Fields’ cancer back, out for season

Friday, May 6, 2005 | 10:04 a.m.

SUN WIRE SERVICES

When his Pro Bowl season ended, linebacker Mark Fields joked that he was re-signing with the Carolina Panthers for $2 as gratitude for their support during his battle with Hodgkin's disease.

But when the weeks turned into months and there was no deal, and then his agent said Fields was holding off signing a new contract until after a round of medical tests, many began to wonder if something was wrong.

It was. Fields learned Thursday his cancer was back, in the early stages, and announced through his agent that he would miss the 2005 season.

"Mark is obviously disappointed that he will be unable to play next year, but he has every confidence that this course of chemotherapy will be successful," agent Jim Steiner said. "Mark would like everyone to know that he considers this 'blip' in his recovery a minor setback and that his expectations are to return to the field for the 2006 season."

It was difficult news for the Panthers, who lost linebackers coach Sam Mills three weeks ago after his own battle with cancer.

Fields and Mills spent all of 2003 fighting their illnesses together. They were diagnosed within two weeks of each other before the start of the season, and bonded to discuss treatment options while supporting each other through grueling rounds of chemotherapy.

Merriman and agent Kevin Poston want the Chargers to change the language that protects unsigned players in the minicamp agreement, general manager A.J. Smith said.

Smith said he was told of the decision on Wednesday by Poston, whom Merriman recently hired. Smith also said the Chargers have no intention of changing the protection language, which deals with injuries to players before they are under contract. Players not under contract sign agreements before offseason workouts.

White got a tryout with the Kansas City Chiefs during their three-day minicamp last week, but wasn't offered a contract.

The Titans didn't disclose terms of White's contract, but the NFL's minimum salary for rookies is $230,000.

Rasheed, a third-round draft pick in 2002, has played sparingly in his three seasons with the 49ers, both because of injuries and the club's depth at his position. He made 25 tackles and recovered one fumble last season as a backup.