--After six years of sitting down with the media at the season's conclusion, general manager A.J. Smith is sitting this year out. Instead of letting all the media chat with him at once, Smith said, "I've decided to be available at the media's convenience."

Smith, though, doesn't speak with the entire media corps covering the Chargers, especially those who have been critical of his moves in the past.

--While the team's premature ejection from the playoffs has been tough to swallow, coach Norv Turner remains confident the right pieces are in place.

"We have great character players that will get this thing done," Turner said. "There's no question in my mind about that."

--Esther Gillman, the widow of legendary Chargers coach Sid Gillman, passed away earlier this month. She was 97; was married to Sid for 67 years before he died in 2003.

--No one breaks down special teams play like Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News. The longtime NFL writer ranked the Chargers' special teams the seventh-best in the NFL. Among other things, the Chargers' special teams had three touchdowns last season.

--DE Travis Johnson's 4-year-old daughter was hospitalized recently because of a stroke. While coming to the Chargers just last year, he said he's been overwhelmed by their support during this difficult time.

"I'm still so new to this Charger family but the love that has come out of the Charger family for this child, for me and my family has been wonderful," he said.

--DL Jacques Cesaire continues to raise money for Haiti earthquake victims. His parents came from Haiti to the United States in 1976.

--OLB Shawne Merriman and TV personality Tila Tequila have settled their dueling lawsuits.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"There is a lot to do. There's no question about that, but we'll address each spot and make the best decision for us." -- Chargers GM A.J. Smith on the team entering the free-agency period with 22 free agents.

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