Chargers handling Tomlinson like journeyman, not Hall of Famer
"Two things I always knew about my league, the NFL: You don't ask for favors, you don't hang around. A man might love the game, but the game loves no one. The game will use what he has, [then] discard him. The sh-- isn't personal."
--Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown, in his autobiography, Out of Bounds.
LaDainian Tomlinson was a rookie with the Chargers in 2001 when he read Brown's book. Asked later what resonated with him most, the former TCU star spoke about the aforementioned passage. Then he wrapped up his feelings by saying, in so many words: Pro football is a business; loyalty is a fantasy.
The significance of that belief has never carried more weight with Tomlinson than it does today. After eight mostly glorious seasons with the Chargers, during which he helped the organization go from 1-15 to a Super Bowl contender, the running back is rumored to be on the trading block.
The talk has hung in the air for weeks and, to date, no one from the front office has told him it's unfounded. The silence is deafening to Tomlinson -- particularly when you consider how swiftly general manager A.J. Smith and club president Dean Spanos moved to squash speculation that coach Norv Turner was on the hot seat during the team's 4-8 start.
Tomlinson, whose past two seasons were cut short by injury, knows the game is a business. But at the same time he is human and admits to being hurt by not only the lack of communication, but also the mere suggestion he should not be a part of the Chargers' future plans.
"I've tried to be the best professional, best player, best person in the community that this organization has ever seen, that's what I've always tried to do and will continue to do because that's who I am," Tomlinson said. "But to be treated like this, to me it just reaffirms my faith in God, to be honest with you. To let nothing bother me because of my faith in God and how far he has brought me. Because this is what man will do to you: Man will build you up and make you think that you're the greatest and that you're going to be here forever, and then man does this. Man crucifies you. ...
"I think it's ridiculous to be talking about trade and me not being here, that's just my personal opinion. I know every team has a right to make trades and all this stuff, but I just think it's ridiculous to be talking about this, to have this stuff in the media when this could be handled behind closed doors and in a professional way. Now I have people calling me, talking about this all the time; this has become a big story and I don't want this."
This seems a strange way to treat a player who has been the face of the franchise since shortly after arriving in San Diego. When the team extended Tomlinson's contract in 2004, making him the highest-paid running back in the league, Spanos spoke about Tomlinson being everything you could want in a player and person. He referred to him as a role model. He has had Tomlinson and his wife, LaTorsha, over to his house for dinner on multiple occasions and has allowed them to fly with him on his private jet to league events, including a press conference to accept the NFL's Man of the Year award following the 2006 season. So, it does seem peculiar Spanos would be so silent at this point.
Smith, the general manager who has a reputation for being all-business, declined to discuss Tomlinson's situation this week because, as he has said on so many occasions, he does not discuss his team's football business. He said he plans to follow his customary routine, which is for everyone to get away after the season for a couple of weeks, then come back for player evaluation meetings with clear minds.
Those meetings will kick off on Jan. 27. However, unlike in previous years, when Tomlinson's name was never discussed because of his greatness and a contract that runs through 2011, Smith said L.T. will be discussed "heavily" this year. That's in part because Tomlinson will be 30, is coming off two injury-shortened seasons, has an $8.8 million cap figure next season, and once said he didn't expect to play in the final year of his contract (although he also has said he does plan to play through the end of his deal).
"L.T. will be discussed in great length on a number of issues by this organization based on [the three years he has remaining on his contract]," Smith said. "Now that may be shocking to you or it may be shocking to L.T. or anyone else out there, and if it is I don't know what to tell you; but as the general manager of the football team, the recommendations I'm going to make to Dean Spanos, like I've done all these years, I think it's valid to discuss a football player like L.T. and [what has happened] the last couple of years, looking ahead to a contract that has three years remaining on it.
"All of that may be stunning to people, but as the GM here -- where I told you I would pass his name a few years ago -- it will be discussed heavily. I think it's valid; I don't think it's ridiculous. I think it's important at this point in time, as unreasonable as that may sound to many people or to you, I think it's a sound football decision."
There is an adage that it's not what you do, but how you do it. Tomlinson, in my opinion, earned the right long ago to have these discussions behind closed doors. He should not have to learn from reporters that the team will consider or attempt to trade him. That news should come directly from Spanos or Smith, even if they ultimately decide to do nothing.
This is not some journeyman we're talking about. This is a Hall of Fame back, an icon, a role model. He has conducted himself with class since he arrived and been a beacon for the organization. Smith says the team has made no decisions on any player under contract because, as is his custom, he waits until after the year-end evaluation meetings to get input from coaches and scouts.
I'm a firm believer that the Chargers -- and every other team -- has the right to trade any player, including Tomlinson (even though I believe it would be a mistake). But there is a right way and wrong way to go about it. So far, the Chargers have chosen the wrong way.
Some of it could be a byproduct of the team's dislike for Tomlinson's agent, Tom Condon. There has been bad blood between the sides over how situations involving Drew Brees, Donnie Edwards and Eli Manning were handled. Management does not like Condon, and, for all we know, Condon doesn't like the San Diego brass.
The flames of discontent were fanned again during the playoffs when the severity of Tomlinson's groin injury leaked out the morning of the postseason opener against the Colts. The Chargers believe the information came from Tomlinson's camp, from Condon or someone on his staff. The organization was further inflamed when Tomlinson acknowledged the injury the next week, during preparations for the divisional-round game against Pittsburgh.
"People talk about getting their feelings hurt," Smith said. "Well, a lot of people get their feelings hurt all the time. This is a hard, cold business. I get my feelings hurt, too, when I see a report about an extensive evaluation of his injury come across the bottom of the screen from [ESPN's] Chris Mortensen. I get my feelings hurt there, too, and then double that when there is verification from L.T. right after that. So we all get our feelings hurt, and then you take a step back."
If the Chargers are looking to trade Tomlinson, there definitely will be a market, according to several general mangers who spoke on the condition of anonymity. But the Chargers aren't going to get what they could have a couple of years ago, when he was the best player in the game and shattered numerous rushing and scoring records.
Each of the executives said they doubted any team would surrender a first-day draft choice because Tomlinson will be 30 next year and has shown signs of wear and tear. He missed part of the playoffs last season with a sprained knee and was sidelined for all but the first half of the Colts wild-card game this year because of a partially detached groin.
"You could see from those final two games that he played in when he was healthy that he still has juice," said one GM. "But running backs who have had as many touches as him tend to drop off quickly after 30, and he's had problems with injuries."
The Chargers have the right to trade Tomlinson and surely will do what's best for their organization. But it would be nice to see them just once part ways with a Hall of Fame-caliber player on a good note. It didn't happen with tight end Kellen Winslow or safety Rodney Harrison or linebacker Junior Seau. Hopefully that trend ends with Tomlinson, although the way things have been handled to date raises serious doubt.
One thing I know: As much as Smith is viewed as a hard-ass, he has great respect for the legends of the game, particularly one as talented and as conscientious as Tomlinson. But he also can be emotional and sometimes allows that to affect his judgment. Deep down, I feel he ultimately will do the right thing with Tomlinson and at least reach out to him and tell him nothing has been decided either way.
Tomlinson, who is meeting today with a specialist to get a second opinion on his groin, says he plans on working as hard as ever in the offseason to have a great year in 2009. He says doctors have told him he doesn't need surgery at this point, a revelation that brings a smile to his face. But almost as quickly as he flashes it, it vanishes at the thought of the trade speculation.
Tomlinson said coach Norv Turner has told him the talk about him being traded is "ridiculous," and Spanos, during a postseason practice, talked to Tomlinson as if Tomlinson would return, although he did not mention the rampant speculation. Still, no one of authority has come out and squashed the talk in public.
"I'm going to continue to do the things to get me prepared and ready to play next year," Tomlinson said. "In today's game, you have no control over your future when you're under contract with somebody. They can release, they can trade you, they can do whatever they want with you, because you're under contract. I'm going to get myself healthy and prepared to play football at the highest level. That's all I'm going to say about it.
"I want to be here. I want to be here because I feel like this team is on the verge of being a championship team. Way back when we were struggling and my contract was coming up, I made a vow to myself that I wasn't going to run out at that time. I could have chosen to let it play out and try to get out of here. But I wanted to be a part of turning it around. Now I'm at the point where it has turned around. Things aren't absolutely perfect, but I think this is a chance that I'm going to have to win a championship before I retire. I started here and I want to finish here. But it's not up to me anymore. That's the disappointing thing."
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jim_trotter/01/14/tomlinson/index.html?eref=T1
"Two things I always knew about my league, the NFL: You don't ask for favors, you don't hang around. A man might love the game, but the game loves no one. The game will use what he has, [then] discard him. The sh-- isn't personal."
--Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown, in his autobiography, Out of Bounds.
LaDainian Tomlinson was a rookie with the Chargers in 2001 when he read Brown's book. Asked later what resonated with him most, the former TCU star spoke about the aforementioned passage. Then he wrapped up his feelings by saying, in so many words: Pro football is a business; loyalty is a fantasy.
The significance of that belief has never carried more weight with Tomlinson than it does today. After eight mostly glorious seasons with the Chargers, during which he helped the organization go from 1-15 to a Super Bowl contender, the running back is rumored to be on the trading block.
The talk has hung in the air for weeks and, to date, no one from the front office has told him it's unfounded. The silence is deafening to Tomlinson -- particularly when you consider how swiftly general manager A.J. Smith and club president Dean Spanos moved to squash speculation that coach Norv Turner was on the hot seat during the team's 4-8 start.
Tomlinson, whose past two seasons were cut short by injury, knows the game is a business. But at the same time he is human and admits to being hurt by not only the lack of communication, but also the mere suggestion he should not be a part of the Chargers' future plans.
"I've tried to be the best professional, best player, best person in the community that this organization has ever seen, that's what I've always tried to do and will continue to do because that's who I am," Tomlinson said. "But to be treated like this, to me it just reaffirms my faith in God, to be honest with you. To let nothing bother me because of my faith in God and how far he has brought me. Because this is what man will do to you: Man will build you up and make you think that you're the greatest and that you're going to be here forever, and then man does this. Man crucifies you. ...
"I think it's ridiculous to be talking about trade and me not being here, that's just my personal opinion. I know every team has a right to make trades and all this stuff, but I just think it's ridiculous to be talking about this, to have this stuff in the media when this could be handled behind closed doors and in a professional way. Now I have people calling me, talking about this all the time; this has become a big story and I don't want this."
This seems a strange way to treat a player who has been the face of the franchise since shortly after arriving in San Diego. When the team extended Tomlinson's contract in 2004, making him the highest-paid running back in the league, Spanos spoke about Tomlinson being everything you could want in a player and person. He referred to him as a role model. He has had Tomlinson and his wife, LaTorsha, over to his house for dinner on multiple occasions and has allowed them to fly with him on his private jet to league events, including a press conference to accept the NFL's Man of the Year award following the 2006 season. So, it does seem peculiar Spanos would be so silent at this point.
Smith, the general manager who has a reputation for being all-business, declined to discuss Tomlinson's situation this week because, as he has said on so many occasions, he does not discuss his team's football business. He said he plans to follow his customary routine, which is for everyone to get away after the season for a couple of weeks, then come back for player evaluation meetings with clear minds.
Those meetings will kick off on Jan. 27. However, unlike in previous years, when Tomlinson's name was never discussed because of his greatness and a contract that runs through 2011, Smith said L.T. will be discussed "heavily" this year. That's in part because Tomlinson will be 30, is coming off two injury-shortened seasons, has an $8.8 million cap figure next season, and once said he didn't expect to play in the final year of his contract (although he also has said he does plan to play through the end of his deal).
"L.T. will be discussed in great length on a number of issues by this organization based on [the three years he has remaining on his contract]," Smith said. "Now that may be shocking to you or it may be shocking to L.T. or anyone else out there, and if it is I don't know what to tell you; but as the general manager of the football team, the recommendations I'm going to make to Dean Spanos, like I've done all these years, I think it's valid to discuss a football player like L.T. and [what has happened] the last couple of years, looking ahead to a contract that has three years remaining on it.
"All of that may be stunning to people, but as the GM here -- where I told you I would pass his name a few years ago -- it will be discussed heavily. I think it's valid; I don't think it's ridiculous. I think it's important at this point in time, as unreasonable as that may sound to many people or to you, I think it's a sound football decision."
There is an adage that it's not what you do, but how you do it. Tomlinson, in my opinion, earned the right long ago to have these discussions behind closed doors. He should not have to learn from reporters that the team will consider or attempt to trade him. That news should come directly from Spanos or Smith, even if they ultimately decide to do nothing.
This is not some journeyman we're talking about. This is a Hall of Fame back, an icon, a role model. He has conducted himself with class since he arrived and been a beacon for the organization. Smith says the team has made no decisions on any player under contract because, as is his custom, he waits until after the year-end evaluation meetings to get input from coaches and scouts.
I'm a firm believer that the Chargers -- and every other team -- has the right to trade any player, including Tomlinson (even though I believe it would be a mistake). But there is a right way and wrong way to go about it. So far, the Chargers have chosen the wrong way.
Some of it could be a byproduct of the team's dislike for Tomlinson's agent, Tom Condon. There has been bad blood between the sides over how situations involving Drew Brees, Donnie Edwards and Eli Manning were handled. Management does not like Condon, and, for all we know, Condon doesn't like the San Diego brass.
The flames of discontent were fanned again during the playoffs when the severity of Tomlinson's groin injury leaked out the morning of the postseason opener against the Colts. The Chargers believe the information came from Tomlinson's camp, from Condon or someone on his staff. The organization was further inflamed when Tomlinson acknowledged the injury the next week, during preparations for the divisional-round game against Pittsburgh.
"People talk about getting their feelings hurt," Smith said. "Well, a lot of people get their feelings hurt all the time. This is a hard, cold business. I get my feelings hurt, too, when I see a report about an extensive evaluation of his injury come across the bottom of the screen from [ESPN's] Chris Mortensen. I get my feelings hurt there, too, and then double that when there is verification from L.T. right after that. So we all get our feelings hurt, and then you take a step back."
If the Chargers are looking to trade Tomlinson, there definitely will be a market, according to several general mangers who spoke on the condition of anonymity. But the Chargers aren't going to get what they could have a couple of years ago, when he was the best player in the game and shattered numerous rushing and scoring records.
Each of the executives said they doubted any team would surrender a first-day draft choice because Tomlinson will be 30 next year and has shown signs of wear and tear. He missed part of the playoffs last season with a sprained knee and was sidelined for all but the first half of the Colts wild-card game this year because of a partially detached groin.
"You could see from those final two games that he played in when he was healthy that he still has juice," said one GM. "But running backs who have had as many touches as him tend to drop off quickly after 30, and he's had problems with injuries."
The Chargers have the right to trade Tomlinson and surely will do what's best for their organization. But it would be nice to see them just once part ways with a Hall of Fame-caliber player on a good note. It didn't happen with tight end Kellen Winslow or safety Rodney Harrison or linebacker Junior Seau. Hopefully that trend ends with Tomlinson, although the way things have been handled to date raises serious doubt.
One thing I know: As much as Smith is viewed as a hard-ass, he has great respect for the legends of the game, particularly one as talented and as conscientious as Tomlinson. But he also can be emotional and sometimes allows that to affect his judgment. Deep down, I feel he ultimately will do the right thing with Tomlinson and at least reach out to him and tell him nothing has been decided either way.
Tomlinson, who is meeting today with a specialist to get a second opinion on his groin, says he plans on working as hard as ever in the offseason to have a great year in 2009. He says doctors have told him he doesn't need surgery at this point, a revelation that brings a smile to his face. But almost as quickly as he flashes it, it vanishes at the thought of the trade speculation.
Tomlinson said coach Norv Turner has told him the talk about him being traded is "ridiculous," and Spanos, during a postseason practice, talked to Tomlinson as if Tomlinson would return, although he did not mention the rampant speculation. Still, no one of authority has come out and squashed the talk in public.
"I'm going to continue to do the things to get me prepared and ready to play next year," Tomlinson said. "In today's game, you have no control over your future when you're under contract with somebody. They can release, they can trade you, they can do whatever they want with you, because you're under contract. I'm going to get myself healthy and prepared to play football at the highest level. That's all I'm going to say about it.
"I want to be here. I want to be here because I feel like this team is on the verge of being a championship team. Way back when we were struggling and my contract was coming up, I made a vow to myself that I wasn't going to run out at that time. I could have chosen to let it play out and try to get out of here. But I wanted to be a part of turning it around. Now I'm at the point where it has turned around. Things aren't absolutely perfect, but I think this is a chance that I'm going to have to win a championship before I retire. I started here and I want to finish here. But it's not up to me anymore. That's the disappointing thing."
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jim_trotter/01/14/tomlinson/index.html?eref=T1
