O’Neal, Beathard, Ross Settle Attitude Question

Linebacker Leslie O’Neal, who has been concerned by reports that the Charger front office has taken a dislike to his attitude, met with General Manager Bobby Beathard and Coach Bobby Ross this week.

“He’s just frustrated,” Beathard said. “We had a long talk and it was a good meeting. He just wanted to hear how I felt about everything, and how the coaches felt. He was real good. I wish everybody could have seen him in this setting.

“I wouldn’t say I changed my feelings about Leslie because I never had any bad feelings.”

In the past, the Chargers have criticized O’Neal for ignoring the team’s off-season workouts. They did not expect him to attend minicamp this week, and they have let it be known they expect him to hold up contract negotiations and report late to training camp.

O’Neal, offensive lineman Broderick Thompson and nose tackle Joe Phillips failed to appear at Wednesday night’s meeting to open the four-day minicamp. Each player remains unsigned, and is not obligated to participate in minicamp. O’Neal says he may stop in for some classroom sessions.

“More than likely I’ll go through some of the meetings, so I can see how different things are going to be,” O’Neal said. “I definitely won’t go on the field for practice. I’ve seen some freaky things happen, and people have gotten hurt.”

John Adler, Phillips’ agent, said his client will attend minicamp but will not participate in practice. Beathard expressed surprise at Thompson’s absence, but said he will contact Thompson’s agent today.

The Chargers have a total of 16 unsigned players, but most, including quarterback John Friesz, have insurance that allows them to practice while protecting their future against injury.

“I’m not under contract and I don’t work for free,” O’Neal said. “It’s only April, and I’ll be ready come September. Look it up--who played every play and every practice for the Chargers the past two years? I need the vacation.”

Punter John Kidd underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery recently and will be unable to practice. Kidd injured his shoulder while playing the role of practice quarterback last season. He’s expected to be recovered by training camp.

The Chargers will practice twice daily (10-11:40 a.m. and 4-5:30 p.m.) today, Friday and Saturday at their facility adjacent to the San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium parking lot. There is one session Sunday (11:15-12:30). Practices are open to the public.