SAN DIEGO, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- The San Diego Chargers Saturday suspended All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates for three games.
His lengthy holdout continued Saturday, leading to the suspension.
The Chargers had issued an ultimatum on Thursday and said they would place Gates on the Roster Exempt list -- which does not allow him to play in the first three games following the date he signs with the team -- if he were not in camp by Saturday.
He will miss pre-season games against Minnesota and San Francisco, as well as the season-opener against Dallas.
"The Chargers and Gates' agent negotiated throughout (Saturday) morning but could not reach an agreement on years or compensation," the team said in a statement. "At this point, Gates does not feel comfortable in signing the team's tender offer and going back to work."
Gates wants a contract similar to that of Baltimore's Todd Heap, who signed a six-year deal guaranteeing him $11 million.
