Chargers’ Leaf Is Fined, Suspended After Outburst

The troubled career of San Diego quarterback Ryan Leaf hit a new low Tuesday when he was suspended for four weeks without pay and fined a week’s salary for what teammates said was an obscenity-laced tirade at General Manager Bobby Beathard and other Charger personnel.

Players and others in the organization, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Leaf yelled at Beathard and members of the strength and conditioning staff, apparently over a workout he was asked to do.

The blowup came before a team meeting Monday, a day after San Diego’s 34-0 loss at Kansas City. Coach Mike Riley and some players witnessed part of the exchange.

The suspension, the maximum allowed under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, began Tuesday. Leaf’s base salary is $250,000, so with the suspension and fine, he’ll lose about $73,530.

Leaf was unavailable for comment.

Leaf underwent surgery on his throwing shoulder July 26, but the Chargers kept him on the active roster. He was expected to be in playing shape in three or four weeks.

In his absence, Erik Kramer and Jim Harbaugh have 14 turnovers in three games, including consecutive losses to Green Bay and Kansas City in which the Chargers were outscored, 65-3.

Leaf’s troubles began after a game against Kansas City in 1998, when he completed only one of 15 passes for four yards, with two interceptions and three lost fumbles. After the game, he yelled at a TV cameraman, and the next day screamed profanities at a reporter, with some of the tirade captured on videotape and shown nationwide.

In June, he skipped part of the team’s voluntary workout, then hurt his right shoulder once he returned. He aggravated the injury 20 minutes into the first training camp workout and underwent surgery.

He was quoted as saying he wanted out of San Diego when his contract becomes voidable after the 2000 season. After a fan heckled him, Leaf had to be restrained from confronting the man.

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A day after the death of NFL Hall of Famer Walter Payton, the condolences continued to roll in for the former Chicago Bear.

Payton, the league’s career rushing leader, died Monday of bile duct cancer that was discovered during treatment for a rare liver disease. He was 45.

The Bears opened a gate at Soldier Field, and some fans dropped off bouquets and cards. More sent flowers to Payton’s restaurant in suburban Aurora. At Mike Ditka’s Restaurant, fans signed cards and were encouraged to become organ donors.

The Bears announced that a public memorial service for Payton is scheduled at noon Saturday at Soldier Field. The current Bears team as well as several of Payton’s former teammates are scheduled to attend.

A private, invitation-only service will be held at noon Friday at a church in the suburb of South Barrington.

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The Denver Broncos put defensive end Alfred Williams on injured reserve and signed linebacker Steve Russ. Williams, an all-pro selection in 1996, tore his right Achilles’ tendon in Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings. . . The Atlanta Falcons, who could be without starting guards Gene Williams and Greg Bishop for Sunday’s game against Jacksonville, signed guard Evan Pilgrim and waived cornerback Keith Thibodeaux. Williams is doubtful because of a sprained right ankle, and Bishop is hampered because of a sprained right knee. The Falcons have only two healthy guards, Bob Hallen and Calvin Collins.