LaDainian Tomlinson via Blog: 'I Have NO Intentions of Leaving San Diego'

The LaDainian Tomlinson San Diego Carnival Train has been derailed in recent weeks, if only because there's bound to be significant inactivity in the trade/media rumor front with the Super Bowl and those delinquent Arizona Cardinals fans taking center stage. But LdT, via the ever popular "blog" medium, wants to clear up "some misconceptions."

I have been getting a lot of messages on my site regarding me leaving San Diego. I feel that I need to make it very clear that I have NO intentions of leaving San Diego. San Diego is where my career started and where I'd like it to end. I have nothing but love and the upmost respect for this team, the players, and the Spanos Family. Me being traded is completely out of my hands. I have ABSOLUTELY no control in that decision making. All I can do is wait and see how it all plays out. As for now, I am a Charger and will be until I am told otherwise...

Seems fair enough, but nothing particularly shocking here; Tomlinson is, in fact, in San Diego until the team decides how to handle the future of his career as a Charger. But as the North County Times points out, LdT's homespun sentiments really might not matter much in the end.

What Smith might do: He's not the sentimental type. Tomlinson's past production and status as fan favorite will have little bearing on his future with the team. Smith likely will ask Tomlinson to take a pay cut, and might go in a different direction should negotiations go south. He'll offer Sproles a deal that's reasonable for a player with 20 all-purpose touches per game, but nothing more. If both end up elsewhere, Smith might draft a rusher early (Ohio State's Chris "Beanie" Wells at No. 16?) in hopes of replacing ground production.

That's nice in theory and everything, but it also assumes that Smith falls in love with either Wells, Knoshown Moreno, or LeSean McCoy as a future feature back ... and that one of them is available. Of course, in a QB-thin class, it's also possible that Smith could jump a few spots relatively easily and snag one of them, but again, he's got to believe that he can create a franchise back out of this draft.

This is because -- and thankfully, it's finally become apparent to almost everyone -- Darren Sproles is not a feature back. He's gifted, he's fast and he's awesome to watch, but he is not going to tote the rock 30 times a game or be able to wear down tough rushing defenses. Besides, forcing him into that role would take away from his gamebreaking ability elsewhere on the field.

And you know what? If I'm Smith, I'm standing pat. This Chargers team needs help from a defensive standpoint and whether or not you think Tomlinson is washed up, there literally couldn't be a worse time to trade him. His value is at an all-time low, he's cheesed off and motivated, and I think there's a pretty good chance he comes back full steam next year.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-21-2009 @ 5:13PM

benchsplinters said...

Can you say masssive pay cut? I mean biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig pay cut to stay...

1-22-2009 @ 2:19AM

cantstopdrinkin said...

Hmm i got a feeling fans in places like San Diego and Philly are gonna regret wanting to get rid of eally good players like LT and McNabb just because they get injured and have off years, are gonna really eat their words when these etremely loyal players get shoved out to another franchise and stay healthy for a season and have good years while their replacements only set back their old franchises. And heres something intersting... what if some downtrodden franchise gets BOTH of these players through trades (young talent and draft picks, or just draft picks)? Not sayin it has to be , but what if the Lions do it? McNabb, Lt, and Calvin Johnson.... wouldnt be a bad start to not going 0-16 wouldnt it....??

1-22-2009 @ 2:24AM

.. Or Kansas City. Wow Larry Johnson and LT punishing run defenses.Or they could then use Johnson as a trade chip for more talent (or to get either McNabb or LT in the first place). And remember how McNabbs stats blew up the year he had To? Well Calvin Johnson is like a 23 year old TO thats 2 inches taller, 20 pounds heavier yet still has fast if not faster, more athletic, and the most important thing - MUCH better hands and hops. More hands then hop.

1-23-2009 @ 9:21AM

ChargersAllTheWay said...

i think that would be a big let down to all the chargers fans. Because when the chargers loose we dont leave them we stick with them, And no hearing that they might leave just upsets me. I agree with benchsplinters. If i was LT or RIVERS i would give some money back to the chargers to help them pay. I wouldnt care about the money i would stick to the team that has belived in me the whole time. WIN OR LOOSE. Well any way i hope the chargers stay in san diego