The San Diego Chargers played a home game in a road environment on Sunday, and it’s fair to wonder if that was part of the reason they ultimately lost by a field goal. But don’t worry, it wasn’t the reason they chose to skip individual pregame introductions.
Rather than calling out names over the stadium PA system, the Chargers decided to quietly take the field as a team. Head coach Mike McCoy said the decision was made as a sign of unity.
Mike McCoy on why no individual pre-game introductions: "We wanted to come out as a team. … We're going to stick together."
— Michael Gehlken (@sdutGehlken) December 19, 2016
Most of us aren’t buying that. The truth of the matter is there were so many Oakland Raiders fans in the stands that Chargers introductions would have been met with a sea of boos. And if there was any doubt over whether the Chargers noticed that hardly any of their “fans” showed up, Philip Rivers put those questions to rest.
Philip Rivers: "You saw us go silent count all game. It was a road game." Said he's dealt with similar crowd before. "In Oakland."
— Michael Gehlken (@sdutGehlken) December 19, 2016
The Chargers appear all but certain to move to L.A. Their stadium proposal was shot down when it went to vote back in November, and they have until next month to exercise their option to relocate. In fact, there have been rumblings that they are considering rebranding as well.
“I know nothing, but it’s what is shaping up to be a sad, sad ending to 55 years, if what could happen, happens,” Rivers said after the game. “And I hate that. And it may not; shoot, maybe we’re here for another 55. I don’t know. I’m just saying, if it is, some of the way it’s coming to is pretty gross.”
Oakland, on the other hand, is in a playoff hunt. It’s no surprise their fans took over Qualcomm Stadium.
