Humble Leaf Apologizes (Again)

The humbling of San Diego Chargers rookie quarterback Ryan Leaf continued Monday.

Leaf, who has experienced a tumultuous eight days since a 23-7 loss at Kansas City on Sept. 23, read a statement Monday saying he had been "selfish" and had "let my personal shortcomings get in the way of my professional behavior."

The statement came on the heels of two ugly losses in which Leaf performed horribly, and two distasteful off-the-field incidents.

In Sunday's 34-16 loss to the New York Giants at home, Leaf threw four interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown, and two others that set up Giants touchdowns.

Leaf had one of the worst days in NFL history in the loss at Kansas City, completing just one of 15 passes for 4 yards with two interceptions and losing three fumbles.

After four games in the NFL, the No. 2 overall draft pick was rated last among AFC quarterbacks. He has completed just 43.3 percent of his passes and is responsible for 11 of the club's 12 turnovers, including eight interceptions.

Leaf appeared nervous as he read the following statement to reporters following practice:

"I have been selfish and have let my personal shortcomings get in the way of my professional behavior. I misdirected my anger after the Kansas City game. I was extremely disappointed in my performance and I let it show. I intend to work hard on and off the field. I would appreciate it if we did not adress this issue again. My success depends on the support on my teammates and the San Diego community. I promise to move forward in a positive direction."

Leaf, 22, drew the wrath of Chargers fans Sunday, who loudly booed him on several occasions, including once when he appeared on the stadium video screen in a public-service announcement for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Leaf's troubles began after the Kansas City loss when he cursed at a cameraman, who was filming a postgame show for the Chargers and standing in front of Leaf's locker.

When the incident was reported in the local newspaper, Leaf approached the reporter the next day and unleashed a profanity-laced tirade. Leaf, through the team, issued a statement of apology one hour after the incident.

Last week,

After a good start to his NFL career, Ryan Leaf has had a rough couple of weeks . (AP)

After Sunday's loss to New York, Leaf, whose voice quivered during his postgame news conference, admitted that "it kind of feels like someone ripped my heart out of me."

Offensive guard Aaron Taylor, whom Leaf gave credit for helping him through the tough times, said the rookie had learned a lesson.

"Last week, he didn't handle that in the best possible way," Taylor said. "He understands that now. He knows he made some mistakes, that's how you learn, that's how I learned. I told him we still believe in him, he's still our guy."

Leaf said the decision to make a statement was heavily influenced by his father.

"He almost wrote it for me," Leaf admitted. "But I had to come in and write it myself."

Chargers coach Kevin Gilbride hopes the media embarrassment is behind them.

"Hopefully, he will conduct himself in a way that will not interfere with his preparation or anybody else's," Gilbride said.

© 1998 SportsLine USA, Inc. All rights reserved