Charger Talks With Richard Go Nowhere : Football: Lawyer for top draft pick and Beathard don’t make connection.

Chargers’ No. 1 draft choice Stanley Richard arrived in town, fit and ready to play, but it appears he’s no closer to signing than he was a week ago.

While General Manager Bobby Beathard and Chris Knepp, Richard’s lawyer, play phone tag, Richard continues to miss practice time.

Knepp and Beathard attempted to reach each other twice Wednesday but could not connect.

Richard, who was at San Diego High on Wednesday speaking to a youth group, said he is confident he will soon come to contract agreement with the Chargers.

“It’s not that big of a problem,” said Richard, a free safety from Texas. “We’re getting closer.”

The Chargers have indicated they are offering Richards, the No. 9 pick overall, more than $800,000 a year. Herman Moore, the No. 10 pick in this year’s draft, signed with the Detroit Lions for $800,000 a year over three years.

Chris Dorsey, Richard’s close friend and business adviser, said the biggest problem has been a lack of communication between Beathard and Knepp.

“Beathard has been concerned with other people signing and the attention really hasn’t been paid toward Stanley until recently,” Dorsey said. “But we understand that. We know that Bobby is a busy man.”

Another possible negotiation problem could be Dorsey. Beathard would not comment, but there is a feeling among some in the Charger organization that Dorsey is now handling the financial arrangements.

But Dorsey denied that he has taken over for Knepp.

“That’s not the case,” Dorsey said. “Chris is still very much in the picture. Stanley and I are friends, though I do advise him on some some business dealings.”

Knepp said Dorsey is nothing more than a friend of Richard’s.

“We have talked together and come up with what we want to do, but then I take it from there,” Knepp said.

Beathard said Richard is hurting himself by not attending three days of practices in Flagstaff, Ariz., with the Phoenix Cardinals.

“This was important,” said Beathard, who left with the team Wednesday for Flagstaff. “I thought these three days would help prepare him for the season. The practices would give him a chance to learn what’s going on. I would think there is a sense of urgency.”

Richard said he would like to be in Flagstaff, but he doesn’t think his absence is critical.

“I did real well in summer camp,” he said. “The defense is similar to Texas’. Being behind everyone is not what I’m concerned with. Not to be cocky, but I feel like I was putting myself above the other players in minicamp.

“The biggest thing I’m missing out on is the physical contact. I can work out every day, but it’s not the same as hitting people. You enjoy that competition.”

When he reports, Richard’s main competition will come from second-year player Anthony Shelton, who has been starting at free safety. But Richard said he’s not worried about Shelton or anyone else putting him on the bench.

“I will make an impact,” he said. “I have a lot of confidence in my ability to play football. I understand that I may not start right away. I respect the other players. All those guys know that. But if I play like I know I can, I will be all right.”

Shelton gave some indications that he will not give up his starting job without a fight. During Wednesday morning’s practice, he came to blows with offensive lineman Frank Cornish.

“I’m getting more comfortable and more confident every day,” Shelton said.

Acquired from the San Francisco 49ers last year on waivers before the season, Shelton played in 14 games on nickel packages and special teams.

But during camp, Shelton has been settling in at free safety, his natural position.

“With Richard being out, it’s definitely helping my chances,” Shelton said. “I have to be consistent every day. Playing so much has given me a chance to learn what everybody does.

“Regardless of what (Richard) does, he’s going to be behind when he comes into camp. This is a difficult system to learn. They’re going to go with the guy who knows what he’s doing.”

Shelton studied and practiced the free safety position this summer with secondary coach Jim Mora.

“I’ve come a long way,” Shelton said. “I’m pleased with the progress I’ve made. I’m a lot further along than I would have been if I had sat home this summer.”

Three players did not accompany the team to Flagstaff because of minor injuries: linebacker Garry Plummer; cornerback Derrick Kelson; tackle Darry Jenkins; and running back Roland Poles.