The big controversy over the Chargers moving to Los Angeles would appear to be over. National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell said on TV last night (Thursday, Feb. 2) that the league "doesn't want to move any of our teams."
If L.A. actually builds a stadium (two are under consideration, but only one would likely emerge), the NFL might actually add two teams through expansion, he said. That would bring the total of teams to 34, because 33 would be clumsy for scheduling. He said the league wants to return to L.A., "if we can do it correctly," but he has said the league is not now considering expansion.
For years, the Chargers have been going down two tracks: the team preferred L.A., but continued to seek out opportunities (massive taxpayer subsidies) in San Diego, knowing that a move might be blocked by team owners.
Goodell's statement probably is rooted in the league's fear of antitrust lawsuits, says San Diego attorney Mike Aguirre. With new redevelopment money probably dead, the league against team relocation, and San Diego ailing financially, the Chargers should be staying at Qualcomm Stadium, where the ownership is making a bundle of money.
The big controversy over the Chargers moving to Los Angeles would appear to be over. National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell said on TV last night (Thursday, Feb. 2) that the league "doesn't want to move any of our teams."
If L.A. actually builds a stadium (two are under consideration, but only one would likely emerge), the NFL might actually add two teams through expansion, he said. That would bring the total of teams to 34, because 33 would be clumsy for scheduling. He said the league wants to return to L.A., "if we can do it correctly," but he has said the league is not now considering expansion.
For years, the Chargers have been going down two tracks: the team preferred L.A., but continued to seek out opportunities (massive taxpayer subsidies) in San Diego, knowing that a move might be blocked by team owners.
Goodell's statement probably is rooted in the league's fear of antitrust lawsuits, says San Diego attorney Mike Aguirre. With new redevelopment money probably dead, the league against team relocation, and San Diego ailing financially, the Chargers should be staying at Qualcomm Stadium, where the ownership is making a bundle of money.