Although the Chargers have agreed, as first reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune, in principle to join the Rams in L.A. and share a stadium in Inglewood, it appears their future still could remain in San Diego.
Chargers chairman Dean Spanos appears to have agreed to a possible partnership with the Los Angeles Rams as leverage toward working things out with the city of San Diego over a new stadium. In a statement released Friday afternoon, Spanos said the team will remain in San Diego for the upcoming season — and for far longer, he hopes.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell praised the developments in a statement. It reads:
"We are very supportive of the decision by Dean Spanos to continue his efforts in San Diego and work with local leaders to develop a permanent stadium solution. NFL ownership has committed $300 million to assist in the cost of building a new stadium in San Diego. I have pledged the league’s full support in helping Dean to fulfill his goal."
So far, Spanos' announcement appears to have gone over well outside the league offices, too.
 | @sdutGehlken | |
Dean Spanos notified team employees today Chargers remaining in San Diego at least one more season. Room, per source, "erupted" in applause.
| ||
The Rams left St. Louis for Los Angeles, which they previously had left after the 1994 season. Rams owner Stan Kroenke was given first rights to his franchise relocating, and the Chargers — ahead of the Oakland Raiders — were given first rights to join the Rams there.
The Chargers have until January 15, 2017, to invoke their privilege to move to Los Angeles, although agreeing to a stadium deal locally could allow that timetable to stretch into 2018, allowing for bureaucratic hang-ups and such.
Is this latest announcement the latest domino toward a second team joining the Rams in Inglewood? Or a stronger bargaining chip for the Chargers to use in their negotiations to stay in town and get a new stadium?
It’s your move, San Diego, if you want to keep this team.
No comments:
Post a Comment