Chargers rookie RB Ryan Mathews plans to hold out training camp

While all other San Diego Chargers rookies reported for training camp on time on Sunday, the only unsigned rookie, first-round pick Ryan Mathews was staying at home in his favorite Brett Favre jersey, claiming that he would hold out the whole training camp and even skip regular-season games if the Chargers do not offer a satisfying long-term contract.

If Mathews really means it, he will join veterans like wide receiver Vincent Jackson, left tackle Marcus McNeil and linebacker Shawne Merriman to hold out the training camp because of contract disputes. However, the rookie is expected to return earlier than Jackson, because the Chargers are likely to offer a rookie contract to him during the training camp, while a veteran like Jackson still has to fulfill the last year of his current contract before it expires. A rookie contract will surely cost much less than a veteran’s contract extension.

Wearing his favorite Michael Irvin jersey hanging around with his friends, Jackson is determined to get something from the team before wear back his team uniform. It’s hard to say which side will win and Jackson might be risking his career by doing so.

Chargers WR Jackson will face imprisonment and suspension

The San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson entered his plea on Monday, pleading to DUI charge and accepting sentence for four days in jail and five years of probation. He may also receive a one-game suspension from the league because it has been the second time he was convicted of DUI.

The last time he pleaded guilty to a DUI charge was in 2006 and he was still on probation for that charge when he was arrested again in January 2009. Jackson will also be arraigned on March 2 for driving with a suspended license. It was a few hours before the Chargers’ playoff loss to the New York Jets when Jackson was handcuffed briefly and had his car impounded following a traffic stop that was caused by playing loud music.

According to City Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Gina Coburn, Jackson will pay $2,408 of fine and commit 10 days of public work service. Last time he was ordered to give five days of public work service. The jail time can be served as work release and Jackson can report between now and March 23. Hope this time he learns how to drive in a safe way. As a pro star athlete in NFL jersey, he should at least make sure he is not a public threat to others’ life even if he does not take himself as public example of behavior.