SAN DIEGO, March 14 (UPI) -- In a surprise move, the San Diego Chargers have given veteran middle linebackers Junior Seau permission to talk with other teams.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Friday that Seau is being released by the Chargers for salary cap purposes. He had signed a long-term contract in 2000.
Coach Marty Schottenheimer told the paper that he is not happy about the move.
"Look, this is not easy for me," Schottenheimer told the paper. "Junior Seau embodies everything you want in a player -- work ethic, dedication, passion. But we felt this was something we needed to do, and we wanted to do it right. That's why we extended the courtesy to Junior and his representative to try to see if there's a trade that can be reached."
Seau, 34, told the paper he already spoken with two teams, and that he and his agent are pressing forward.
"Marvin and I are going to be proactive," Seau said, referring to his agent, Marvin Demoff. "No matter what's being said, I'm here to say that we have a deal where we have permission to seek the market, and that's great. We're going to do that. All I want to do is put on another hat and carry on and do what I do best -- on two healthy ankles. That's where we are."
The 6-3, 250-pounder is scheduled to hold a news conference at his restaurant in Mission Valley on Friday afternoon to discuss his plans for the future.
"It's definitely good and bad," Seau told the paper after speaking to Schottenheimer by phone on Thursday. "It's time for us to part ways. There will be some disgruntled people and disgruntled fans, but it was time. I have so many great memories from my time in San Diego, but I look forward to the challenge ahead. I have no regrets about what was done. I wish everyone the best."
The native of Oceanside, Calif., who played collegiately at Southern California, is a 12-time Pro Bowler. He was the No. 1 pick, and fifth overall, of the Chargers in the 1990 draft.
In his career, he has played in 200 games, and has 1,481 tackles, caused 11 forced fumbles, and made 15 interceptions.
