Newz Forum: FOOTBALL: Ball reports to Chargers

SAN DIEGO (AP) Disgruntled center Jason Ball signed a $380,000 contract tender on Friday night with the San Diego Chargers.

Ball skipped minicamp and training camp while first demanding a long-term deal, and then seeking a trade. He's expected to report Monday, and the Chargers will have a two-week roster exemption for him.

Rookie Nick Hardwick, a third-round draft pick from Purdue, won the starting job in Ball's absence.

Ball started 21 games in his first two NFL seasons. An undrafted free agent, he started the last 13 games of his rookie season in 2002 after Cory Raymer was hurt. Ball made eight starts last year but missed eight others with an ankle injury.

Ball was an exclusive-rights free agent. General manager A.J. Smith has said Ball needed to report to the team before he'll talk about a new deal.