The Sports Xchange

SAN DIEGO — Safety Eric Weddle participated in the San Diego Chargers’ first minicamp workout on Tuesday.

Weddle, a four-time defensive captain, boycotted the voluntary practice sessions to protest the Chargers not giving him a contract extension. Weddle, an All-Pro, is in the last year of his deal. He accused the team of not respecting him this offseason.

“I want everyone to know that my integrity means everything to me,” Weddle said. “Nothing would make me happier than to retire a Charger, the team that drafted me and I grew up with.

“Despite our attempts on multiple occasions, unfortunately, the desire has not been mutual. The Chargers have never put an offer on the table for us to consider. It’s obvious to me that I’m not part of the organization’s long-term plan. Emotionally, I’m past emotions. It can happen to anyone.”

Weddle appeared to be in great shape despite not working at the team’s facility.

“I’m going to be the best safety in the league this season,” he said.

But regardless of his level of play, his chances of returning after this season are remote.

“I’ve been told I’m getting up there in age and that I’ve played a lot of plays,” he said. “But I have never said anything other than I want to be a Charger forever and done everything possible to do that. But it works both ways and now I understand it and see it.”

Count quarterback Philip Rivers among those thrilled to see Weddle return to practice.

“He raises the level of the guys around him,” he said. “He brings some energy to the practice field that we haven’t had as much. It’s been a solid offseason. That’s not to shortchange the group that we’ve had out there. But there’s no denying he makes us a better team. So it was good to have him back out there.”

–Head coach Mike McCoy was upbeat after the first minicamp session. “It was an outstanding day on the field today,” McCoy said. “I loved the energy, the effort and enthusiasm of the team with everyone being out here. It was just an outstanding day.”

–The Chargers signed left tackle Forrestal Hickman, a four-year starter from Missouri S&T. Defensive end Ricky Tjong-a-Tjoe was released with the designation failed physical.