tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231227132024-03-08T09:16:29.856-08:00SuperChargerTom's BlogaramaSan Diego Chargers super fan. This is an adjunct to the www.chargertom.com web site. It is designed to give the Chargers fans a place to post their statements and emotions. It is meant to enhance the ChargerTom.com web site by adding a dynamic exchange of words about our beloved Chargers. Here I will "vent" my personal opinions.Charger Tom dot Comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17640278993302389993noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23122713.post-82185298096401093842011-04-18T16:22:00.000-07:002011-04-18T16:22:26.350-07:00Letter sent to Chargers Owner, Dean SpanosMr. Dean Spanos<br />
President – CEO<br />
San Diego Chargers<br />
Chargers Park<br />
4020 Murphy Canyon Road<br />
San Diego, CA 92160-9609<br />
<br />
Dear Mr. Spanos,<br />
<br />
Thank you for your form letter of March 31, 2011. As a <i>former</i> season ticket holder, it is nice to hear directly from you, the owner, regarding your point of view on the current team situation.<br />
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I attended many San Diego Chargers games at Balboa Stadium in 1961 while in the U.S. Navy. Although I moved frequently while in the Navy, I always attended Chargers games while in San Diego and have been a season ticket holder many times over the years as my duty assignment would allow. I retired from the Navy after 27 years.<br />
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I was sitting in the end zone and watched the ball bouncing toward me and into the end zone during the Holy Roller. I broke down and cried in front of my TV when the Chargers beat the Steelers to go to the Super Bowl. I was at The Murph when the team arrived back in town that night and to this day, that was one of the most electrifying moments of my life.<br />
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I was an inaugural season ticket holder in the Gold Club and maintained those seats for six years until we moved to Texas. While living in Texas, we attended the Chargers vs. Cowboys game in Jerry’s World.<br />
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I lovingly operate a Chargers Fan website ( www.chargertom.com ) and have done so since 1988. I have been interviewed by both local and national TV and newspaper journalists. If you type “Raider Hater” in Google or any other Search Engine, my Raider Hater page will come up first.<br />
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We moved back to San Diego last year and immediately purchased season tickets again.<br />
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I have been a loyal fan and an active ambassador for the team since 1961. I have lived through the ups and the downs, the good times and the bad, the exhilaration and the heart break. Unfortunately, I can no longer support the San Diego Chargers organization financially. <br />
<br />
I am on a fixed income and my discretionary spending is limited. Accordingly, I have made the difficult choice to use those discretionary funds in other areas and not renew my season tickets.<br />
<br />
I think it is important for you to know that the reason for this decision is not because I can’t afford it, but because I feel discounted as a “fan.”<br />
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Watching A.J. Smith create his annual soap opera with Pro Bowl caliber players and draft so-so players while the team and the fans twist in the wind is no longer acceptable. His outright disdain for the media, the city, the fans, and the players is a sad (and embarrassing) thing to observe. I watched Bobby Beathard do some of the same destructive things because he was also given total autonomy and unlimited “power” and was blindly “backed” by ownership.<br />
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The team must now be classified as “middle of the road” at best and TV blackouts are further proof. The Chargers are most assuredly preparing to move to Los Angeles for a new stadium and now the saga of the “Billionaires vs. Millionaires” squabble once again discounts the fans.<br />
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The NFL as an organization and the owners as business men (which I understand) have moved the business model to the point where it no longer needs to actually care about or “need” the average fan in the stands. The revenue generating approach is now geared to constantly expanding and “growing” the game/brand. The revenue is generated, not from “Joe Fan” in the nose bleed section, but rather by catering to the corporate market. Television revenue (with business benefits from a government antitrust exemption for television negotiations), stadium naming rights, PSL’s, suites, Gold Club type sections, advertising, trade marking and licensing of anything NFL football related, and building bigger and more extravagant stadiums with taxpayer subsidies has taken the place of a need for “fans.” Soon stadiums will actually be redesigned smaller, for more intimate seating that only the wealthy can afford. <br />
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And now there is a costly legal fight on how to divide up nine billion dollars?!?! And while there is a “lock-out” and no end in sight, the average “fan” (like ME) is supposed to trust you and renew our season tickets. If there is no season, you will give us our money back. How much interest will be earned before that happens?<br />
<br />
I love the game of American professional football. I love the San Diego Chargers. I love being a fan. But I can no longer be treated as if I am an afterthought and be expected to swallow the propaganda fed to us by the NFL, the NFLPA, and you.<br />
<br />
I will go to my grave loving and supporting the San Diego Chargers but I can no longer contribute my pittance to the 9 billion dollar pie, and I know you will not miss it. <b>The word “fan” was not used one time in your form letter.</b> Best of luck to the Chargers this year and hopefully I can watch some non-blacked out games on TV.<br />
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If the Chargers haven’t moved to L.A. within a couple of years, and ticket prices are not astronomical by then, I will buy season tickets again.<br />
<br />
Respectfully,<br />
Tommie Vaughn<b></b><div class="blogger-post-footer">Latest voice from the SuperChargerTom Blog</div>Charger Tom dot Comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17640278993302389993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23122713.post-12173950431144929672011-03-24T15:28:00.000-07:002011-03-24T15:28:39.146-07:00A little bit of this, and a little bit of thatWell I am sorry (and sad) to say, I did not renew my Chargers season tickets for the 2011 season. If the owner's and player's are not putting anything in the pot at this time, then I'm not either.<br />
<br />
I endured the labor unrest of 1982 and the player's strike of 1987. I hated it but not a single player or owner asked me how I felt. Some player's crossed the picket lines and scab players were rounded up and the games were played. TV acted like the players on the field were the superstars from before the strike. I think it lasted a month or two and then back to football.<br />
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I don't remember any player or owner calling me to apologize for the money I spent on the Chargers with the inferior product on the field.<br />
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I sorta' got the feeling that the "fans" are not really an important part of the game. And you know why? Because we love football, and we love our teams, and we love our favorite players and we are fans. And the NFL knows if we are fans, we will ALWAYS give them our money, we will always support them with our presence, and we will always forgive them no matter what.<br />
<br />
Sounds like "fans" are "Christians," uh?!?!<br />
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The only thing I remember good coming out of the 1987 strike was a scab player named Blaze Winters who was a beast and I loved to watch him play. After the strike, the Chargers kept him on the 53 man roster. Wonder where he ever went?<br />
<br />
So this year, no season tickets, Chargers' games frequently blacked out, and a bitter taste in my mouth for billionaires and millionaires. Sad state of affairs this NFL. Can't figure out how to divide up 9 BILLION dollars!?!? I just may have to watch a lot more College Football ....<br />
<br />
Go TCU Horned Frogs.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Latest voice from the SuperChargerTom Blog</div>Charger Tom dot Comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17640278993302389993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23122713.post-28362286854314326122011-02-03T16:47:00.000-08:002011-02-03T16:47:34.692-08:00Renew my season tickets?????I am sitting here with only 15 days until I have to decide to renew my season tickets or not?!?! I am really torn ....<br />
<br />
Die-hard fan since 1961. Season ticket holder for many years interrupted only by transfers out of area while in the Navy. Was season ticket holder for 6 years when Gold Club was first introduced. Moved to Texas and just returned this past season and bought season tickets again. Now I have to decide do I renew or let it go?!?!<br />
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A.J. Smith is killing this team and Dean Spanos isn't invested enough in winning to even care. Norv is a great Offensive Coordinator but is a management "yes man" and NOT a Head Coach. He lacks fire and a killer instinct. <br />
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The City of San Diego is run by total idiots who have all but bankrupted the city. There is no way the Chargers will ever get a new stadium in San Diego. LA will get a new stadium, and soon, and Spanos is just waiting for a smooth transition so he doesn't lose any money or have to deal with irate fans in the interim.<br />
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Three games blacked-out?!?! Are you kidding me?!?! No evidence of any activity in the organization as everything is put on hold for the CBA fiasco. "We will play in San Diego in the 2011 season," veiled threat to leave after that. Sacramento pulling all Redevelopment money from the city. No playoffs. Beat twice by THE RAIDERS???? A.J.'s arrogance removed two Pro Bowl starters from the roster when needed. Good Defensive Coordinator lost as he gets a Head Coaching job. And on and on and on ....<br />
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And you know what? The fans have no say in the matter, and the fans simply do not matter in the NFL - TV contracts matter. <br />
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Fifteen days until I have to renew my season tickets .... for the first time, I am feeling like I need to "let go." Ahhhhhhh the pain.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Latest voice from the SuperChargerTom Blog</div>Charger Tom dot Comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17640278993302389993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23122713.post-83420642521523180742010-12-20T15:37:00.000-08:002010-12-20T16:14:01.473-08:00Another season of "wait'll next year"It seems at this time every year I am numb and confused. Starting a season the way they did (2-5) and playing up and down just baffles me.<br /><br />I don't understand how the rhetoric coming from the Chargers organization, from the Owner, to the GM, to the Coach, to the appointed PR players can be absolutely irrelevant to reality and we are just supposed to believe them and ignore the truth.<br /><br />Every year we have a soap opera started by A.J. Smith and his super-ego. The man is so self-absorbed that he even lies to himself and believes his own lies. His ego costs the Chargers Pro-Bowl players every year and his Draft choices are NOT super-stars. <br /><br />I have said many times that he blew into town on the back of John Butler and when John passed-away, he inherited the team, the money, and the POWER. He is in <span style="font-weight: bold;">over his head</span> and the only way he can survive is through being bull-headed and arrogant -- which the Spanos' can relate to, so ....<br /><br />Dean Spanos and "the family" are just as self-absorbed but it is all about money. They deflect any "blame" for the Chargers' problems through hired mouth-pieces, acting as if they don't have anything to say about the running of "their" team. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">BULL!!!!</span><br /><br />I don't know of many millionaires who turn their company over to a General Manager without having the right and the RESPONSIBILITY to yank his chain when he screws up the potential success of the company.<br /><br />Coach Turner is a heck-of-a good man, but he is NOT a Head Coach anymore than Wade Philips was. They are cut from the same cloth. Norv was hired because he would be a Yes Man to A.J. and, maybe, win some playoff games. How's that workin' out for ya' A.J.?<br /><br />Do you think I am frustrated? Yea I think so. I just moved back to San Diego from Texas and am<span style="font-weight: bold;"> once again</span> a season ticket holder. I have sat in that stadium and watched the bungling stupidity of A.J. and Norv's "best team ever" and it is pathetic.<br /><br />I know, and YOU know, they are moving this team to Los Angeles. They can't let the word get out because no one would go to the games anymore, but they ARE going. <br /><br />Until the moving vans pull out of the Fortress, I will continue to give my season ticket money to the Spanos family and let A.J. continue to give me the finger.<br /><br />I am a Chargers' fan, and fan is short for fanatic, and fanatic is just another word for idiot, so I guess it is no wonder I keep coming back for more.<br /><br />GO CHARGERS. I BLEED BLUE AND GOLD. Wait'll next year ....<div class="blogger-post-footer">Latest voice from the SuperChargerTom Blog</div>Charger Tom dot Comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17640278993302389993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23122713.post-32219617493094842092009-12-09T17:53:00.000-08:002009-12-09T18:23:32.029-08:00TCU in the BCS stirs up a hornet's nestCollege football is as much "Big Business" as the NFL.<br /><br />Here are some "outstanding" editorials/letters to the editor" regarding the sad state of affairs of the College BcS cartel. TCU and Boise State upset their little elitist BcS Fake National Championship plans this year.<br /><br />Read what others have to say and then chime in with your take on the BcS through adding your feedback to this post.<br /><br />"<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >TCU needs a bowl of its very own</span><br /><span class="NormalWebChar" style="font-size:100%;">Jennifer Floyd-Engel, Sports Writer, </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city><st1:place><span class="NormalWebChar">Fort Worth</span></st1:place></st1:city></span><span class="NormalWebChar" style="font-size:100%;"> Star-Telegram</span> <p>What the heck is wrong with everybody? Are we really that naïve? </p> <p>Of course, having TCU and <st1:place><st1:placename>Boise</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>State</st1:placetype></st1:place> play in the Fiesta Bowl is a conspiracy to keep them from being able to embarrass the power conferences yet again at their exclusionary game. Anybody who pretends anything else is:</p> <p>a) Smoking crack.</p> <p>b) Fibbing.</p> <p>c) Has a vested interest in protecting this sham of a BcS system. </p> <p>And c) obviously applies to Fiesta Bowl president John Junker, thus b) does, too, in regards to his laying kisses on TCU and unleashing his "biggest load of crap I’ve ever heard in my life" as a defense.</p> <p>Where is Rep. Joe Wilson and his "you lie" shtick when really needed?</p> <p>The Fiesta Bowl took one for the "team," probably in exchange for future considerations. The Fake National Championship (FNC) is in Glendale in 2011 and do not be surprised if this little sacrifice guarantees a prettier pre-Fiesta Fiesta Bowl. </p> <p>Spin that Fiesta honchos chose TCU because, gosh-darn-it, it was more deserving is giggle-worthy. Name the last time a big-time bowl did the right, altruistic thing? </p> <p>Bowls do the money thing and the money thing was to invite <st1:state><st1:place>Iowa</st1:place></st1:state> and all of those oft-mentioned 50,000 Hawkeyes who would pay anything and go anywhere just to get out of <st1:state><st1:place>Iowa</st1:place></st1:state> in January.</p> <p>So why would the Fiesta pass up on that payday?</p> <p><em>Hmmmmmm</em>, what possibly could it be? Could it be that if TCU, ranked No. 4 in BcS standings, played and beat Cincy or <st1:state><st1:place>Florida</st1:place></st1:state>, the Frogs would have a legit claim to the national championship right along with whoever wins Texas-Alabama?</p> <p>And since everybody knows the Frogs have zero chance at this FNC, this only hastens calls for a playoff, and a playoff threatens to decimate their little bowl cartel.</p> <p>Yes, the single worst thing to happen to the BcS was what Kyle Whittingham and his fine Utah Utes team did to <st1:state><st1:place>Alabama</st1:place></st1:state> a year ago in the Sugar Bowl. </p> <p>Say this for the BcS, it learns. No more inviting Boise to play Oklahoma and Utah to play Alabama because, instead of putting non-AQ schools in their place and shutting them up as planned, it only gave them evidence of what a sham the whole thing really is. </p> <p>No way are they allowing that to happen again. So TCU plays <st1:city><st1:place>Boise</st1:place></st1:city>, and one ends up with a loss and the other is dismissed as still not having beaten anybody. Brilliant, as the Guinness Stout boys would say.</p> <p>This is standard BcS operating procedure where C stands for conspiracy, and all that leaves is B and S. </p> <p>Always a doer and a carer, though, I have a solution.</p> <p>Actually, I have to give credit to my wonderful motley crew of faithful readers for sparking this idea. Red Raider Joe suggested taking their ball and going home, and I thought, "There has to be a sponsor for that."</p> <p>So may I humbly offer:</p> <p>The 2010 non-BcS National Championship Game presented by JerryWorld. </p> <p>This is exactly the kind of rebellious, rogue, crazy idea Owner Jones has turned into billions of dollars in his Cowboy lifetime. And he has an ability to turn this into a wildly popular and profitable venture as well.</p> <p>Start by having TCU and <st1:city><st1:place>Boise</st1:place></st1:city> tell The Fiesta to beat it.</p> <p>"We are excited to be in the Fiesta Bowl," Horned Frogs PR man Mark Cohen said when I reached him in <st1:state><st1:place>New York</st1:place></st1:state> on Tuesday about this very possibility. So Owner Jones obviously needs to place a call.</p> <p>Next have Owner Jones use his connections to wrangle up a TV partner, and really Football Night in <st1:country-region><st1:place>America</st1:place></st1:country-region> and NBC need to jump at this chance. </p> <p>Find a few big-time sponsors, like my good friends at BNSF Railway (and I spoke there once so that makes us friends, right?) and the Dallas Mavs (this seems right up Mark Cuban’s alley) to help defray Jerry’s costs. </p> <p>Finally, we market this as The National Championship. All we need for legitimacy is a trophy, a logo and a Twitter/FBook account as our good friends at The BcS have proven. </p> <p>The <em>Star-Telegram</em> graphics department was a little busy Tuesday. So, if any of you graphically inclined Horned Frog fans could whip me up a logo to present to Jerry next time I see him, I’d sure appreciate it. And I’d doubly appreciate any sketches for a possible Ice The Cupcake logo as well. </p> <p>We could recycle the Fort Worth Bowl runner-up trophy from 2003, and all we lack is an official Tweeter of this non-BcS. And I nominate The Great Joe Barton (R-Arlington).</p> <p>Quick aside: How soul-sucking must it be to defend this indefensible BcS system in 140 characters or less? </p> <p>Of course, if this fails, go to the Fiesta Bowl folks. </p> <p>Good bowl. Good city. And you know the BcS will be taking attendance and looking for a way to justify conspiring against you next time around.</p> <p>Remember the C is for conspiracy, and all that is left is B and S.”</p> <p><span class="subhead"><b><o:p>"</o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Not cheering Fiesta</span></b></span></p> <p>Congratulations to the TCU football players for an outstanding season. However, I am very disappointed in the TCU and Mountain West Conference administrations and coach Gary Patterson. TCU should be in the Sugar Bowl playing <st1:state><st1:place>Florida</st1:place></st1:state>.</p> <p>Playing and beating <st1:state><st1:place>Florida</st1:place></st1:state> would do far more to enhance the school’s reputation than playing and beating <st1:place><st1:placename>Boise</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>State</st1:placetype></st1:place>. When the BCS came with the Fiesta Bowl offer, both administrations and Patterson should have told the BCS to take a hike and demand a Sugar Bowl appearance. </p> <p>I believe the BCS and the NCAA are scared to death of an antitrust lawsuit by a school like TCU. Giving automatic BCS bowl bids to only select conferences and not to others and the fact that all these schools accept federal money makes them a prime target for antitrust action.</p> <p>These significant bowl opportunities do not come that often, and the TCU players deserved better this year. They were ill-served by their administration and coach for not standing up to the BCS and getting the bowl matchup the players earned. </p> <p>I hope the local TCU alumni come down hard on this administration for its failure to support its players and stand tall against the very unfair BCS. </p> <p>— James Sumpter, Mansfield"</p> <p><o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">"</span></o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span class="subhead"><b>Biggest Concession Stand?</b></span></span></p> <p>An objective person might think that if you work hard on the practice field and in the classroom, put the team above yourself, devise a good game plan, stay focused at every position for every minute of the game you would be considered the best team. </p> <p>Not so fast, it has nothing to do with any of that, it’s how many hot dogs you sold.</p> <p>BCS really means who has the Biggest Concession Stand. </p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">—<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->Perry Cozzen, <st1:city><st1:place>Fort Worth"</st1:place></st1:city></p> <p><o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">"</span></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span class="subhead">Love from </span><st1:city><st1:place><span class="subhead">Boise</span></st1:place></st1:city></span></p> <p>I wanted to congratulate the TCU football program and say I do feel you should be playing <st1:state><st1:place>Alabama</st1:place></st1:state> for the national title instead of <st1:state><st1:place>Texas</st1:place></st1:state> (whom I think you could have beaten). I live in <st1:city><st1:place>Boise</st1:place></st1:city> and am a <st1:place><st1:placename>Boise</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>State</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype>University</st1:placetype></st1:place> fan, and it is an honor to be able to play the team that should be playing for the national championship. We respect your team and in some ways fear the quality of players you have on it, and it will truly be an all-out effort on our part to win. I (and many in <st1:city><st1:place>Boise</st1:place></st1:city>) pulled for <st1:state><st1:place>Nebraska</st1:place></st1:state> to beat <st1:state><st1:place>Texas</st1:place></st1:state> (even if it was not going to be good for BSU), because that might have allowed TCU to play in the big game against <st1:state><st1:place>Alabama</st1:place></st1:state>. So, congratulations and see you in <st1:state><st1:place>Arizona</st1:place></st1:state> for the Fiesta Bowl.</p> <p>— Steve Hasse, <st1:place><st1:city>Boise</st1:city>, <st1:state>Idaho"</st1:state></st1:place></p> <p><o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">"</span></o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span class="subhead"><b>12 reasons the Fiesta Bowl is a good thing for TCU</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">By David Thomas, Sports Writer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p>Imagine you move into a much nicer, higher-dollar neighborhood.</p> <p>You walk outside your first morning in your new home and bend over to pick up the newspaper. (The<em> Star-Telegram</em>, of course. Double-wrapped, because we care.)</p> <p>But as you stand back up, you notice a U-Haul truck across the street. Out your old neighbor from your old neighborhood. ... of the cab jumps</p> <p>Now here is a scene we do not have to imagine.</p> <p>TCU works its way into a much nicer, higher-paying, BCS bowl game. When the other opponent is revealed, it’s Boise State the Horned Frogs defeated last season in the — take a deep breath — San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl.</p> <p>TCU and <st1:place><st1:placename>Boise</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>State</st1:placetype></st1:place> both went undefeated and earned a chance to beat up one of college football’s bullies. They will see each other in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl instead.</p> <p>That is no knock on the Fiesta Bowl, and definitely no knock on the projected $17.5 million payout to the participating conferences.</p> <p>But with third-ranked TCU and sixth-ranked Boise State being matched against one another, there certainly is the feel — which I have heard on at least two occasions — that the adults have sent SuperFrog and Buster Bronco off to the kids’ table for the family holiday meal.</p> <p>The consensus of local purple-wearers is that TCU deserved better. A better opponent ("better" as in status, not ability) and a better bowl (as in the big enchilada.)</p> <p>I am not going to join in the launching of a TV show called <em>BCSI</em> to investigate whether it was indeed only one person who amended the Big 12 replay rules at the last second, leaned the goal post to the side on <st1:state><st1:place>Texas</st1:place></st1:state>’ game-winning kick <em>and</em> dictated the BCS bowl matchups.</p> <p>I do, however, want to at least try to make things better in our beloved city by offering 12 reasons TCU’s bowl and opponent are a great thing:</p> <p>1. Tostitos rock.</p> <p>2. If you have last year’s Poinsettia Bowl on DVR and have not gotten around to watching it yet, you won’t need to now.</p> <p>3. The Horned Frogs have a chance to beat <st1:place><st1:placename>Boise</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>State</st1:placetype></st1:place> in the same bowl in which the Broncos beat <st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:state> three seasons ago. That would be an indirect bowl victory against a top-10 BCS team.</p> <p>4. Playing on a green field gives TCU a decided statistical edge. <st1:place><st1:placename>Boise</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>State</st1:placetype></st1:place> has six victories on green fields. TCU has 11.</p> <p>5. Would you rather have a fiesta or an orange?</p> <p>6. Of the BCS bowl sites, only <st1:city><st1:place>New Orleans</st1:place></st1:city> is closer to <st1:city><st1:place>Fort Worth</st1:place></st1:city> than <st1:place><st1:city>Glendale</st1:city>, <st1:state>Ariz.</st1:state></st1:place> Playing in the Fiesta Bowl will save some mileage when hauling Frog Horn to the game.</p> <p>7. "BCS buster, Broncos buster" sounds good.</p> <p>8. Having undefeated teams meet in a non-championship game for the first time in BCS history has to move us that much closer to the act of Congress apparently needed to create a playoff.</p> <p>9. <st1:city><st1:place>Glendale</st1:place></st1:city> is on the way to <st1:place><st1:city>Pasadena</st1:city>, <st1:state>Calif.</st1:state></st1:place> That gives <st1:state><st1:place>Texas</st1:place></st1:state> fans the opportunity to stop en route to the championship game and show their support for TCU. You know, bring some much-needed college football unity back to our state.</p> <p>10. This will be the highest-combined ranking of teams for a TCU bowl game since No. 1 TCU defeated No. 5 Carnegie Tech 15-7 in the 1939 Sugar Bowl. Carnegie Tech football will appreciate the attention.</p> <p>11. The 2011 BCS National Championship Game will be played at <st1:place><st1:placetype>University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename>Phoenix Stadium</st1:placename></st1:place>. Consider this game the Frogs’ dress rehearsal.</p> <p>12. Still working on a 12th reason. I’ll get back to you."</p> <p><o:p></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">"<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Barton: Playoff system would end BCS cartel</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span class="subhead"><span style="font-size:12pt;"></span></span></span><span class="NormalWebChar"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:10pt;" ><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Congressman Joe Barton, of </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city><st1:place><span class="NormalWebChar"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Arlington</span></span></st1:place></st1:city></span><span class="NormalWebChar"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"> represents U.S. House District 6 </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p><o:p>'</o:p>My bill does not seek a federal government takeover of college football. In fact, it is just the opposite. It simply puts the onus on the BCS to come up with a playoff system. Every other sport in intercollegiate athletics at every level has some sort of playoff or merit-based national meet or tournament. Why not the top tier of Division I football?</p> <p>Obviously, this isn’t the most important issue in <st1:state><st1:place>Washington</st1:place></st1:state>. I’m actively engaged in the healthcare debate, and I’m leading the effort to defeat the economy-killing “cap and tax” climate-change policy.</p> <p>Having said that, college football is a multibillion-dollar-a-year operation, and it is interstate commerce. That makes it a legitimate candidate for congressional oversight. After all, we are talking about schools that receive public funding.</p> <p>The Forth Worth Star-Telegram Dec. 2 editorial said that the BCS “is a lucrative operation” for “a few lucky conferences.” The conferences involved aren’t lucky. They deliberately set up a system that maximizes revenue for their members. It isn’t about student-athletes or determining a “champion.”</p> <p>The BCS is a cartel in the truest sense of the word. If Exxon Mobil and Chevron did in the oil industry what the BCS has done in college football, they would be prosecuted for violating antitrust laws.</p> <p>Need proof of the cartel? Well, look at TCU (non-BCS conference) vs. Baylor (BCS conference). Here’s the tale of the tape from 2005 to 2008:</p> <p>■ Season record: TCU 37-10, Baylor 16-31</p> <p>■ Bowl record: TCU 4-0, Baylor 0-0</p> <p>■ Bowl receipts: TCU $2.01 million, Baylor $6.2 million</p> <p>Baylor is earning more than $1.5 million a year from bowls it never plays in, while TCU — which during this time period beat teams such as <st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:state>, Texas Tech and even Baylor, twice — received just a third of that.</p> <p>Since the BCS began in 1998, guess how many teams have played in the “championship” game. Only 11.</p> <p>This means that each year, more than 6,000 student-athletes are left out and learn firsthand how a cartel really works.</p> <p>This is a perversion of what college football is all about, and that’s why I introduced this bill.</p> <p>Players and their millions of fans deserve a fair playoff system. It’s time for the backroom bullies of the BCS to replace the current system with a playoff that’s fair and open to all teams.</p> <p>Let’s determine the college football champion on the field of play, four downs at a time.'"<br /><span class="subhead"></span></p><p><span class="subhead"><b>"<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >House panel passes college football playoff bill</span></b><br /></span><span class="NormalWebChar" style="font-size:100%;">By Frederic J. Frommer, Associated Press Writer</span><o:p></o:p></p> <p><st1:state><st1:place><span class="dateline">WASHINGTON</span></st1:place></st1:state><span class="dateline"> — </span>A House subcommittee approved legislation Wednesday aimed at forcing college football to switch to a playoff system to determine its national champion, over the objections of some lawmakers who said Congress has meatier targets to tackle.</p> <p>The bill, which faces steep odds, would ban the promotion of a postseason NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision game as a national championship unless it results from a playoff. The measure passed by voice vote in a House Energy and Commerce Committee subcommittee, with one audible "no," from Rep. John Barrow, D-Ga.</p> <p>"With all due respect, I really think we have more important things to spend our time on," Barrow said before the vote, although he stressed he didn't like the current Bowl Championship Series, either.</p> <p>The BCS selections announced last weekend pit two unbeaten teams, No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Texas, in the Jan. 7 national title game. Three other undefeated teams - TCU, <st1:city><st1:place>Cincinnati</st1:place></st1:city> and <st1:place><st1:placename>Boise</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>State</st1:placetype></st1:place> - will play in a BCS bowl game, but not for the championship.</p> <p>"What can we say - it's December and the BCS is in chaos again," said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Joe Barton of <st1:state><st1:place>Texas</st1:place></st1:state>, the top Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He said the BCS system is unfair and won't change unless prompted by Congress.</p> <p>The legislation, which goes to the full committee, would make it illegal to promote a national championship game "or make a similar representation," unless it results from a playoff.</p> <p>There is no Senate version, although Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, has pressed for a Justice Department antitrust investigation into the BCS.</p> <p>Shortly after his election last year, Barack Obama said there should be a playoff system.</p> <p>In a statement before the vote, BCS executive director Bill Hancock said, "With all the serious matters facing our country, surely Congress has more important issues than spending taxpayer money to dictate how college football is played."</p> <p>The subcommittee chairman, Rep. Bobby Rush, an Illinois Democrat who co-sponsored the bill, said, "We can walk and chew gum at the same time."</p> <p>Yet Barrow wasn't alone in criticizing his colleagues' priorities; Reps. Zach Space, D-Ohio, and Bart Stupak, D-Mich., made similar arguments. Space said that with people facing tough times, the decision to focus on college football sends the "wrong message."</p> <p>The bill has a tough road ahead, given the wide geographic representation and political clout of schools in the six conferences - the ACC, Big East, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-10 and SEC - that get automatic BCS bowl bids</p> <p>The current college bowl system features a championship game between the two top teams in the BCS standings, based on two polls and six computer rankings. Eight other schools play in the <st1:city><st1:place>Orange</st1:place></st1:city>, Sugar, Fiesta and Rose bowls.</p> <p>Under the BCS, the champions of those six big conference get automatic bids, while other conferences don't. Those six conferences also receive far more money than the other conferences."</p> <p><span class="subhead"><b>"<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Class act, Frog fans</span></b></span></p> <p>I attended the recent TCU-Utah game with my twin 8-year-old birthday boys. As this was their first college football game, they were crushed to find that virtually every person in the stadium was not rooting for "our" Utes.</p> <p>With his feelings hurt, one son buried his tearful head in my lap. A few students sitting behind us perceived what was happening and proceeded to start cheering for both teams just to make him feel better. Class act, Frogs, class act.</p> <span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >-- Steven Lund, </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:";" >Lewisville</span></st1:place></st1:city>"</span><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Latest voice from the SuperChargerTom Blog</div>Charger Tom dot Comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17640278993302389993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23122713.post-68776516438228090812009-01-28T12:02:00.000-08:002009-02-14T17:45:53.872-08:002008 - The Season of Mediocrity and ExhilarationChange has come.<br /><br />FINALLY - the citizens of this country did the right thing. They elected the right man for the Presidency and they elected the right political party to dig this country out of the worst mess in recent history.<br /><br />For those who are sheep of the "other" party, I remind you, "change has come." PLEASE take a open and honest look at the past eight years and acknowledge the FACTS. You are then invited and welcome to support the new administration and provide a positive service to your country. You will feel pride and be a part of the solution. But remember, the days of "fear and smear" are over so stop the bashing and join the march to recovery.<br /><br />God Bless President Barack Obama.<br /><br />OK, now for some football.<br /><br />Well here I am again a month after the season ended wondering what went right and what went wrong?!?!<br /><br />A lot of wrong and little right .... BUT .... we play in the currently pathetic AFC West so lo-and-behold, an 8-8 team (The Chargers) were the Division Champions.<br /><br />If you think the teams in the AFC West are potential winners just remember: Denver fired Mike Shanahan and the Chiefs fired Herm Edwards and the Faiders, well they are still coachless and hopeless, and I think the Chargers need a serious reevaluation of their talent level.<br /><br />The fans were suffering through 4-8 after twelve games and the chants for "someones" head were starting. Then the Chargers got a second wind, or, got their heads on straight, or, got lucky, or, or .... Anyway they finished at 8-8 and by virtue of beating the Doncos, won the Division.<br /><br />Then on to the playoffs and they won the wild card game but then lost to the "Stealers" in the Divison game and then home for the holidays.<br /><br />Ahh, now things are back to normal. Wait a minute!!! "Wait 'til next year." Okay, <span style="font-style: italic;">now</span> things are back to normal.<br /><br />More will come shortly to talk about LT and his future with the Chargers and about A.J. Smith who still reminds me of the ex-President; "I'm the Decider." Come back to visit and offer your comments too. Talk soon ....<br /><br />Get some really kewl and original Chargers gear at either of my two shopping locations:<br /><br /><a href="http://chargertom.com/Memorabilia.html">http://www.chargertom.com/Memorabilia.html</a><br /><br />and/or<br /><br /><a href="http://cafepress.com/ctenterprises">http://cafepress.com/ctenterprises</a><br /><br />Submit your Chargers Fanatic picture for the new Super Fans Pics page on my web site at <a href="http://www.chargertom.com/">http://www.chargertom.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Latest voice from the SuperChargerTom Blog</div>Charger Tom dot Comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17640278993302389993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23122713.post-79349653618439677732008-01-26T09:35:00.000-08:002008-01-26T11:17:22.212-08:00The Season, the Playoffs, and LTThe last time I wrote in this Blog was about this time last year. Its ironic but I was lamenting the loss to the Patriots at that time and lo and behold ....<br /><br />One of my goals for this year is to write short blogs about timely events more frequently. I always start out with good intentions but quickly remember that I procrastinate too. I'll try the new goals and see how it works out.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The Season.</span><br /><br />The season started on a losing note and I was quick to join the bandwagon of "The Sky is Falling." My frustration had be screaming at Dean Spanos, A.J. Smith, Norv Turner, and the San Diego City Council, among others.<br /><br />I couldn't believe a 14-2 team could be starting off so poorly and my primary focus was on A.J. for letting his personal dislike for Marty cause disruption to the needed continuity of the team. I STILL believe A.J.'s number one downfall, if there ever is one, will be because he takes a personal dislike to players and staff and acts to get rid of these people regardless of the impact on the team or organization.<br /><br />I just have a personal problem with individuals like that. People who use their position of power to wield their personal arrogance in spite of what's best for the team. People who don't care, and state flatly that they don't care, what the majority of others think or feel. They are "the deciders" and we are the idiots who don't know what we are talking about.<br /><br />I am still talking about football and A.J. Smith, right?!?! When I reread that paragraph, it sounded like it could have applied to another arrogant leader who doesn't care what the majority feels? Anyway ....<br /><br />As the season progressed, the boys began to get it together. I think Norv slowly began to establish his role and his style with the team and they began to respond. Throughout the first half of the season I still got upset when Philip Rivers insisted on throwing a couple of picks and giving up a fumble every game. But I hung in there with them and saw the wins beginning to come and dared to allow a glimmer of hope.<br /><br />Towards the end of the season it was obvious the Chargers would win the AFC West because the rest of the West teams were horrible. Can you believe how far Denver has fallen? The Chiefs have always been tough but this year they really struggled. And the Raiders <span style="font-style: italic;">(ha, ha, ha)</span> continued <span style="font-style: italic;">(ha, ha, ha) </span>to have their <span style="font-style: italic;">(ha, ha, ha)</span> troubles; the pathetic bunch of losers, <span style="font-style: italic;">ha</span>!!!<br /><br />And so what started out as a losing season, finished as another very good record of 11-5. I will now take this opportunity to eat crow and apologize to Mr. Smith. He was right when he said if the team gets in the playoffs every year, the fans won't even remember what happened during the season and will be singing his praises. "Tra la la la, all football praises to AJ the Smith. You da' man, tra la la la."<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The Playoffs.</span><br /><br />Our seeded rank for the season meant we had to play a wild card team, but at least it was at home. Could we -- did we dare believe -- would we -- is it possible to win a playoff game after 13 long years?<br /><br />WE DID IT. WE WON.<br /><br />The problem with that was we now had to travel to Indy to take on the God Child Payton of the Clan Manning. He probably didn't even get the word the Bolts were coming because he was probably making another commercial.<br /><br />So in to Indy they marched and a physical battle was fought. Players ran on to the field, and hobbled or were carried off the field. Injuries were plentiful but there would be no tomorrow if the Chargers lost so they gave it their all and ...<br /><br />WE DID IT. WE WON.<br /><br />Chargers fans around the Globe were cheering and dancing and boasting and yelling, "Bring on the Cheaters. Revenge will be sweet."<br /><br />So in to Foxsborough they limped and a gutsy battle was fought. Players hobbled on to the field and poured out their hearts, their guts, and their courage. But they were too beat up. They were too many players short. They were exhausted and they came up just a tad short ...<br /><br />WE LOST.<br /><br />What a great playoffs run! As Maxwell Smart would say, "Missed it by this much." Wait 'til next year. The mantra of Chargers fans far and wide. We automatically begin to chant this refrain right after the season closes, "Wait 'til next year."<br /><br />And we will. I'm already anxious for reports out of the Senior Bowl. I'm already reading all the 2008 Draft forums. I'm already checking to see who we might lose and who the Free Agents are out there. And I'm wondering who got on AJ's personal dislike list and is sure to be cut.<br /><br />Ah, I can't wait 'til next year!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">LaDainian Tomlinson - <span style="font-style: italic;">LT</span></span><br /><br />Who would have ever guessed that this Chargers icon, this Chargers hero, this Chargers all-everything could close the season under attack from the media, other NFL players, and Chargers fans?<br /><br />You didn't think it could possibly happen? Why not, that is how we closed the season last year, remember?<br /><br />I am not going to share my feeling about LT's injury, his decision not to play in the Championship game, or his demeanor on the sideline during the game. Each of us has our own take on what was, what should have been, and what the consequences were or will be. You are entitled to your opinion and for you, it is valid. I respect your opinion.<br /><br />The only thing I will offer is that the leaders and the stars will always have a camera on them. They will always have their critics and their jealous rivals and rival fans ready to criticize.<br /><br />LT is a multi-million dollar man and the face of the San Diego Chargers, not to mention the NFL. he needs to get a good PR person who stands beside him at all times and guides him. I am not speaking bad of LT but I will tell you that perception in the world is reality and perception can be a killer.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Philip Rivers could use a good PR person too.</span><br /><br />I'll be venting my feeling more frequently this year. Maybe that way I won't feel like I am going to explode when things don't go right with my beloved Chargers.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">GO CHARGERS - SUPER BOWL, BABY!!!!</span><br /><br />Get some really kewl and original Chargers gear at either of my two shopping locations:<br /><br /><a href="http://chargertom.com/Memorabilia.html">http://www.chargertom.com/Memorabilia.html</a><br /><br />and/or<br /><br /><a href="http://cafepress.com/ctenterprises">http://cafepress.com/ctenterprises</a><br /><br />Submit your Chargers Fanatic picture for the new Super Fans Pics page on my web site at <a href="http://www.chargertom.com">http://www.chargertom.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Latest voice from the SuperChargerTom Blog</div>Charger Tom dot Comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17640278993302389993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23122713.post-53710629053010315562007-02-08T12:21:00.000-08:002007-02-08T13:32:38.360-08:00A.J. - One area great, one area poorI have not been a fan of A.J. Smith since John Butler passed away and he took over. There are many reasons which I am sure some would agree with and many would disagree with. The way he is so cut and dry in contract negotiations, how he lets his personal dislike for players and coaches dictate how they get treated or if they even remain employed, and how he uses the absolute power and authority he has been given by Dean Spanos. All of that being said, I MUST give him credit where credit is due.<br /><br />He has done a great job of drafting good players. He has done a good, although limited, job of acquiring good free agents. He has done a great job of signing our best players to long term contracts.<br /><br />I will not rehash the old arguments but I still think he did a TERRIBLE job in dumping Drew Brees who I still believe will lead his team to the Super Bowl before the Chargers reach the Super Bowl; we'll see. . . .!?!?<br /><br />So there, I gave him credit as the genius General Manager -- on his handling of ONE side of his job, the players, but what about the other side of his job, the coaches?<br /><br />In my opinion he has done a HORRIBLE job of dealing with the coaching staff.<br /><br />The coaching staff is what makes all those good players mesh into a well oiled machine with the same plan of action, the same focus, the same level of motivation, and the same buy in to what is being asked of them. The coaches create a "family" where you know what Dad's expectations of you are and you know how your brothers are going to back you. The coaches are the ones who take players from various playing backgrounds and experiences, and mold them in to a single way of doing things to win. The coaches create continuity in the chaotic world of NFL football and are able to get the most out of their players by being a mentor they can look up to and that they can and do trust. The players jobs depend a lot on the coaches!!!<br /><br />A.J. Smith does not like Marty and wants him out and that is a known fact. He is however, for the moment, stuck with Marty because Dean Spanos wants desperately to win a Super Bowl NOW to help him get a new Stadium and doesn't want any more disruption to the team.<br /><br />Unfortunately, this very situation caused by A.J. IS CAUSING DISRUPTION TO THE TEAM.<br /><br />A.J. has focused on the players and ignored the coaching staff. He has a backup plan for every players position, he has depth at every players position, he has extended contracts of his players to ensure continuity, and he has a plan for free agent acquisitions and who he wants in the Draft.<br /><br />As evidenced by what has and is occurring with the coaching staff, he does NOT have a plan or even a clue.<br /><br />He was forced to retain Marty for this next year and then only offered him a one year extension knowing full well if Marty did not take the team to the Super Bowl in '07 he would fire him anyway.<br /><br />So Marty is back for one last year -- a lame duck head coach. Now that's good for a team.<br /><br />A lame duck head coach is not who you want to work for as an assistant coach because that means you only have one more year of putting food on the table for your family. So you start looking to bail out now. Why now? Because you helped guide this team to a 14-2 record and the other NFL General Managers know you have the potential to bring the same level of success to their team and they are willing to pay for that now.<br /><br />So what we have is the loss of our Offensive Coordinator, our Defensive Coordinator, our Linebackers coach, our Running Backs coach has to be replaced because the current coach was promoted to fill the Offensive Coordinator position, the Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach left too, and I am betting more coaches will leave before this is all over.<br /><br />So the very architects of your 14-2 team are gone or leaving and your Head Coach only has one more year before he returns to the Broadcast booth and where is A.J.? I think he is fiddling while Rome burns.<br /><br />I think he abandoned Marty and the entire Chargers coaching staff because he doesn't like Marty and wants to see him fail. In A.J.'s world, it doesn't matter who else has to be disregarded to prove his point, there is only room for one genius. He wants FULL credit for any Chargers success and Marty has given him enough ammunition to allow him to hire his own coach of choice and then when/if the team wins the Super Bowl it will be totally because of A.J. and his genius.<br /><br />I believe if the Chargers are somehow able to survive this coaching staff debacle and go deep in to the playoffs in '07 it will be because of Marty and in spite of A.J.<br /><br />Regardless, A.J. gets his way. Marty's contract will have expired and A.J. will threaten Spanos with his own departure if Marty is offered a long term contract so Marty is gone. A.J. will hire HIS new coach (believe me, it WON'T be Bill Cower because A.J. won't pay what he is worth), and thus the Chargers players will start all over under a new coaching staff. Can you say "set back"?<br /><br />How did we get to this point? Remember that Dean Spanos took over the team operations from his Dad (the real owner) Alex Spanos. This was done because Dad Alex was too involved in the team's day to day operations and there were many years of losing seasons to show how well that had worked out.<br /><br />So Dean took over the team and hired Bobby Beathard as his General Manager. Remember him? He was THE genius General Manager. Dean gave him full power and authority to run the team. We went to the Super Bowl and then Beathard blew up the team and fired the Head Coach. Can you say "set back"?<br /><br />Guess what? Dean did not learn his lesson. He has hired another "genius" and given him full power and authority to run the team. Hello Dean, does this not look familiar? You're team is ready to go to the Super Bowl and your GM is OK with blowing up your coaching staff?<br /><br />I'm still hurting from the playoff loss to the Patriots and I am getting sicker by the day watching the coaching staff walk away and I am even sicker for having to say "wait 'til next year" AGAIN, and knowing full well that next year could be a "set back". Ah the painful life of a Chargers fan.<br /><br />GO CHARGERS -- love ya' Bolts.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Latest voice from the SuperChargerTom Blog</div>Charger Tom dot Comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17640278993302389993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23122713.post-27004311273226000822007-01-15T11:16:00.000-08:002007-01-15T17:38:58.973-08:00Black Monday Catharsis - The Football God'sI haven't written in this Blog for quite some time. I was <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">way</span> too busy; the Chargers were on an incredible roll and I was swept up in the elation and busy promoting them on the web site and communicating with fellow fans on the web.<br /><br />It was glorious. This was the year we finally not only <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">got</span> to the Super Bowl, but actually <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-STYLE: italic">won</span> the whole enchilada.<br /><br />We drove the RV to San Diego and attended the Chargers vs. KC game with my daughter and her family. The city was excited and the fair-weather "fans" were all fighting to get on the band wagon. It was great.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Today is Black Monday, January 15, 2007.</span> I have a headache. My stomach is in knots. I am exhausted and my entire body aches. Remember that feeling when your true love broke up with you or your spouse asked for a divorce or you got fired from work? Remember how you couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, couldn't concentrate on anything else, didn't want to talk with others? Didn't want to be around other people, didn't want to be alone? How your mind kept replaying images of all the good times? How your mind kept replaying images of the horror of the ending? Sure you do -- because you are a Chargers fan too and yesterday you saw the same game that I did. It was a nightmare come true.<br /><br />I have felt these feelings <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">so</span> many times since 1961. I won't recount them all now but if you have been a fellow Chargers fan for even the last ten to fifteen years, you have experienced it too.<br /><br />It hurts. Remember what Coach George Allen of the Washington Redskins said?; "Football is a rough game and often a cruel one. Every time you lose you die a little bit. You die inside; a portion of you. Not all of your organs, maybe just your liver. Pain is inevitable." How can this keep happening? I know the answer . . . .<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-STYLE: italic">the football God's are cruel</span>.<br /><br />Our Chargers went 14-2 this year. They won all eight games before the home crowd. LT set every record known to man in the NFL. Rivers had a solid season for a rookie quarterback. Even Marty learned a lesson and relinquished his "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Martyball</span>" grip on the team. Nine - <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-STYLE: italic">NINE</span> - players made the Pro Bowl. They won the AFC West decidedly and then won home field advantage throughout the playoffs. And then . . . . as Coach Jim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Morra</span> would say, "Playoffs? Playoffs? Are you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">kiddin</span>' me? Playoffs?"<br /><br />The reality of my 45 year love affair and blind allegiance to the San Diego Chargers came crashing down AGAIN yesterday in the first game of the <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">playoffs</span>.<br /><br />Let's see now. . . .<br /><br />1st <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Qtr</span>: NE 3rd and 8 on its own 12. Brady's pass is tipped to <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Clinton Hart</span> but he doesn't catch it for the interception. The Patriots punt and get out of their own territory.<br /><br />1st <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Qtr</span>: Chargers 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">th</span> and 11 at NE 30-yard line. 47-yard Field Goal for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Kaeding</span>. <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Marty</span>, instead, goes for first down and Rivers is sacked - no points. Pats take over at their 35-yard line.<br /><br />3rd <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Qtr</span>: <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Eric Parker</span> muffs the punt and instead of falling on the ball, tries to pick it up and is tackled with Pats recovering the muff.<br /><br />3rd <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Qtr</span>: Three plays later, Brady is sacked, fumbles and Pats recover. After the play,<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Drayton</span> Florence</span> head-butts Pats Daniel Graham for 15-yard penalty and automatic first down. Instead of 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">th</span> and 21 from the 37, Pats now 1st and 10 at the 18. Pats kick a 34-yard Field Goal to cut Chargers lead to 14-13.<br /><br />4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">th</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Qtr</span>: Pats are behind 21-13 with 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">th</span> and 5. Brady goes for it with pass that is intercepted by <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Marlon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">McCree</span></span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">McCree</span> tries to run with it instead of falling down after the catch. Troy Brown strips <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">McCree</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Reche</span> Caldwell <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">(remember this name, OK?)</span> recovers at Chargers 32. Five plays later, Brady hits Caldwell for TD and they make 2 point conversion to tie the score at 21.<br /><br />You're right. It is a Team game but these <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">individuals</span></span> put themselves above the team or disregarded years of teaching and coaching and as a result, the <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">team</span> lost.<br /><br />Want to hear about other members of the team's contribution to the loss? How about this:<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Eric Parker</span> dropped two passes. One should have been ruled a catch and then a fumble. He slipped down running a reverse for a 7 yard loss.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Vincent Jackson</span> dropped a pass and forced a Chargers punt. He came down out of bounds on a TD pass in the end zone because he didn't know where the sideline was.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Drayton</span> Florence intercepted a pass but a holding penalty against <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Mike Goff</span> and a subsequent sack forced a Chargers punt. <strong>Shane Olivia</strong> had a personal foul penalty.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Philip Rivers</span> threw an interception to Pats <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Rosevelt</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Colvin and lost a fumble.</span><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Quentin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Jammer</span></span> was beaten bad when on 3rd and 10 Brady threw a 49-yard pass to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Reche</span> Caldwell.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Nate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Kaeding</span></span> had made 24 straight Field Goals since missing wide right in the Playoffs against the Jets two years ago. Yesterday he was wide right on the final play for the Chargers from 54 yards.<br /><br />Patriots <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Reche</span> Caldwell</span> (remember I said 'remember this name?') (ex-Charger) caught 4 yard pass in back of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">end zone</span> with 4:36 left in game that led to 2 point conversion. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">McCree</span> interception that he subsequently fumbled was recovered by <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Reche</span> Caldwell</span>. It was <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Caldwell</span> who burned <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Jammer</span> for a 49-yard catch to the Chargers 17-yard line. <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Caldwell</span> had seven receptions for 80 yards. Given ample opportunity, he expressed no sense of vengeance or bitterness toward the Chargers, who didn't value him enough to bring him back after four seasons in San Diego. Now add Rodney Harrison maybe getting his second Super Bowl ring with NE; and "Heaven forbid", Junior <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Seau</span> maybe getting a ring with NE. Drew Brees is great and still playing with a good shot at the Big Show. And don't forget that Donnie Edwards is going to be cast off. Odds say Marty is going to be fired and probably Cam Cameron will be allowed to take another job somewhere. So who are the final two <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">individuals</span> who place themselves above the team? How about <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Dean <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Spanos</span></span> and most of all, <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">A.J. (The Genius) Smith</span>?!?!<br /><br />Enough blame to go around? I would say so.<br /><br />I have had to endure over 100 ranting, taunting, vilifying emails from Raider fans so far. I love it because then I know for sure I am driving them nuts and it doesn't bother me a lick because they are 2-14 and remain the scum of the earth "fans." I know the Chargers will continue to kick the Raiders ass year after year, and that is a <em>good</em> feeling.<br /><br />And you know what? This Blog post <strong><em>has</em></strong> been cathartic. I feel a little better since I got some of it out. I'll take a few more days to move through the grieving process and over time I will be able to "let it go" and get ready for <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">NEXT YEAR</span>.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Next year</span> will be our year. <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Next year</span> we will go undefeated. <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Next year</span> we will win the Super Bowl. <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Next year</span> I will continue to promote my Chargers and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">pull the chain on</span> the Raider fans and watch them bounce off the wall. <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Next year</span> will be the best year in my 45 years of being a Chargers fan . . . . <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-STYLE: italic">unless</span> the football God's decide to be cruel <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">AGAIN</span>.<br /><br />"Football is a rough game and often a cruel one. Every time you lose, you die a little bit. You die inside; a portion of you. Not all of your organs, maybe just your liver. Pain is inevitable." If my team can endure it, I can endure it.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">GO CHARGERS.</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Latest voice from the SuperChargerTom Blog</div>Charger Tom dot Comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17640278993302389993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23122713.post-1159747590667544902006-10-01T16:43:00.000-07:002006-10-01T17:06:30.703-07:00Marty Ball rubs off on CamWatching today's (Sunday, Oct. 1st), loss to the Ravens was like watching four games from last year -- ahead in the Fourth Quarter and coming up with a loss.<br /><br />I can't even count the times since Marty has been in San Diego that I have been screaming at my beloved Chargers for "sitting on a lead." Its wide open offense to get the lead but no matter how slim the lead, if its a lead, Marty shifts in to the mode of "just don't lose."<br /><br />For some stupid reason, I thought this year would be different. It seemed Marty has truly turned the play calling over to Cam Cameron and Cam had shown some flashes of wanting to use all of the weapons at the Chargers disposal and open up the attack.<br /><br />BUT ...... Either Marty is still approving or disapproving of the plays, or Cam has spent so much time listening to Marty's old school mantras that it has rubbed off on him.<br /><br />To paraphrase the <em>great</em> Keshawn Johnson, "Just throw the damn ball."<br /><br />People can say what they want about the players having to make the plays, but the Coaches have to call (or at least allow) plays to be called that allow you to be the attacking Offense. Ahead by 4 points is no time to shut down what has been working all day.<br /><br />Look at the penalties. Look at the missed assignments. THOSE ARE COACHING PROBLEMS!!!<br /><br />Marty continues to live off of his "winningest active coach" stats and takes a team that has the potential to be really, really good and makes them mediocre. The San Diego Chargers will never be feared by any team in the NFL, nor get any respect from the national media until they become a team that continues to attack on offense and wins the close games. Right now the media treats any San Diego Chargers game reporting as, "oh, by the way ...."<br /><br />I must admit Rivers looks like he could develop into a good QB but everyone who loves him and has anointed him as the next Dan Foutz better understand he is a rookie. As a rookie he is going to make mistakes but COACHING has to teach him not to make the mistakes at critical times.<br /><br />"Throw the damn ball. Receivers - catch the damn ball."<div class="blogger-post-footer">Latest voice from the SuperChargerTom Blog</div>Charger Tom dot Comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17640278993302389993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23122713.post-1156800754909612522006-08-28T13:57:00.000-07:002006-09-21T20:46:32.696-07:00Double standards for Rivers?When Drew Brees went down in the final game of the season last year, Philip Rivers came in and turned the ball over TWICE. In last Saturday's pre-season game, he turned the ball over THREE TIMES.<br /><br />Does anyone remember Marty yanking Brees out of games for turning the ball over? Does anyone remember Marty benching Drew for turning the ball over? Does anyone remember Marty in Drew's face after turn-overs? Does anyone remember Marty stating "You can't play for me if you turn the ball over."?<br /><br /><strong>Hell yes you remember it!!!</strong><br /><br />Then why is Philip Rivers being given a pass? Is his ego so fragile that his Daddy, A.J. has told Marty not to yell at him? Since Marty fell in love with Rivers while coaching his College All Star game, is Rivers untouchable?<br /><br />It appears so.<br /><br />There is already the built-in excuse that Philip is a rookie and will make rookie mistakes.<br /><br />What will all of this cost the San Diego Chargers football team? I think it forecasts another season of typical Chargers football organization "settling" for mediocrity yet another year. <em>(Agree or disagree? Vote your position on the ChargerTom.com Poll.)</em><br /><br />I'm not moaning about releasing Drew Brees -- I'm just talking about a double-standard being applied to Philip Rivers and whether it is good for Rivers and/or good for the San Diego Chargers; I think NOT!!!<br /><br />Having retired in the Dallas, Texas area, I am bombarded with Cowboys stories day and night. I find it pretty funny that the local and national media is screaming that Bill Parcells has lost his power and control by letting Scumbag Owens get away with not practicing. And supposedly the owner, Jerry Jones, backs Owens. Now the talk is that Parcells will lose control of his team too.<br /><br />Gee, that sounds just like the same scenario in San Diego!?!? Marty (for whatever reason), is letting Rivers get away with unacceptable "habits" and the Manager (A.J.) is backing his boy, Rivers.<br /><br />This can't be good.<br /><br />I am NOT anti-Rivers but I am also not so in love with him that I refuse to see the truth. He looks like a deer in the headlights to me. Anybody can make a few "great" pass completions, and I mean <em>anybody</em>. From what I have seen in the pre-season, he makes mistakes that he should not be making and his passing accuracy and game management is shaky at best.<br /><br />You know what? I hope I am wrong. I hope I am wrong for the long run, because right now I am not wrong and we are two weeks from the real games.<br /><br />Are we headed for ANOTHER year in the middle to bottom of the pack? A lot of that depends on Philip Rivers. What do you see?<div class="blogger-post-footer">Latest voice from the SuperChargerTom Blog</div>Charger Tom dot Comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17640278993302389993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23122713.post-1148587148620524012006-05-25T12:25:00.000-07:002006-05-25T12:59:08.633-07:00Summertime BluesA horrendous 9-7 season has ended. The stunner of Drew Brees departure is easing. The Draft is over. Rookie Mini-Camp is over with a Veterans Mini-Camp coming up next month. <br /><br />The City of San Diego decided they are willing to let one of only 32 NFL teams in the Nation leave town; after 45 years!!! Oceanside or Chula Vista/National City think they can compete with Las Vegas, LA, and San Antonio to get the Chargers. The County will try to come up with a proposal.<br /><br />A.J. Smith still carries the title of Genius and Marty remains as stubborn as always. <br /><br />Ryan Leaf's a Coach? And Doug Flutie retired.<br /><br />Living on a Lake in Texas with the temperature hovering around 95 degrees and no real news or excitement coming out of the NFL right now, it's time for a break from the Chargers.<br /><br />I have some of my children and their families coming to visit for awhile. One of our Grandsons will spend a month with us. Additionally we will be off to my High School Reunion and when the Summer begins to wind down (and Texas REALLY gets HOT), we will take a trip to Yellowstone National Park.<br /><br />We will be home and "ready for some football" come September first. Season tickets for TCU football and NFL Sunday Ticket for the Chargers will bring us back to "normal."<br /><br />I appreciate all of the Raider fans reacting to my last Blog about why I hate them. They continue to show their stupidity by thinking I would allow their ignorant rants to be published on the Blog!?!? A couple were actually from civil, intelligent, mature, and courteous Raider fans and their comments are posted.<br /><br />In light of all of the above, I am giving myself permission to only update the ChargerTom.com web site as significant Chargers stories develop.<br /><br />I will continue to monitor for transactions involving Chargers players and ex-Chargers, including Coaches, but unless something really important or really interesting comes up, the site will not be updated until Training Camp in August. This will be the first time in over 14 years of publication that I will be taking a couple of months absence from the web site. SEE EVERYONE IN AUGUST. GO CHARGERS!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Latest voice from the SuperChargerTom Blog</div>Charger Tom dot Comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17640278993302389993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23122713.post-1146596991404902092006-05-02T11:20:00.000-07:002006-06-30T06:26:03.766-07:00Why am I such a Raider Hater?!?!I think one of the most amusing things I have ever done was create the "Official Raider Haters Universe" page on my web site.<br /><br />It drives Raider fans and web site snobs absolutely crazy.<br /><br />Unbelievably the majority of the "web site" snob critics are Chargers fans with their own web sites or who spend their days writing on Chargers forums and their criticism is that the "format and style" is not as "professional and attractive" as their sites. ITS SUPPOSED TO BE CRUDE TO MATCH THE THEME DUMMY!!! <br /><br />It also accomplishes its primary mission of giving a few smiles and chuckles to fellow Raider Haters and stirs up the passion in Chargers fans and fellow Raider Haters world wide.<br /><br />Who could ask for more?!?!<br /><br />In spite of the fact that I state on the web page that Raider Fans should not bother to send me emails with rants about how many Super Bowls they have won IN THE PAST, or what their overall record against the Chargers is -- THEY DO IT ANYWAY. That ought to tell you something about their ability to read and comprehend!<br /><br />They don't seem to realize that their emails simply confirm all of the jokes on the Raider Hater page have them as real life examples. Number one -- they can't SPELL. Number two -- most are Homophobic because accusing me of being gay is a running theme? Number three - they almost always threaten to kick my ass. Number four -- they are so mad that you can tell their rage is going faster than they can type and most of what they say in incoherent, and Number five -- they defend their pathetic football team and organization in spite of the current facts.<br /><br />Yes, it is easy to see that I do, in fact, hate the Raiders. But the REAL truth of the fact is that I hate the Raider FANS. <br /><br />Until my retirement a few years ago, I was a Chargers Season Ticket Holder for many years and attended lots of games before buying my first Season Tickets. As a matter of fact, I watched the Chargers play at Balboa Stadium when I first joined the Navy in 1961. Even though I retired in Texas, I still have the DirecTV Sunday NFL package and fly my Chargers flag in the front yard every game Sunday. And thousand of people know about the ChargerTom.com web site and its devotion to MY Chargers.<br /><br />As far back as I can remember, the Chargers-Raiders games have been just like going inside an out-of-control insane asylum. <br /><br />My experience has been that Raider "fans" are, for the most part, not "fans" of the Raiders in the football sense, but are "fans of the gang mentality" that has been created. Most of their fans didn't grow up watching the Raiders play football and learning to admire their team and wanting to support them. Instead, most grow up watching the local gang bangers, drug dealers, and other intimidating thugs dress up in their Raider gear. So naturally when they began to grow up and these types of people were their role models, the Raider gear and being a "Raider fan" was just part of the overall persona they took on.<br /><br />I have been to Chargers games at home, opposing EVERY team in the NFL over the years. I have been to Chargers games in the stadiums of other NFL teams during away games. I have never seen the fans of any other team have a mission to "take over" the stadium -- except the Raider fans. That's because its not about their team, its about maintaing THEIR image as gangsters.<br /><br />As bad as the reputation of fans in "Philly" is, and as fanatic as the fans of "America's Team" the Dallas Cowboys are, none of them set out to attend a game for the PURPOSE of causing hate, discontent, disruption, and mayhem. The Raider fans do!<br /><br />See how many fights there are in the parking lot and stands during a Raiders game. See how many innocent families are injured by their fighting. Listen to the language used in the stands in front of women and children. Watch them sneak down to sit in expensive seats when they only paid for nose-bleed. Smell the pot and see the booze being consummed in the stands. Watch that they ALWAYS run in packs. And notice that win or lose, the parking lot will contain broken beer bottles, overturned trash cans, and damaged cars -- all compliments of the Raider "fans."<br /><br />I have lived all of this, and much much more, for forty plus years and I KNOW what I am talking about and its getting worse.<br /><br />Now for the punch line ....<br /><br />I do NOT maintain the "Official Raider Haters Universe" web page because I hate the Raiders -- I do it because I think it is funny and I hope to give others a laugh or too also. ITS FUNNY - thats why!!!<br /><br />There are pages and complete web sites devoted to poking fun at the President, the Republicans, Celebrities, gas prices, ugly people, beautiful people, and everything in between. I'm just poking fun at the Chokeland Faiders and their band of thug fans.<br /><br />Lighten up people -- its HUMOR!!!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Latest voice from the SuperChargerTom Blog</div>Charger Tom dot Comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17640278993302389993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23122713.post-1142890192055572172006-03-20T12:55:00.000-08:002006-05-16T08:29:30.933-07:00Brees is gone and ....I haven't written in the Blog for awhile because the Drew Brees debacle had me full of mixed emotions and feeling like it was Groundhog Day all over again with the Chargers.<br /><br />Drew is gone now and Philip Rivers is the annointed Quarterback of the San Diego Chargers. It will take awhile to let the feelings of disappointment subside and then I am sure I will suck it up and pull for my beloved Chargers once again.<br /><br />You know, that is the problem. I love the Chargers but what that really means is that I love the "team" -- the "players." It surely doesn't mean I have any love or respect for the Chargers organization or the "administration."<br /><br />After the recent CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) shake-down, it became so apparent that the owners and their administrative staffs really do NOT care about the fans in the seats. The way the NFL is set up as a business, common fans, like you and me, mean nothing to them. The luxury boxes, "Gold Clubs", and corporate sponsorships, plus stadium naming rights, TV revenue, and revenue sharing ensures the owners will make tons of money. If the team goes 0-16 and not one person buys a "regular" ticket to go to the game, they will still make millions of dollars.<br /><br />When a team owner says they are "losing money," its simply that they are not making as much as some of the other owners. No owner "loses" money.<br /><br />Since I now live in the Dallas, Texas area, I am enundated with Cowboys news. The Cowboys are THE sports news on a daily basis; there is no "off-season" here. Jerry Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, is a snake oil salesman. He makes money marketing EVERYTHING he can think of to sell to someone. He recently said the Cowboys wanted a new 650 million stadium and he had cities all over North Texas competing with one another to build one for him. <br /><br />The city of Arlington won out and will pay half of the price of the new stadium. Jerry won't pay the other half -- his "sponsors" will. He will just sell more "official Cowboys whatever" licenses to corporations and their additional revenue will pay his half.<br /><br />Sorry -- I did get off track. My point is that Drew Brees leaving San Diego and Philip Rivers being the new Quarterback is NOT about who is the best. Its not about "damaged goods." Its not about "what's best for the team." Its sure as hell not about what the fans want!!!<br /><br />Its about an owner who doesn't have a clue about how to manage a football team and yet another General Manager who wants to flex his power and doesn't care what anyone thinks about his moves, including his Head Coach.<br /><br />Spanos has been there before. Remember Bobby Bethard and remember Bobby Ross and remember going to Super Bowl for the first time and then blowing up the team and then blowing out the coach and then drafting Ryan Leaf, and then ....... REMEMBER???<br /><br />My 45 years as a San Diego Chargers fan has taught me one thing for sure. Don't get too attached to ANY player, and don't get your hopes too high on the team's chances at success. <br /><br />I will pull for Philip Rivers to be our savior and lead us to the promised land as I always have. I will put faith in A.J. Smith's personnel calls and I will blindly believe in Schottenheimer's stubborness and "Marty ball." I will continue to promote the Chargers on my web site every day. I will continue to purchase Chargers memorabilia and sport my Chargers gear every where I go. I will continue to bleed Blue and Gold.<br /><br />Drew Brees will get his team to the Super Bowl before the Chargers even sniff it.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Latest voice from the SuperChargerTom Blog</div>Charger Tom dot Comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17640278993302389993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23122713.post-1141093455440172912006-02-27T18:08:00.000-08:002006-02-28T08:52:50.843-08:00Drew Brees or not Drew Brees, that is the question?It was supposed to be a great off-season. The Chargers would resign all of their free agents, pick up a couple of great additions from Free Agency, and draft an O Line right tackle starter and we would continue our improvement on the road to the Super Bowl.<br /><br />Ooooops. Marty played Drew Brees in the last meaningless game of the season and with our current Offensive Line playing like a sieve, he got hurt and required surgery.<br /><br />As he went in for surgery, A.J. said the Chargers wanted him through a long term contract -- Brees said he wanted a long term contract .... then ....<br /><br />Now A.J. says Brees can go on the free market because the Chargers consider him damaged goods. They will move on with "his boy" Philip Rivers.<br /><br />The truth is, I don't know if Drew Brees is a good/great NFL Quarterback? I don't know if he is average and should move on? I don't know if he could lead the team to a Super Bowl?<br /><br />But what I DO know is that I am sick and tired of the San Diego Chargers being a mamby-pamby organization dedicated to constantly "starting over," particularly at Quarterback.<br /><br />It was a long and painful haul between Dan Fouts and Stan Humphries. Stan's run was cut short by the "mamby-pamby" organization too. No Offensive Line players for two years got Stan a ton of concussions and forced him to retire.<br /><br />I was at Stan's retirement "ceremony" at the Murf. HE gave the farewell speech; no Chargers management person said a word. He and his family were driven off the field in a car and a few minutes later, he and his family came walking back out of the tunnel and across the field to return to their seats. The car had just taken them outside the tunnel and dumped them off. How classless of the Chargers organization.<br /><br />Sorry I got off track but I have seen so much ....<br /><br />As for Drew Brees I am very angry at the entire situation that the Chargers have heaped upon yet another Chargers Quarterback. Yea, its business but the Chargers run a lousy business.<br /><br />I gotta' cool off before I can write some more. What do you think about the Brees fiasco?<div class="blogger-post-footer">Latest voice from the SuperChargerTom Blog</div>Charger Tom dot Comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17640278993302389993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23122713.post-1141072105310293742006-02-27T12:18:00.000-08:002006-05-08T20:28:52.940-07:00Welcome to the SuperChargerTom BlogOk here is the latest addition to the ChargerTom.com web site. This is where I can ramble on about my Chargers and you can voice your feelings and opinions too. <br /><br />I have been a fan of the San Diego Chargers since 1961. I am not a fan of the current ownership, the administration, or even the coach. Couple that with my contempt for the San Diego City Council and City Attorney Mike Aguire and you have the recipe for venom soup!<br /><br />Here I will vent my frustrations, voice my opinions on team situations, and beg for success for the team as a whole. Most of all this is a place for YOU to have a voice for your emotions too. We may often disagree but we will agree to disagree because we both mean well for the Chargers.<br /><br />This is not a "message board" and is not a pure "topic driven forum" either. It is simply to be a place where you can put in writing what you are feeling about anything to do with our San Diego Chargers and have it publised for the world to see.<br /><br />This Blog will only serve our purpose if you help direct traffic here through word-of-mouth, through your posting on other message boards and forums, and by posting a link on your own web site. <br /><br />Chargers fans need the world to hear them -- this is the place to do it.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Latest voice from the SuperChargerTom Blog</div>Charger Tom dot Comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17640278993302389993noreply@blogger.com1