LaDainian Tomlinson's Disappointing End as a Charger

LaDainian Tomlinson, in what many Charger fans will peg as a disappointing ending to his career, disrespected the fans of San Diego.

Tomlinson has reportedly said that he has no interest in furthering his career as a Charger.

Fans and the media crowned him with a nickname (LT), something that is only given to the best and most beloved players.

Tomlinson was the face of the Chargers and their franchise his whole career.

For one of the most beloved Charger players in history to call it quits before the season is over tells me that he was thinking about quitting before the Jets game.

When asked if he wanted to come back as a Charger, he replied with: “I don’t know right now.”

Instead of LT saying something like “I want to be back next year as a Charger and finish my career here" (the media-politically-correct way), he went straight to what has been on his mind for a while.

Tomlinson controlled his own destiny with the Chargers.

If he would have had a successful 2009—finishing the season strong and taking the Chargers to at least the Super Bowl—and a productive following year, there is no reason why he couldn’t finish his career as a Charger.

Fans put Tomlinson on a pedestal like no other San Diego player, and the organization knew that he was a good guy to have in the clubhouse.

However, he had the worst year of his career and decided not to show up in the playoffs, once again.

There is no reason why LT should have had a down year.

The offense was flinging the ball 50 yards deep and he was healthy the majority of the season.

However, as one who is excited about the opportunity for a top draft pick or trade, I am a bit upset that LT (looking at my “Salute The MVP” towel above my comp), the one that we have all loved at one point or another, gave up so early.

When a decision of this magnitude comes up before the football season has even ended, there is no doubt that LT was thinking about it before the season had ended for the Chargers.

I always think it is a bit selfish to come up with news of this magnitude during Super Bowl week.

Players only do this because they want some of the shine from the Super Bowl. There is no reason he couldn’t have waited till Monday.

This is the same reason he no longer desires to be a Charger—because Phillip Rivers stole some of his shine as the No. 1 guy.

This explicitly explains the all-of-a-sudden LT slide.

Where does No. 21 go next?

A crazy prediction, but don't be surprised if LT goes somewhere to get revenge on the Chargers—maybe the hated Pats, who like veteran players and can fork over goodies(players/draft picks).