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Controversial Chargers New Leaf troubles emerges as Marinovich works out
Posted: Thursday April 13, 2000 11:16 PM
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- As another controversy involving Ryan Leaf emerged, Todd Marinovich worked out for the San Diego Chargers on Thursday and could soon be offered a contract. General manager Bobby Beathard said the staff will meet Friday to determine whether to sign the 30-year-old Marinovich, who hasn't played in the NFL since 1992. The Chargers are looking to add a quarterback because of the uncertainty over the troubled Leaf, who is still experiencing pain from a second surgery on his throwing shoulder. Leaf visited Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., on Wednesday for a third opinion. Coach Mike Riley said he spoke with Leaf on Thursday and was mostly encouraged by the results of the exam. Riley said there is some irritation in the shoulder and doubts Leaf will throw during the team's minicamp April 28-30. On Thursday, the Los Angeles Times reported that fullback Fred McCrary criticized Leaf in the locker room after a workout about a month ago, calling him, among other things, "fat" and "out of shape" while imploring him to better prepare for the new season. An angry Leaf left the complex and hasn't returned. He's been working out since with a personal trainer. General manager Bobby Beathard said the report was accurate. "Part of being an athlete ... you're going to have some run-ins. You have to accept that and come back. I think it's important for him to understand that. Ryan needs to be here doing his routine," Beathard said. Riley said Leaf told him he will report to the team next week to rehab his shoulder. As for mending the strained relationship with his teammates, "That's between them," Riley said. "He'll come back and go to work, and that will be it." Riley was impressed with Marinovich's accuracy and release. Marinovich, a backup with the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League, also was happy with his performance. "It felt good to throw on a big field. I've been throwing lately on that small arena field, so it was good to throw out on the grass." Marinovich has had his own troubles. He was a first-round draft pick of the Raiders in 1991 but was released before the 1993 season. In early 1998, he spent three months in jail after pleading guilty to growing marijuana. Marinovich said he's learned from his mistakes. "The tough times I've been through have made me a stronger person and I've moved on since then. I think that everything that has gone on has been a plus." Marinovich expressed a strong interest in signing with the Chargers. "It's a perfect fit. If I were to chose a place to play, this would be it, no doubt about it."
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