San Diego Chargers News

Tomlinson visiting Vikes on Thurs.
Comment
March 9
SI.com
 
"Running back LaDainian Tomlinson will visit with the Vikings on Thursday, a league source said. Minnesota is seeking to replace Chester Taylor, an eight-year veteran who signed a free-agent deal with the Bears on Friday. The Vikings have Pro Bowl starting running back Adrian Peterson, but are looking for a capable complement, particularly in passing situations. Tomlinson, who was released last month after nine years with San Diego -- where he set or tied 28 franchise records, including career rushing yards and touchdowns -- has had at least 50 receptions eight times. He also is a sure-handed ball-carrier, which is attractive to the Vikings because Peterson lost six fumbles in 314 carries ..."
Bolts sign a back, but still take caution approach
Comment
March 9
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"The Chargers are working from the rear to fill their light backfield. Still mulling exactly how to replace LaDainian Tomlinson and waiting to see what happens with No.?2 back Darren Sproles, the Chargers yesterday claimed Marcus Mason off waivers and will see if he can win the third spot on the depth chart. Meanwhile, Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith is taking his usual wait-and-see approach to free agency and likely won't make a move soon. The Chargers, according to sources, are not interested in any of the current free-agent running backs. That could change, however, after the market bears out what each is worth. But the draft remains the team's most likely route to finding a starting ..."
Uncapped NFL year is at perfect time for Bolts
Comment
March 7
San Diego Union-Tribune
 columnist Nick Canepa
"The NFL's living room went dark Friday. A few of the have-nots moved boldly - blindly? - forward. Most continue to hold out their arms, feeling their way, tiptoeing, searching for light. The Chargers are among those trying to find the switch. But they also are playing the offseason game just right. "It's a unique year in so many ways," Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith says. "We're working our way through it, slowly." The NFL's "uncapped year" is upon us, which plainly means there's no salary cap. But it's also confusing, because top teams can't spend like sheiks, and many players who were about to become unrestricted free agents are restricted, so cuffs can be applied. The uncapped year ..."
Special-teams standout Kassim Osgood to visit Jaguars
Comment
March 6
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"The Jaguars executed their plan to keep quiet Friday during the first phase of the free-agency rush. Still, the team managed to schedule a visit for San Diego special-teams standout Kassim Osgood, an unrestricted free agent. Osgood was expected to fly into Jacksonville on Friday night and meet with the team today. The Jaguars have also been in contact with former Detroit Lions defensive end Jared DeVries, according to a league source. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio didn't respond to text messages, and general manager Gene Smith didn't return an e-mail seeking comment. Osgood, 29, made his third Pro Bowl last year as a special-teamer, nudging out Jaguars special-teams ace Montell Owens for the ..."
Wilson to move up on tight end depth chart
Comment
March 6
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"The Chargers kept one of their backup tight ends but lost another yesterday on the first day of free agency. Kris Wilson, the team's third tight end the past two years, has apparently moved up the depth chart. He resigned with the Chargers, agreeing to a two-year deal. Wilson has impressed coaches with his blocking skills and his play on special teams. His ascension to No. 2 behind Antonio Gates owes more to Brandon Manumaleuna signing a five-year deal with the Chicago Bears."
Cromartie in DMV, child-support bind
Comment
March 5
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Cornerback Antonio Cromartie - traded by the Chargers last night to the Jets - failed to appear in court twice for different traffic tickets and hasn't paid $799 in traffic-related fines, causing the Department of Motor Vehicles to withhold his driver's license application. It's one of the latest in a string of traffic and financial problems for Cromartie, 25, whose future with the team is in doubt. Cromartie was traded to the New York Jets Thursday evening after four seasons with the Chargers. He is scheduled to appear in San Diego Superior Court later this month for a judgment debtor's exam related to child support he owes one of the mothers of his children. Last month, the ..."
Chargers change mind on Sproles
Comment
March 5
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"After talking with numerous people inside and outside the Chargers over the past several hours, I would almost be willing to bet it is just as likely that Darren Sproles won't be here as that Jamal Williams will be here. What?! The Chargers decided to put the first-and-third tender on Sproles rather than risk losing him to free agency, and they released the soon-to-be-34-year-old Williams. But indications are that Sproles can still be had for the right deal -- and it won't take a one and a three. I don't know what it will take, but I hear there are teams willing to make a deal."
Chargers deal Comartie to Jets for draft pick
Comment
March 5
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"The Chargers traded cornerback Antonio Cromartie to the New York Jets Thursday night for a third-round pick in 2011. The pick could become a second-rounder if Cromartie signs a long-term deal with the Jets, reaches a certain playing-time threshold or the Jets win the AFC East. Thus ends a relationship that began so grandly but fizzled and threatened to become a serious distraction had it gone on much longer. "I think it's good for both parties," said Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer, one of Cromartie's closest friends on the team. "Cro got his wish, and the Chargers got their wish." Cromartie had 10 interceptions in 2007, his second season after the Chargers made him the 19th overall ..."
Chargers will keep Sproles; Jamal Williams cut
Comment
March 4
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Darren Sproles is staying. Jamal Williams is leaving. The Chargers changed their mind on Sproles, opting Thursday morning to place a first-and-third tender on the dynamic running back and kick returner. Williams, a Pro Bowl nose tackle who had been with the Chargers for 12 seasons, was released. He will be 34 next month, would have been owed a $1 million roster bonus and was scheduled to earn $5 million in 2010. He played in only one game last season due to a triceps injury suffered in the season opener. Also released was veteran running back Michael Bennett, who played sparingly in his year and a half with the Chargers."
Retiring a number can be tricky math problem
Comment
March 4
San Diego Union-Tribune
 columnist Tim Sullivan
"What's in a number? That which we call a 21 would smell as sweet as an ace and a face card at the blackjack table. Or as the result of a saloonkeeper's subtraction as he studies your driver's license. Or when it's worn by an athlete as transcendent as LaDainian Tomlinson. Though the Chargers are not ready to formally retire the uniform number of the remarkable running back they released last week, No.?21 has been informally removed from circulation at the team's Murphy Canyon complex. In the absence of specific orders from his superiors, equipment manager Bob Wick has taken the initiative, "to keep that number safe for now." Wick says he won't issue Tomlinson's No.?21 or Junior Seau's ..."
April trial set for Chargers' Jackson
Comment
March 3
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Chargers Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson entered a plea of not guilty Tuesday to misdemeanor charges of driving with a suspended license and expired registration. A trial date is set for April. The charges stem from his traffic stop less than four hours before he played in a Jan. 17 playoff loss at home against the New York Jets. He was pulled over for "loud music" coming from his car, according to San Diego police. Jackson's attorney, Cole Case, said last week that "there's a genuine issue in that case as to whether Vince knew his license was suspended versus whether it was restricted.""
No cap looks to benefit Bolts
Comment
March 2
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"The Chargers, with arguably the finest class of restricted free agents in the NFL, could be considered the biggest beneficiaries in the short term from 2010 being the final year of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. They are keeping players at a reduced price (for now) or, at worst, will become rich in draft picks. With no new CBA agreed to - and there being almost no chance whatsoever one will be consummated by 9:01 p.m. PST Thursday night - 2010 will be an uncapped year. One of the side effects of that - a poison pill, so to speak - is that players who would have been unrestricted free agents after four seasons are now required to have six seasons before gaining that status. ..."
Source: It's 'highly unlikely' Lions will trade for Antonio Cromartie
Comment
March 2
Michigan Live
 
"According to a league source with knowledge of the situation, it's "highly unlikely'' the Detroit Lions will trade for San Diego Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie. The two teams did have talks concerning a deal but the Lions have opted to move in a different direction. Cromartie, who has been at odds with the Chargers' coaching staff, is being shopped and, if a deal isn't struck with a team, he might get released."
CB Antonio Cromartie center of trade talks between Lions and Chargers
Comment
March 1
Detroit News
 
"The Lions have discussed a potential trade with the Chargers involving cornerback Antonio Cromartie, The News has confirmed. But the asking price for Cromartie may include running back Maurice Morris, in addition to a fourth or fifth-round draft pick, a source with knowledge of the situation said. The Chargers have been actively shopping Cromartie for weeks, and the Lions -- in the market for a starting cornerback -- appear to be the most likely trade partner at the moment. Cromartie, 2006 first-round pick out of Florida State, clearly has worn out his welcome in San Diego, with off-field issues and a sharp drop in production since a breakout year in 2007, when he led the NFL with 10 ..."
Rumors of Antonio Cromartie trade to Lions are a little surprising
Comment
March 1
Michigan Live
 
"There is a report that the Detroit Lions are interested in trading for San Diego Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie and, in one sense, it makes total sense. Then again, when you think about the revolving door at cornerback last season, it makes no sense. The reason the Lions might be interested in Cromartie is because Detroit is desperate for cornerback help and it appears the Chargers are so eager to get rid of him that he might come at a discounted price."
Chargers likely to assign 4 tenders
Comment
March 1
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"The Chargers appear determined to keep their remaining four top restricted free agents after allowing running back Darren Sproles to test the market. According to sources familiar with the Chargers' intentions, the team is expected to place the first-and-third tender on left tackle Marcus McNeill, linebacker Shawne Merriman and receivers Malcom Floyd and Vincent Jackson. That is the highest possible tender and would assure the Chargers of receiving significant compensation if one of them signed elsewhere. Ostensibly, another team would have to give the Chargers first- and third-round draft picks in this year's draft if they signed one of the four. But the sides could negotiate a lesser ..."
Lions, Chargers talking trade for cornerback Antonio Cromartie
Comment
March 1
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Lions have spoken to the Chargers about a potential trade for cornerback Antonio Cromartie, the Free Press has confirmed. Kevin Acee, the Chargers reporter for the San Diego Union-Tribune, posted on his Twitter account that it's "not a done deal" but he's hearing Cromartie "could be a Lion soon." Cromartie is only 25 and considered one of the most talented athletes in the NFL. He had 10 interceptions in 2007. But he has fallen out of favor because of a lack of physical play and off-the-field issues. He has had only five interceptions over the past two seasons."
Report: Lions talk to Chargers about DB Antonio Cromartie
Comment
March 1
Detroit News
 
"The Lions are in trade talks with the San Diego Chargers and could be close to a deal for cornerback Antonio Cromartie, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Cromartie, a 2006 first-round pick out of Florida State, is scheduled to earn at least $1.225 million in 2010 in the final year of his rookie contract. It's unclear at this point what compensation might be involved in a deal for Cromartie, who has fallen out of favor in San Diego after posting a league-best 10 interceptions in 2007."
Merriman to get highest tender from Chargers
Comment
February 28
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Shawne Merriman is not going to be a Charger long-term, but the team thinks highly enough of the outside linebacker to make it extremely difficult for another team to take him in 2010. According to a source familiar with the Chargers' plans, Merriman will receive the first-and-third tender. That means another team would have to give the Chargers a first- and third-round pick in this year's draft if it signed Merriman. The sides could also work out a deal for less, but the high tender means it will at least take some high picks."
Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd expected to get highest tenders from Chargers,
Comment
February 28
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Wide receivers Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd are both expected to get the first-and-third tender from the Chargers, based on conversations I've talked had with people familiar with the Chargers' intentions. I have also heard all sides have had at least preliminary talks about long-term contracts for both of the restricted free agents. The tender will give Jackson $3.268 million since he has five years of experience. Floyd will get $3.168 million."
Bolts' RB question: Veteran or rookie?
Comment
February 28
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"The Chargers are, for the first time since the start of the past decade, in the market for a running back. While indications are that they will look to the draft to replace LaDainian Tomlinson, there are reasons to be wary of handing over the running back job to a rookie. The Chargers don't have time for a project. Whoever they bring in needs to help keep their immediate window of opportunity propped open. Running back is actually a good spot, relatively speaking, at which to need immediate contribution. While there are new blocking schemes and more demands on a running back moving from college to the NFL, assimilating as a running back is in numerous ways simpler than, say, quarterback or ..."
A great back not essential
Comment
February 28
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"The Chargers cannot expect to replace LaDainian Tomlinson, and they probably shouldn't try. Great running backs are rare, but they are not essential. They are the flashy sports car in pro football's garage - stylish, speedy and expensive - but they are ultimately a discretionary purchase. If your goal is to win the Super Bowl, a variety of other vehicles can get you there. Almost anything with wheels. If you're allocating finite resources, in fact, running back may be one spot where it pays to scrimp. Consider: There hasn't been a 1,000-yard rusher in either of the past two Super Bowls. Over the past three seasons, only 20 out of 36 NFL playoff teams (56 percent) have had one. Ten of the ..."
Chargers likely to have new-look backfield in 2010 sans Tomlinson, Sproles
Comment
February 27
USA Today
 
"The San Diego Chargers' backfield makeover continues as the team is ready to show RB-KR Darren Sproles the door just days after cutting the cord with LaDainian Tomlinson. The Chargers opted not to tender Sproles a one-year, $7.3 million deal as a restricted free agent, meaning he's headed for the open market. He made $6.6 million as the team's franchise player in 2009."
Sproles free to join Tomlinson as ex-Bolt
Comment
February 27
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"The Chargers yesterday made the probable departure of Darren Sproles official. Not willing to pay him almost $7.3 million, they are not tendering the running back and will allow him to test the free-agent market. The Chargers have made it clear they want Sproles to give them a chance to sign him to a long-term deal, but others will get a chance first. "Darren doesn't have a lot of wear on him and is in high demand," said Gary Wichard, Sproles' agent. "It's a very attractive situation." Having released LaDainian Tomlinson on Monday, the Chargers face the possibility they will have an entirely new backfield. "Our hope is to have Darren back," head coach Norv Turner said. "You start from ..."
LaDainian Tomlinson's heavy load provides warning for Maurice Jones-Drew
Comment
February 27
Jacksonville Times-Union
 columnist Gene Frenette
"No Jaguar should be paying more attention to the San Diego Chargers' release this week of running back LaDainian Tomlinson than Maurice Jones-Drew, who doesn't shy away from collisions and gladly takes on punishment for that extra yard. Tomlinson's tank is near empty at 30, because he's already up to 2,880 carries. That's about the maximum mileage, because only 11 NFL backs in history have more carries. Jones-Drew, who turns 25 in three weeks, is lucky that he had former teammate Fred Taylor to diminish the hits he took in his first three seasons. Last year, Jones-Drew had his first 300-carry season (312 rushes), because the Jaguars didn't trust rookie Rashad Jennings enough to lighten the ..."
Source: Chargers do not tender Sproles
Comment
February 26
ESPN.com
 
"For the second time in a week, a major turnover has affected the San Diego's backfield. In the same week the Chargers decided to release running back LaDainian Tomlinson, they also opted not to tender running back Darren Sproles, freeing him to leave the team in free agency without any compensation, said a source close to the situation. Had the Chargers wanted to retain Sproles' rights, they would have had to tender him with an offer of nearly $7.3 million for the coming season by March 4. But San Diego deemed that price too high, giving its running back the chance to test free agency. San Diego still would like to re-sign him, and it could, but it will face competition from other teams."
Bolts' list of needs lengthy
Comment
February 26
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"As of Monday afternoon, this officially became the most anticipated Chargers draft in a half-dozen years. The search for the new LaDainian Tomlinson is on. And provided the Chargers don't pull off a trade for DeAngelo Williams or Steven Jackson, which seems unlikely, it will be in the draft that they attempt to accomplish that mammoth task. There will be more anticipation for this April's draft than any year since the Chargers had the first pick in 2004, which they famously used to draft Eli Manning and then traded him for, essentially, Philip Rivers, Nate Kaeding, Roman Oben and Shawne Merriman. Now, they're looking for not only a starting tailback but possibly a backup, too, as Darren ..."
Tomlinson could help Bears find the end zone
Comment
February 26
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Bears have enough running backs who average 3.3 yards per carry, but LaDainian Tomlinson, released by the Chargers this week, does have one intriguing quality that should pique the Bears' interest: even in his decline he can still find the end zone. Tomlinson was a shadow of the All-Pro running back he was just a couple of years ago. In 2009 he rushed for 730 yards on 223 carries. His longest run was 36 yards. But he scored 12 touchdowns, most of them from short-range: six from 1-yard out and nine from inside the 5-yard line. Those aren't cheapies in the NFL, as the Bears should know all too well. They scored just four rushing touchdowns from inside the 5-yard line in 2009. Jay Cutler ..."
Which team's GM is likely to gamble on Tomlinson?
Comment
February 26
Chicago Tribune
 
"Pats like proven vets Ken Murray, Baltimore Sun If LaDainian Tomlinson limits his prospective employment to teams capable of winning the Super Bowl, he has reduced his options to a very small field. And then he's going to have to take a very modest contract, given his performance level in 2009 (730 rushing yards, 3.3 per carry, 20 catches) for a very good team. There is a reasonably good chance no Super Bowl contender will offer Tomlinson, 30, that chance. But history says that Bill Belichick in New England might, and Mike Shanahan in Washington could. Which is not to say the Redskins are a Super Bowl contender. It appears that unless LT is willing to join a team like the Bengals or Bucs, ..."
Are Saints paving path for Tomlinson?
Comment
February 26
NFL.com
 
"The Super Bowl champion Saints could be creating a vacancy for RB LaDainian Tomlinson by apparently allowing Mike Bell to become a free agent. Bell was not one of the 13 restricted free agents they tendered on Thursday. Neither was Pro Bowl guard Jahri Evans, but he will be back on the team, either through a long-term deal or by placing a restricted free agent tender on him by next Thursday's deadline. New Orleans could try to lock up Bell by then but that seems unlikely since his role diminished as the season wore on. By letting Bell walk the Saints might acquiesce to quarterback Drew Brees' wishes to bring in Tomlinson, who was released by the Chargers on Monday. Brees, who carries ..."
'And so, fans, I thank you'
Comment
February 25
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"For a while now, he's been thinking a lot and talking about Junior Seau and Rodney Harrison, invoking the names of the two veterans who showed him how to be a professional when he first joined the Chargers. Turns out they've also taught LaDainian Tomlinson something about the profession. The really tough thing. The thing that brought tears to Tomlinson's eyes. The thing about goodbyes. Although two of the best to ever play their respective positions, Seau and Harrison weren't able to finish what they started in San Diego, each needing to go somewhere else to get back to the Super Bowl. With yesterday's delivery of his own official farewell to the Chargers, Tomlinson also is off to fulfill ..."
Bolts' list of needs lengthy
Comment
February 25
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"As of Monday afternoon, this officially became the most anticipated Chargers draft in a half-dozen years. The search for the new LaDainian Tomlinson is on. And provided the Chargers don't pull off a trade for DeAngelo Williams or Steven Jackson, which seems unlikely, it will be in the draft that they attempt to accomplish that mammoth task. There will be more anticipation for this April's draft than any year since the Chargers had the first pick in 2004, which they famously used to draft Eli Manning and then traded him for, essentially, Philip Rivers, Nate Kaeding, Roman Oben and Shawne Merriman. Now, they're looking for not only a starting tailback but possibly a backup, too, as Darren ..."
Running back is question mark
Comment
February 24
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Darren Sproles could be following LaDainian Tomlinson out of town. LaDainian Tomlinson is probably not the only running back leaving the Chargers for another team in 2010. In fact, the Chargers could have an entirely new three-deep backfield next season. With free agency looming, it is all but certain that, because of the high cost, the Chargers will not offer Darren Sproles a one-year, restricted free-agent tender, and the dynamic back/kick returner will hit the open market. After that, who knows? Sure, Sproles could decide he loves San Diego and the Chargers enough to agree to stay. But another team could sell Sproles on the idea he can be used more in its offense and be willing to pay ..."
Sproles next?
Comment
February 24
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Darren Sproles could well follow LaDainian Tomlinson out the door and will at least be given the chance to do so. The Chargers remain interested in signing their kick returner and backup running back to a long-term deal, but they won't be retaining his services on a one-year basis as they did in 2009. As the franchise player last year, Sproles made slightly more than $6.6 million last season. Because he would be entitled to a 10 percent increase in 2010, that means the Chargers will have to pay him almost $7.3 million for one year if they give him a tender as a restricted free agent."
WR Jackson gets work release in DUI; NFL suspension likely
Comment
February 24
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Chargers Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson will receive four days in a work-release program, possibly roadside trash pickup, plus a likely NFL suspension this fall, after pleading guilty to his second drunken-driving offense since 2006. Jackson, 27, also was sentenced to five years' probation, a $2,408 fine and 15 days of community service stemming from his DUI arrest in January 2009. Because it's his second DUI offense, Jackson likely will be suspended by the NFL, according to the league's substance-abuse policy. The suspension could be about two games, but his overall punishment could have been much worse. The San Diego City Attorney's Office asked a Superior Court judge to punish him ..."
Vincent Jackson's 2nd DUI draws work-release time
Comment
February 23
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Chargers Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson will receive four days in a work-release program, possibly roadside trash pickup, plus a likely NFL suspension this fall, after pleading guilty to his second drunken driving offense since 2006. Jackson, 27, also was sentenced to five years' probation, a $2,408 fine and 15 days of community service stemming from his DUI arrest in January 2009. Because this is his second DUI offense, Jackson likely will be suspended by the NFL, according to the league's substance-abuse policy. The suspension could be about two games, but his overall punishment could have been much worse. The San Diego City Attorney's office asked a Superior Court judge to punish him ..."
The run is done; a super farewell this isn't
Comment
February 23
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"No one wanted it this way. It would have been preferable for LaDainian Tomlinson - preferable for everyone floating in his orbit, preferable for all those touched by him - to leave the Chargers carrying the ultimate snapshot: LT, world champion, smiling that smile of his as he hugged and kissed the Lombardi Trophy. But he never got the chance to say he was going to Disney World, which, in the end, is what he was about. He had run out of disappointments here. In this case, the hole that opened up for LT when he arrived out of TCU nine years ago eventually had to close, as it abruptly did yesterday. Maybe it was premature, maybe it wasn't. The Chargers thought it was time, and my guess is ..."
Teammates regret no title for LT
Comment
February 23
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Shawne Merriman's knowledge of San Diego's football team was pretty limited when the Chargers drafted him in 2005. "I didn't know anything about the Chargers except LaDainian Tomlinson," Merriman said yesterday. It's really not that far of a stretch to say that for a number of years in the past decade, that was the case for many football fans. There was a time when Tomlinson was the Chargers. That time has passed. It was not so this year and could be argued that the sun began setting on his day as the face of the franchise almost three years ago, after Norv Turner arrived as head coach, Philip Rivers began to emerge as one of the NFL's best quarterbacks and a group of young receivers ..."
LaDainian Tomlinson is released by the Chargers
Comment
February 23
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"LaDainian Tomlinson stands about 8 feet tall in the lobby of the Chargers' Murphy Canyon headquarters. Yet now, officially, he is a Charger no more. The team released Tomlinson yesterday after nine record-breaking, franchise-remaking seasons. And the fact that the move was long expected — it had, in fact, become a certainty — did not make it any less seismic or gut-wrenching. "This is by far the most difficult thing I've ever had to do as an owner," said team President Dean Spanos, who met with Tomlinson shortly after noon at Chargers Park. "… There is always change in this business. The unfortunate thing is it was a player like LT." While many conclusions are dramatically referred to as ..."
Chargers release Tomlinson
Comment
February 22
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"It's now official: LaDainian Tomlinson no longer is a member of the Chargers. After nine record-setting seasons, Tomlinson was released Monday by the club, with president and CEO Dean Spanos delivering the news in a meeting with the running back. "This is by far the most difficult thing I've ever had to do as an owner," said Spanos, who met with Tomlinson shortly after noon at Chargers Park. " ... There is always change in this business. The unfortunate thing is it was a player like LT.""
Cromartie likely to join LT on way out the door
Comment
February 18
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"No extra lubrication was necessary, because it was going to happen, anyway. But now that LaDainian Tomlinson has greased his own skids for what unfortunately will become a bumpy and bitter run out of town, the Chargers must enter the football player meat market and push their basket along the tailback aisle. In fact, given that General Manager A.J. Smith isn't one to drive without insurance, make that two tailbacks. Depending on what happens when the NFL begins its new year at 9:01 p.m. March 4 - will protean Darren Sproles opt for free agency? - possibly even three tailbacks. And for now, at least, cornerback Antonio Cromartie is trade chum. The mysterious-but-talented corner is on the ..."
Attorney alleges Cromartie late on child support
Comment
February 18
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie is past due on about $25,000 in child support after missing his Feb. 1 payment due date for several of his children, an attorney for the mother of one of his children says. Cromartie, 25, has at least seven children with six different women in five states. The timeliness of his child support payments has been an ongoing concern to the mothers, court records show. An attorney for one of the mothers recently filed a document in San Diego Superior Court that prevents him from buying or selling any property without first making sure he's current on his child support. That mother is owed $3,500 monthly for his 2-year-old daughter. All of the children are ..."
Chargers still seek deal for Cromartie
Comment
February 18
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Antonio Cromartie has been and remains on the trading block. It was reported last March that the Chargers planned to try to trade Cromartie but that those plans were contingent on the club acquiring another cornerback. Four weeks ago, following the 2009 season, it was reported that the Chargers likely would try to trade Cromartie again. Rumblings about his being traded have grown recently, and league sources Wednesday said the Chargers actually have been shopping Cromartie for the better part of the past year. The team was involved in talks regarding Cromartie up until the October trading deadline and has had feelers out the bulk of this offseason, sources said."
Owners, players both at fault in labor mess
Comment
February 17
Houston Chronicle
 columnist John McClain
"At this time next year, expect the NFL to be in panic mode. The NFL Players Association and Management Council will be locked behind closed doors trying to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement and avoid a lockout that would begin in March. There won't be a salary cap when free agency begins March 5 of this year. There's a good chance that in 2011, a season will be interrupted for the first time since the players strike in 1987. Locking out the players in March seems foolish because players don't get paid game checks until the season starts in September. Maybe I'm missing something, but the only ones who'll get hurt in March, April, May, June, July and August are the employees ..."
Sources: Chargers eye trade scenarios
Comment
February 17
ESPN.com
 
"With LaDainian Tomlinson's career in San Diego declared all but over and Darren Sproles facing free agency, the Chargers are exploring possible trade scenarios that include dealing cornerback Antonio Cromartie to acquire a running back, according to league sources. Cromartie is a four-year starter, a former first-round draft pick and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2007 when he intercepted 10 passes. Sources have said he has fallen out of favor with the Chargers, who also have a pair of corners in Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason that were first-round picks."
Buffalo Bills should offer Marshawn Lynch to San Diego Chargers
Comment
February 15
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
 
"The Buffalo Bills probably will try to trade running back Marshawn Lynch. He has the talent to be a heavy-duty NFL running back, but his problems with the law and attitude are heavy baggage. One reason he didn't do much last season was that he never was in top shape after starting the season on the suspended list. San Diego needs a running back. LaDainian Tomlinson is likely to be released and Darren Sproles will be playing on a one-year contract as a franchise player in 2010. The best running back in the 2010 college draft is C.J. Spiller (Clemson), who will be selected before San Diego's No. 28 overall pick. The Chargers might consider Lynch a better bet than Jahvid Best (California), ..."
Esther Gillman: Wife instrumental to career of legendary Chargers coach
Comment
February 15
San Diego Union-Tribune
 columnist Blanca Gonzalez
"Esther Gillman probably didn't know that football would become her life when she agreed to date the cute piano player she met at a birthday party when she was a teen. In addition to piano, Sid Gillman also played football - and during her 67 years of marriage to the legendary former Chargers coach, Mrs. Gillman came to play an instrumental role in his success. At various times during her husband's career coaching college and professional football, Mrs. Gillman pressed players' uniforms, made vats of spaghetti sauce to feed teams, spliced film of games for her husband to study and supported him in any way she could. "She made it her mission in life to protect him, encourage him and allow ..."
Vincent Jackson probably not heading to Miami
Comment
February 15
Miami Herald
 (scroll down)
"An official who spoke to the Dolphins said they love San Diego restricted free agent receiver Vincent Jackson. But acquiring him is unlikely because the Chargers can match any offer or get draft-pick compensation (likely first- and third-rounders)."
Goodell Receives Extension Through '15
Comment
February 13
Sports Business Daily
 
"The NFL has added 3 1/2 years to Commissioner Roger Goodell's contract, SportsBusiness Journal has learned, extending the deal through March 1, 2015. His initial five-year deal was scheduled to expire September 1, 2011. Goodell is taking no increases in his base pay, a move designed to send a message that the league is willing to tighten its belt in light of its battle with the NFLPA over how much players are paid, and after a recent round of cutbacks at league headquarters. The extension was approved unanimously by NFL owners at a meeting in Dallas in mid-December, but the league only publicly disclosed it today. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, Goodell earned $2.9M in base pay ..."