CHARGERS: Team won't be hanging with Cooper after game

+ LB to begin four-game ban after facing 49ers

By JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | Thursday, August 28, 2008 11:26 PM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- Chargers linebacker Stephen Cooper is among the few ---- only? ---- starters disappointed to see the exhibition season end.

But finished it will be after Friday night's game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park.

The summer exercise is Cooper's last chance to play until Oct. 5. Starting Saturday, he can't so much as practice with the team or use its facilities.

Cooper will mine for defensive nuggets against the 49ers, then begin serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy regarding banned substances.

"I'm doing fine,'' said Cooper, who led the Chargers in tackles last season. "It's something that I've known about for a while now.''

Lost in the tsunami of Shawne Merriman coverage is the tide that will take Cooper out of action.

Cooper said he ingested a banned substance through a nutritional supplement, causing the dirty test. He was notified in April of the NFL's decision.

"I made a mistake, and I've got to deal with it,'' Cooper said. "And I'm going to do everything I can do those four weeks to make sure I come back that fifth week ready for Miami."

Linebacker Matt Wilhelm, who plays next to Cooper on the inside, predicts staying away from Chargers Park will be difficult for Cooper, perhaps as difficult as the Chargers facing the Panthers, Broncos, Jets and Raiders without him.

"It's going to be tough for him, for me, and tough for us as a defense,'' Wilhelm said. "Last year he was making all those plays, being in the right place at right time ---- we can depend on him to get the job done."

That task now falls to veteran Derek Smith. He also realizes what Cooper brings to the unit, especially in stopping the run.

"He is a major part of this defense, and I know it is killing him to sit those four games out,'' Smith said.

Wilhelm is among Cooper's best friends and a supporter. There's not much else to do.

"Obviously, he brought it upon himself,'' Wilhelm said. "He can't change that, and all he can do is move forward. And I think you are going to see a different player come Week 5. I feel he is going to come back angry and spiteful in having to sit out those first four games."

Cooper's rage appears only on game days and in practice. Away from the banging of bodies, there isn't a more soft-spoken Charger.

When discussing his dilemma, Cooper's voice includes even tones and a dose of regret. While others salivate about Sept. 7, Cooper's nose will be pressed on the outside of the NFL window.

"It's easy to get excited knowing the season is coming up,'' he said. "But now knowing that my four-game suspension is coming up, it's more depressing than anything. But I made a mistake and I have to own up to it, and that is what I've done."

This is the second time Cooper has had an incident regarding drugs.

Cooper admitted to possession of steroids after an estimated 1,000 pills were found in his duffel bag when he was a student at the University of Maine in 2002. Cooper pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge but denied taking the steroids.

"At the end of the day you are responsible for whatever you do and you better own up to it,'' Cooper said, in regard to his latest infraction.

Merriman knows of the emotions running through Cooper. Merriman was suspended for four games in 2006 for violating the same policy. Like Cooper, Merriman also attributed his failed test to a tainted supplement.

"It's going to be tough, and he's going to be missed on this team,'' Merriman said. "But you get a chance to ponder what you need to do to get better. You sit back and get what the coaches call mental reps. And any time you are away from the field, it makes you appreciate the game a whole lot more."

Cooper said that has already happened.

"Honestly, I appreciate it more now," he said. "Just knowing I'm going to lose something that you care about so much ---- whether it's a person or something you like a lot, which is football."

It's Cooper's dedication that coach Norv Turner said will serve Cooper well upon his return.

"Cooper is an extremely mature guy," Turner said. "I think he has had the time to deal with this thing in terms of knowing months ago what was happening. I think he will do everything he can to stay ready and be ready when he comes back."

Cooper, who predicts the Chargers will go 4-0 in his absence, said he will train hard, study game tapes and communicate regularly with his football buddies.

"I might go home and see the family to keep my mind off this stuff, but at the end of the day, I will be with this team all four games in spirit,'' Cooper said. "And talking on the telephone to the guys to make sure they are ready and do whatever it takes to help my teammates, although I am away from the game."

A family trip could take him to New England, where he wouldn't dare wear his Chargers lid, right?

"I'll wear that Chargers hat anywhere," he said, "because that's what I am."

What he is for the first four games is a Chargers fan, not a player.

Chargers notes

Coach Norv Turner isn't expected to subject his starters to much game time Friday night. "I think we will play about 10 plays,'' LG Kris Dielman said. "Go score a touchdown, then get out of there.'' Among those not expected to play are RB LaDainian Tomlinson, LT Marcus McNeill, LB Shawne Merriman, DT Jamal Williams and TE Antonio Gates. ... Ted Tollner, a former head coach at San Diego State and assistant with the Chargers, is coaching the 49ers' quarterbacks.

Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.