by Nachi Baru
In years past, the San Diego Chargers have perfected the art of overshadowing San Diego’s otherwise sunny year. The most heartbreaking example of this came just weeks ago, when the Chargers, at 13-3 and riding an 11 game winning streak, managed to somehow lose on their own turf to the underdog New York Jets. It was a loss marked by sloppy, selfish, and undisciplined play, which only made the loss worse for a fan base that had started to hope that the Chargers might bring home San Diego’s first major sporting championship. In the end, San Diego slowly moved on, but that season’s disappointment may yet have more serious repercussions, as LaDainian Tomlinson, the star running back known as LT, may leave the team after eight seasons.
Though there may be rational reasons for letting LT go (his numbers have seen a significant dip in the last few seasons, as the team becomes more pass-oriented and he ages), his departure leaves San Diego sports devoid of a face, so to speak. It is a hole that is unlikely to be filled anytime soon for a variety of reasons.
For one thing, San Diego has, of course, just two professional sports teams. Research conducted by the NHL and NBA seems to show that while San Diego is the ninth biggest city in the country, San Diegans lack the interest to support those teams. Few current Padres or Chargers look ready to establish themselves as the face of this city as Dan Fouts, Tony Gwynn, Trevor Hoffmann, and LT did in years past.
This brings us to the Padres. A mediocre team that quite frankly has mediocre players with no prospects of winning much of anything in the near future. They don’t even have a Hoffmann-like talent to keep the fans coming even when the team is losing. Although they haven’t yet managed to throw off the choker tag hanging around their neck, the Chargers’ future looks a little brighter. But while the Chargers’ have their fair share of talent, they can’t hold a candle to LT, who was widely respected for not just his explosive running and ability to score touchdowns, but for his composed on-field demeanor and genuine off-field humility. During their loss to the Jets, many of San Diego’s so-called “stars” acted with complete immaturity and disregard to the team, and turned themselves into league-wide laughingstocks. There were even reports that on the Friday night before the game, several players were out into the early hours of Saturday morning partying at strip clubs; not exactly the sort of behavior adult fans and parents would want their kids to emulate.
In fact, on the morning of the game itself, wide receiver Vincent Jackson, previously hailed as a possible sporting icon in the making, was caught driving without a license; a situation he found himself in as a result of his numerous DUI convictions. LT was never once cited for even a misdemeanor. Shawne Merriman, a linebacker known for his trademark “Lights Out” dance, was caught in a media firestorm before the season started when it was revealed that he may have assaulted his girlfriend, Internet celebrity and MTV favorite Tila Tequila. Furthermore, Merriman has recently been under a cloud of suspicion for possible steroid use, while LT is renowned for his work ethic and commitment to fitness. Even Phillip Rivers, the quarterback poised to become the face of the Chargers franchise, is thought of around the league as an arrogant loudmouth.
LT will no doubt be given a hero’s sending off by the city. He has left us with a lifetime of great memories, personalities and achievements…a triple threat that may prove too hard to eclipse for many athletes hoping to become the face of sports in this heartbroken city.
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