A.J. APOLOGIZES TO L.T.

From the Chargers’ official web site comes the latest twist in the offseason drama engulfing the franchise. In a grossly self-serving item titled “A.J. reaches out to L.T.” but that would be more appropriately dubbed “A.J. eats crow in an effort to save his ass,” the team-owned and team-operated web site reports that Chargers G.M. A.J. Smith called star running back LaDainian Tomlinson on Monday night to apologize for Smith’s recent comments, which were widely interpreted as mocking L.T.'s statement from last week regarding his desire to remain in San Diego. “I just answered a question and unfortunately my response was inappropriate,” Smith said. “After reading my response to the question, I can see why it was interpreted the way it was.” Smith tracked L.T. down by phone in Tampa to explain the context of the remarks to Tomlinson. “I absolutely meant no disrespect toward L.T. . . . none. I have the utmost respect for him on two fronts, as a player and as a person,” Smith added. Smith’s decision to use the word “utmost” is curious, given that L.T.'s statement from last week included an incorrect version of the word -- “upmost.” It almost makes us think that Smith was given a direct order from owner Dean Spanos to apologize, and that Smith worked the word “utmost” into his quote as sort of a Revolution No. 9 message to those who know Smith that he’s saying what he’s saying only because he’s being forced to say it. Smith also characterized the national and local criticism of his remarks as part of a “difficult time,” which is way out of character for the man who loves to project the notion that he loves nothing. Indeed, he once refused to allow the team’s media guide to include a picture of him smiling. Then again, all that matters is whether Smith’s remarks were sufficient to placate Tomlinson and Spanos, presuming that the owner who was “very upset” by the situation forced Smith to say he’s sorry. As to the former, it worked. “It was great to hear from him,” Tomlinson said. “It really went well. It’s always better talking directly to someone one on one. He was very upbeat and very sincere. He felt bad about what had happened.” Correction -- Smith said he felt bad. And we have the utmost respect for his ability to persuade Tomlinson that he means it.