Chargers Bolt To LA
By Ryan Wilson (CBS Sports) – The Chargers, who began their NFL existence in Los Angeles 57 years ago before moving to San Diego after their inaugural season, are headed back up Interstate 5 to join the Rams in the City of Angels.
The worst-kept secret was made official Thursday morning. At 11:04 a.m. ET, the Chargers tweeted this letter from owner Dean Spanos confirming the move:
“After much deliberation, I have made the decision to relocate the Chargers to Los Angeles, beginning with the 2017 NFL season,” Spanos wrote. “San Diego has been our home for 56 years. It will always be part of our identity, and my family and I have nothing but gratitude and appreciation for the support and passion our fans have shared with us over the years. But today, we turn the page and begin an exciting new era as the Los Angeles Chargers.
“L.A. is a remarkable place, and while we played our first season there in 1960 and have had fans there ever since, our entire organization knows that we have a tremendous amount of work to do. We must earn the respect and support of L.A. football fans. We must get back to winning. And, we must make a meaningful contribution, not just on the field, but off the field as a leader and champion for the community. The Chargers are determined to fight for L.A. and we are excited to get started.”
In the weeks and months leading up to the announcement, CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora has reported that the Chargers felt that they have no choice but to move to Los Angeles due to the tenuous stadium situation in San Diego.
La Canfora has also reported that the NFL would rather have the Chargers in San Diego, even if Spanos thinks he has a better chance of financially succeeding in L.A. On Tuesday, La Canfora reported the league office and several owners have “grave concerns about the potential of having two teams” in L.A.
“At first, I hoped it was fake news. It’s something that is unfathomable, but it is reality,” Hall of Famer and Chargers great Dan Fouts said.
Current players were blindsided by the news too.
“More than anything, I’m shocked,” Chargers defensive tackle Corey Liuget told ESPN’s Josina Anderson. “I didn’t think it was going to happen. I thought we were going to stay in San Diego. … I thought something would’ve got done and worked out.”
