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Column: In Chargers talks, Melvin Gordon is underdog but not without leverage

Does Melvin Gordon, an honorary San Diegan, hold leverage in his salary dispute with the Chargers?

Not really and perhaps not at all, per a few broadcasters with TV networks that pay rights fees to the NFL.

During the exhibition-game telecasts and at other times, the smooth talkers correctly note the team’s 4-0 record without Gordon last year.

They point out running back Austin Ekeler is NFL-good in several aspects — which is objectively true in light of Ekeler’s 5.3 yards per carry, 10.3 yards per catch and catch rate of 75 percent in 30 career games.