Chargers soon to bid Neal farewell?

By Kevin Acee
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

February 6, 2008

KAPOLEI, Hawaii - After the AFC squad worked out here this morning, Lorenzo
Neal walked off the practice field carrying his white helmet with the gold
lightning bolts.

This week at the Pro Bowl could well be the last time Neal wears the
Chargers colors, and he knows it.

The 15-year veteran plans on speaking with coach Norv Turner next week about
his future with the team.

"I don't want it to be uncomfortable here," he said, referring to the fact
the Chargers' staff is here coaching the AFC team.

Neal is careful not to make it appear he is demanding assurances or trying
to make it all about him. But the four-time Pro Bowl fullback does not want
to be a role player.

"I'm a starter," he said. "I understand they've got plays and maybe I can't
be out there all the time. But I want to be a starter in this league. I am a
starter - if not (in San Diego), then somewhere.

"I'm going to talk to Norv. Whatever direction they want to go, I wish him
well. He's a great coach. He's shown he can win. He knows I want to play."

Neal signed a three-year extension last March that paid him $770,000 in a
roster bonus and was set to pay him another $4.75 million between 2008 and
'10.

But, at the advanced age of 37, he is playing in an offense that no longer
requires his services as often as it did his first four seasons in San
Diego.

Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith declined comment yesterday. He plans to
publicly address offseason moves later this month. Those moves will include
the releasing of free safety Marlon McCree as well.

Turner values Neal and would like him to remain a Charger. But Neal
generally played about half as many snaps this season as in 2006. In
addition to Turner's offense not being the ideal place for a fullback to get
50 plays, the emergence of Andrew Pinnock further makes Neal expendable.

Neal's return likely would be based on his acceptance of a lesser role.

"A lot of it depends on who we're playing, how we're playing," Turner said.
" . . . He's here at the Pro Bowl. He's a good player."

And Neal agreeing with that assessment is why he is unlikely to want to be
in a lesser role.

"I'm going to play somewhere," he said. "I'm not worried."

Kevin Acee: (619) 293-1857; kevin.acee@uniontrib.com




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