Ross, Beathard Hold Summit to Reduce Frustration Level

Coach Bobby Ross, who took the blame for the Chargers’ 23-6 defeat and 0-3 start to the 1992 season, met with General Manager Bobby Beathard on Sunday night at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium.

No, he has not decided to call it quits.

“Bobby’s just very tough on himself,” Beathard said. “But it’s not the coach. This guy is fantastic.

“When we talked I told him it sure as hell isn’t his fault. He just wanted to sit down and talk. It was nothing big or anything like that. But I just think he’s frustrated.”

Ross turned the spotlight on himself following the Chargers’ latest loss and told his team behind closed doors that he was the one who was going to take the heat for the team’s poor start. Then he stepped in front of reporters and shouldered the responsibility for a miserable afternoon in the sun.

“It’s a better team than this,” Beathard said. “I think the players are just as frustrated as Bobby. There were players that were really taking it hard afterward. They were emotionally hurt and that’s the first I’ve seen of that with this team.

“I keep thinking back to the Redskins (when Joe Gibbs began his head coaching tenure with an 0-5 start) and this is a better team than that Redskin team. I’m not putting the blame on Bobby Ross or the players. If anyone is to get the blame, put it on me. I’m supposed to have the answers to this, but I don’t right now.”

Beathard said Ross’ apology should not be misinterpreted. “Bobby’s a tough guy and he has strong convictions,” Beathard said. “He’s going to get it done, and it’s up to us to do our part to help him.”