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.