Antonio Gates faces 3-game Suspension

The AP reports that the San Diego Chargers told Antonio Gates Thursday that he will be suspended for three games, including the season opener against Dallas, if he doesn't end his holdout by Saturday afternoon.

In an attempt to break an impasse in negotiations for a multiyear deal, the Chargers sent Gates' agent, Andre Colona, a letter last Friday informing him of the ultimatum. If Gates isn't at camp by 12:30 p.m. Saturday, he will be suspended for the Chargers' final two exhibition games and the Sept. 11 home game against Dallas.

"We just can't agree on money and years," general manager A.J. Smith said Thursday. "We want to know where we're going." Smith said the team is still open to negotiate, but it also needs to know if Gates is going to be part of the team."

Fantasy Football Impact: This has been a weird year already - and it hasn't even begun! If Gates get suspended as suggested, who knows how far this hold-out will go. However, Gates is so far above the competition that even if he misses one or two games he will still outscore every other TE except Tony Gonzalez.