure my health can measure up to NFL standards, but if Bobby says they can handle it, then I’ll come back. It’s up to him.”

Beathard was at the NFL owners meetings in Minneapolis and unavailable for comment.