CHARGERS UPDATE : Lynn Denies Reports That He Might Quit

In the recent issue of The Sporting News, NFL columnist Chris Mortensen wrote that Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Lynn thought last week about quitting because he had “grown weary of being the scapegoat for the team’s poor record.”

Lynn said Thursday, “That’s ridiculous. No way. It’s never been a consideration.

“That was a regeneration period (bye week). I’m pumped up. I don’t have any idea where that would come from.”

The Chargers’ defense, which was ranked fifth a year ago, has slipped to No. 22 this season.

“I’ve quit only one thing in my life and I wish I hadn’t done that,” Lynn said. “I quit trumpet lessons and wish I hadn’t done it.”

Center Courtney Hall’s condition has been upgraded to questionable. Hall, who injured his right knee Oct. 27 against Seattle, will practice today.

“We’re fairly certain there is no structural damage that needs repair,” Chargers Coach Dan Henning said.

It was originally feared that Hall’s knee might require surgery that would keep him out for the rest of the season. Henning said Chargers doctors now believe that Hall’s ligaments are stretched instead of torn.

Mark Rodenhauser, the snapper on punts and kickoffs, has a sore back, but Henning said he expects him to play Sunday against Seattle. If Rodenhauser or Hall can’t play, Frank Cornish will step in.

The news of Magic Johnson testing positive for the human immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS, spread quickly through the Chargers camp. As the team walked off the field after practice, almost every player asked, “Is it true? Does Magic have AIDS?”

Wide receiver Shawn Jefferson was hit particularly hard by the news.

“When I heard about it today in practice from (receivers coach) Charlie Joiner, I really didn’t want to go through with practice,” he said. “My heart just dropped.”

Jefferson said Johnson’s announcement has made him more aware of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

“I hadn’t paid attention to it,” Jefferson said. “I must say I really didn’t give a dang about AIDS before this. But it really makes you think.”