San Diego Chargers Notes, Quotes 2009-03-06

--LaDainian Tomlinson wants to return to San Diego. Chargers general manager A. J. Smith wants Tomlinson, the future Hall of Famer running back, to return to San Diego. But despite two parties seemingly sharing common ground, Tomlinson and the team are at an impasse. The Chargers want Tomlinson, who rushed for 1,110 yards and 11 touchdowns last year, to lessen his salary of $6.7 million. Tomlinson is open to adjust his contract that runs through 2011, but he doesn't feel a pay cut is warranted. Especially with the Chargers showering running back Darren Sproles with $6.8 million as the team's franchise player.

"I am optimistic (a new contract) will happen," Tomlinson said. "But again, I'm realistic about certain things, and I understand it is a business.'' Tomlinson is now saying he expects to play past his current contract and is intrigued about making a run at Emmitt Smith's all-time rushing mark - Tomlinson is 6,585 yards from Smith, is idol while growing up in Waco, Texas.

--Why did the Chargers get crushed by the Steelers in the players, one step shy of their second straight AFC Championship Game? "We're not good enough to take on the big boys," Smith said.

--DE Igor Olshansky, a former second round pick who was allowed to flee, could be considered to shore up that spot in Washington.

--CB Quentin Jammer, the Chargers' man of the year, took some 80 kids from a local foster home to see the Harlem Globetrotters play.

--There is nothing new to report regarding the Chargers locating a new site where to build a stadium. Chula Vista, a San Diego suburb, remains interested but a move there seems to have very traction. Meanwhile, plans to build and NFL stadium some 100 miles in the Los Angeles suburb of Industry continue.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We got some guys that need to step up. You give people opportunities, but a lot of guys are on notice." -- GM A.J. Smith of some of his underachieving players facing a make-or-break season.