NFL REPORT
Did Denver tape Bolts practices?

By Kevin Acee
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

February 25, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS - Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith had no comment yesterday
about a report that the Denver Broncos had taped Chargers practices.

The story on Yahoo.com, which did not cite any sources, said the Chargers
increased their security "several years ago" during weeks in which they
played the Broncos because Denver spies were videotaping Chargers practices.

"Ever since I was hired as general manager I went into procedures," Smith
said, referring to the fact the Chargers have beefed up security around
their facility year-round since 2003. "Why'd I go into those procedures? I
won't go down those roads."

The Yahoo report said, "The NFL had been aware of it for several years (at
least one NFL official had seen one of the tapes), but didn't step in
because it was considered a team issue."

The Yahoo story was about the larger topic of cheating being a long-standing
issue in the NFL, and the reference to the Chargers and Broncos was one
paragraph.

"The Denver Broncos will have no comment," team spokesman Jim Saccomano said
yesterday.

Smith signs

The Chargers agreed on a two-year deal with inside linebacker Derek Smith,
adding depth behind their young starters.

"I really like him," A.J. Smith said. "He's physical, tough."

Terms of the deal are not known, but Smith definitely took less than the
$4.5 million he was due to make in 2008 before the 49ers released him
Tuesday.

Smith, 33, has played 11 seasons and led the 49ers in tackles from 2001-05
before vision trouble caused a dropoff in his play in '06. He had eye
surgery a year ago and started 14 games in 2007, making 78 tackles.

The Chargers see him as a good complement to starters Matt Wilhelm and
Stephen Cooper.

"He's a backup guy with experience," A.J. Smith said.

Fastest man

East Carolina running back Chris Johnson put up the fastest 40-yard dash
time of the combine so far, 4.24 seconds. Johnson outpaced Arkansas' Darren
McFadden, who ran it in 4.33 seconds.

Cal wide receiver DeSean Jackson had the fastest 40 time at his position,
finishing in 4.35 seconds. He finished just ahead of Andre Caldwell of
Florida, Dexter Jackson of Appalachian State and Will Franklin of Missouri,
who all finished in 4.37 seconds.

Dorsey: I'm OK

LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey made his long-awaited arrival at the RCA
Dome, a day late because of the death of his grandmother and because he had
to spend about nine hours Saturday at the hospital, where doctors examined
his right tibia (fractured in 2006) and right knee (injured last season).

Dorsey realizes teams that might invest $20 million in him are going to
scrutinize every inch of his 6-1¼, 297-pound body.

Dorsey, who swept nearly every major honor for a defensive player last
season said he has no concerns about his physical condition dropping him
from the top of the draft.

Around the league

COMBINE: Florida State wide receiver De'Cody Fagg hurt his left leg during
drills for QBs and receivers and was taken from the RCA Dome field on a
stretcher.

BEARS: Tight end Desmond Clark agreed to a two-year contract extension
through the 2010 season.

News services contributed to this report.

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



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