Chargers’ Butler Has Cancer

San Diego Charger General Manager John Butler has been diagnosed with lung cancer and started chemotherapy, a team spokesman said Monday night.

New Coach Marty Schottenheimer broke the news to the players at a meeting, at Butler’s request, spokesman Bill Johnston said.

Butler, who turns 56 on Aug. 13, didn’t immediately return a call to his home and Schottenheimer was in a meeting and unavailable for comment.

Butler was diagnosed a few weeks ago, Johnston said. Butler quit smoking during last season, Johnston said.

In a statement, the Chargers said that during Butler’s chemotherapy, “he is tending to business as usual and wants everyone in the Chargers family to do the same. While he is grateful for the kind thoughts and interest, he wants the entire organization to remain focused on bringing a world championship to San Diego.�

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Marshall Faulk signed a seven-year contract with the St. Louis Rams, a deal that will enable the running back to finish his career with the team.

Coach Mike Martz announced the signing after the second of two practices. Earlier this week, he named Faulk team captain.

“We want to make sure Marshall finishes his career as a Ram,� Martz said. “The impact he’s had not just on this team but this entire organization is pretty extreme.�

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Receiver Michael Westbrook will need surgery on his broken right wrist, sidelining him for the rest of the Cincinnati Bengals’ training camp, which will be at least four weeks.... Dallas Cowboy rookie fullback Jamar Martin, the team’s fourth-round pick from Ohio State, will miss this season after tearing ligaments in his right knee.... New Orleans’ passing game received a boost when the Saints signed wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth, their first-round draft pick from Tennessee, and quarterback Aaron Brooks arrived in camp.... Atlanta halted contract talks with first-round draft pick T.J. Duckett until they determine how seriously he was hurt in a fight last week in Michigan.... First-round draft pick Jeremy Shockey, a tight end and No. 14 overall pick from the University of Miami, agreed to terms on a contract with the New York Giants after he missed the first five days of training camp.... Offensive guard Rich Tylski, 31, retired after only a few practices with the New England Patriots, who had signed him as a free agent in the off-season.