LT vs. A.J. Smith (1 Viewer)

[BigJim®]

Boy, this situation is pretty unfortunate. I'm a big fan of LT and feel AJ is 100% in the wrong playing these public games with him. Here's a portion of the PFT report:

A.J. MOCKS L.T.On Wednesday, Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson posted the following message on his personal web site: “I have been getting a lot of messages on my site regarding me leaving San Diego. I feel that I need to make it very clear that I have no intentions of leaving San Diego. San Diego is where my career started and where I’d like it to end. I have nothing but love and the upmost [sic] respect for this team, the players, and the Spanos Family. Me being traded is completely out of my hands. I have ABSOLUTELY no control in that decision making. All I can do is wait and see how it all plays out. As for now, I am a Charger and will be until I am told otherwise.”Informed of the statement from L.T., Chargers G.M. A.J. Smith didn’t take the typical, “We respect LaDainian and everything he’s done for the organization” approach.Instead, Smith mocked Tomlinson.“My first reaction was we both have similar feelings,” Smith said, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. “I have no intentions of leaving San Diego. San Diego is where my GM career started and where I’d like it to end. I also have nothing but love and the utmost respect for this team, the players and the Spanos family. I have absolutely no control over how long I will be with the Chargers.”Though on one hand we love it, on the other hand we suspect that one or more folks named Spanos are a tad uncomfortable with the remarks, which clearly were aimed at getting under L.T.’s skin. Smith also addressed the broader question of what will happen with Tomlinson in 2009. “My recommendation to Dean Spanos will be what’s in the best interest of the team – both short and long term. That’s my job. That’s what Dean hired me to do.”

 

[Wadsworth]

Stay classy SD.

 

[Loopdog]

he is such a d-bag

 

[BigJim®]

he is such a d-bag

Is there a counter argument to this? Seems like there have been a few recent reports where AJ Smith is being intentionally cryptic about LT's status, when he could choose to use standard cliches that don't jeopardize a future working relationship with LT, and don't suggest he's unwelcome as a Charger. He seems to be enjoying this a bit too much, IMHO. Is there any other interpretation of what he's saying other than "LT may help us short term, but how can I recommend keeping him is a longterm benefit to the team?" Even if that's his opinion, why be so frontal about it? Have other high pedigree RBs been drug through the muck like this and I'm just not remembering it? I think Alexander was simply released, in a dignified way.

 

[zamboni]

Looks an awful lot like typical PFT spin - I don't see Smith's comments in the actual article.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/weblogs/cha...hands/?chargers

 

[BigJim®]

Looks an awful lot like typical PFT spin - I don't see Smith's comments in the actual article.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/weblogs/cha...hands/?chargers

What makes you think that's the actual article? The correct article PFT was citing:

Correct Article

 

[T Bell]

Boy, this situation is pretty unfortunate. I'm a big fan of LT and feel AJ is 100% in the wrong playing these public games with him. Here's a portion of the PFT report:

A.J. MOCKS L.T.On Wednesday, Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson posted the following message on his personal web site: “I have been getting a lot of messages on my site regarding me leaving San Diego. I feel that I need to make it very clear that I have no intentions of leaving San Diego. San Diego is where my career started and where I’d like it to end. I have nothing but love and the upmost [sic] respect for this team, the players, and the Spanos Family. Me being traded is completely out of my hands. I have ABSOLUTELY no control in that decision making. All I can do is wait and see how it all plays out. As for now, I am a Charger and will be until I am told otherwise.”Informed of the statement from L.T., Chargers G.M. A.J. Smith didn’t take the typical, “We respect LaDainian and everything he’s done for the organization” approach.Instead, Smith mocked Tomlinson.“My first reaction was we both have similar feelings,” Smith said, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. “I have no intentions of leaving San Diego. San Diego is where my GM career started and where I’d like it to end. I also have nothing but love and the utmost respect for this team, the players and the Spanos family. I have absolutely no control over how long I will be with the Chargers.”Though on one hand we love it, on the other hand we suspect that one or more folks named Spanos are a tad uncomfortable with the remarks, which clearly were aimed at getting under L.T.’s skin. Smith also addressed the broader question of what will happen with Tomlinson in 2009. “My recommendation to Dean Spanos will be what’s in the best interest of the team – both short and long term. That’s my job. That’s what Dean hired me to do.”

I can only read Smith's comments as sarcasm, directed at who (LT or the reporters) I don't really know. Either way, it's a strange way to play this as it seems like there's little upside to being sarcastic, and lots of potential downside.

 

[Itchy Amos]

I have never been a big L.T. fan,. I think of him as a bit of a whiner, but come on here. He has to deserve better than this. I really cant see any justification for him being mocked by his own GM, especially in this case. He didnt say anything remotely inflamatory.

 

[Wadsworth]

I just think back to when LT was approaching free agency and San Diego was not a good team and few outside of SoCal thought their chances of improving were very good. LT surprised me and I think a lot of other people by signing a deal to stay a Charger. He said he believed in the Chargers and wasn't afraid of a challenge. I thought he was crazy. Since then LT has been money(until this season) and the Chargers have become a pretty good football team. Now this? It doesn't make much sense to me.

 

[dbc925]

Smith might be a good personnel guy, but he obviously has some serious maturity issues, acting in this case like he's about eight years old (I know you are, but what am I?).

Smith is the guy who ran Marty Schottenheimer out of town despite a 14-2 record due to a "personality conflict". Now he wants to take on perhaps the best player in the history of the franchise.

As the GM, you are the face of the organization's front office, and if I were Dean Spanos, I'd have some grave concerns.

 

[zamboni]

Looks an awful lot like typical PFT spin - I don't see Smith's comments in the actual article.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/weblogs/cha...hands/?chargers

What makes you think that's the actual article? The correct article PFT was citing:

Correct Article

Fair enough - Smith did have those comments, but it sure seems like PFT is spinning it more into sarcasm than actually is the case.There's clearly some frosty feelings going on, but I think both guys said reasonable things.

 

[BigJim®]

I think both guys said reasonable things.

Really? Seems to me LT was just putting to rest any public belief that he wants out of SD, and AJ was clearly mocking him. Moreover, AJ seemed to imply dumping LT is how he keeps his GM job. I don't see how that is being spun in any way, or was appropriate for public fodder. But I guess your opinion shows a different perspective is possible.

 

[Itchy Amos]

Looks an awful lot like typical PFT spin - I don't see Smith's comments in the actual article.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/weblogs/cha...hands/?chargers

What makes you think that's the actual article? The correct article PFT was citing:

Correct Article

Fair enough - Smith did have those comments, but it sure seems like PFT is spinning it more into sarcasm than actually is the case.There's clearly some frosty feelings going on, but I think both guys said reasonable things.

Smith's comments may seem reasonable in a vacuum, but this just seems like a cheap power trip. Smith has all of the power in this situation and he seems like he is almost taunting Tomlinson. LT is simply responding to public interest in his situation. His statement is very typical. Smith's comment is anything but typical and appears to be unprofessional or -at the very least- poorly thought out.

 

[Chachi]

I have never been a big L.T. fan,. I think of him as a bit of a whiner, but come on here. He has to deserve better than this. I really cant see any justification for him being mocked by his own GM, especially in this case. He didnt say anything remotely inflamatory.

I'm with you on this on all counts, never liked LT but this AJ guy is a jerk. Guy has a real big mouth, wonder if he'd say the same thing to LT if they were in a closed off room with nobody around to protect Mr. Big Mouth.

 

[mozzy84]

I think both guys said reasonable things.

Really? Seems to me LT was just putting to rest any public belief that he wants out of SD, and AJ was clearly mocking him. Moreover, AJ seemed to imply dumping LT is how he keeps his GM job. I don't see how that is being spun in any way, or was appropriate for public fodder. But I guess your opinion shows a different perspective is possible.

I bet thats the way LT is going to read it

 

[T Bell]

Looks an awful lot like typical PFT spin - I don't see Smith's comments in the actual article.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/weblogs/cha...hands/?chargers

What makes you think that's the actual article? The correct article PFT was citing:

Correct Article

Fair enough - Smith did have those comments, but it sure seems like PFT is spinning it more into sarcasm than actually is the case.There's clearly some frosty feelings going on, but I think both guys said reasonable things.

Can you give me an interpretation of Smith's comments that is anything other than sarcasm?

 

[Adebisi]

Clearly, Tomlinson is trying to sway the public's opinion to try to pressure San Diego into keeping him. Not that Smith's response was exactly mature or professional, but Tomlinson could also be handling himself with a bit more dignity. Doesn't exactly surprise me, though; as others have mentioned, Complainian does have a reputation for whining.

 

[tombonneau]

Very odd statement. While it's hard to paint it as outright derision, I'd think it still falls under the category of "NFL GM Should Know Better", regardless of how Smith intended the comment to come out.

 

[CalBear]

Maybe Smith is trying to piss off LT so he'll feel better about not playing for San Diego.

 

[Synthesizer]

This ranks up there with Millen calling Johnnie Morton a ######. Well done, AJ

 

[Banger]

Clearly, Tomlinson is trying to sway the public's opinion to try to pressure San Diego into keeping him. Not that Smith's response was exactly mature or professional, but Tomlinson could also be handling himself with a bit more dignity. Doesn't exactly surprise me, though; as others have mentioned, Complainian does have a reputation for whining.

you're clearly a hater and will see something negative in any comment.I'm really losing a lot respect for Smith. He has a job to do and he absolutely should do what needs to be done but the quotes and the little games are unnecessary. LT put this team on the map and is a large part of why they are a playoff team the last few years.I think AJ is setting this up for a lowball renegotiation. LT's got a big salary, AJ has a lot of guys to sign and not a ton of cap money. LT takes it or leaves. AJ can say he tried to keep him and save face. LT is a prideful guy and he may feel disrespected and walk. AJ is tough in his negotiations, remember the whole Gates affair, Brees? That's the way he is. That's my thought at least.

 

[thatguy]

I have never been a big L.T. fan,. I think of him as a bit of a whiner, but come on here. He has to deserve better than this. I really cant see any justification for him being mocked by his own GM, especially in this case. He didnt say anything remotely inflamatory.

I'm with you on this on all counts, never liked LT but this AJ guy is a jerk. Guy has a real big mouth, wonder if he'd say the same thing to LT if they were in a closed off room with nobody around to protect Mr. Big Mouth.

I'm on board.

 

[rzrback77]

I have never been a big L.T. fan,. I think of him as a bit of a whiner, but come on here. He has to deserve better than this. I really cant see any justification for him being mocked by his own GM, especially in this case. He didnt say anything remotely inflamatory.

I'm with you on this on all counts, never liked LT but this AJ guy is a jerk. Guy has a real big mouth, wonder if he'd say the same thing to LT if they were in a closed off room with nobody around to protect Mr. Big Mouth.

Not understanding the folks that dislike Tomlinson. I always thought that he was one of the good guys.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

So is "mock" a synonym for "agree with" now?

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Can you give me an interpretation of Smith's comments that is anything other than sarcasm?

Seriously? How about the straightforward, literal interpretation: Smith empathized with LT, realizing that they have similar feelings.

 

[todisco1]

Wow, I think this is incredibly blown out of porportion. If anything, I think Smith was having a little fun, not mocking LT at all. I know Smith has a tough rep but I do not think he would for a moment act like that to the best player the franchise has ever had (at least, unprovoked).

 

[Adebisi]

Clearly, Tomlinson is trying to sway the public's opinion to try to pressure San Diego into keeping him. Not that Smith's response was exactly mature or professional, but Tomlinson could also be handling himself with a bit more dignity. Doesn't exactly surprise me, though; as others have mentioned, Complainian does have a reputation for whining.

you're clearly a hater and will see something negative in any comment.I'm really losing a lot respect for Smith. He has a job to do and he absolutely should do what needs to be done but the quotes and the little games are unnecessary. LT put this team on the map and is a large part of why they are a playoff team the last few years.

I think AJ is setting this up for a lowball renegotiation. LT's got a big salary, AJ has a lot of guys to sign and not a ton of cap money. LT takes it or leaves. AJ can say he tried to keep him and save face. LT is a prideful guy and he may feel disrespected and walk. AJ is tough in his negotiations, remember the whole Gates affair, Brees? That's the way he is. That's my thought at least.

I'm clearly what now? A "hater?" Tell me, please, what possible reason I might have for hating Tomlinson (or for having any particular liking for Smith, for that matter).LT put this team on the map? That's a very interesting comment. The Chargers went 5-11, 8-8, and 4-12 during his first three years with the team. In 2004, following Smith's first full offseason with the team, the Chargers went 12-4, and Smith was named Executive of the Year. They've been competitive ever since.

Tell me again who put the Chargers on the map (we'll forget, for a moment, that this team has been around since 1960)?

 

[geoff8695]

I have never been a big L.T. fan,. I think of him as a bit of a whiner, but come on here. He has to deserve better than this. I really cant see any justification for him being mocked by his own GM, especially in this case. He didnt say anything remotely inflamatory.

I'm with you on this on all counts, never liked LT but this AJ guy is a jerk. Guy has a real big mouth, wonder if he'd say the same thing to LT if they were in a closed off room with nobody around to protect Mr. Big Mouth.

Not understanding the folks that dislike Tomlinson. I always thought that he was one of the good guys.

Agree 100% - He IS one of the good guys. I think he and some of the other Chargers had a problem with how the Pats reacted after upsetting the Chargers in SD in the divisional playoffs a couple of years ago, but I can't remember any other instances where LT came across as whiny...

 

[gonzobill5]

I think both guys said reasonable things.

Really? Seems to me LT was just putting to rest any public belief that he wants out of SD, and AJ was clearly mocking him. Moreover, AJ seemed to imply dumping LT is how he keeps his GM job. I don't see how that is being spun in any way, or was appropriate for public fodder. But I guess your opinion shows a different perspective is possible.

I read it as AJ was mocking the reporter's question, and I think that this is the more likely scenario. Whether or not its the way LT takes it remains to be seen.

 

[Despyzer]

Not understanding the folks that dislike Tomlinson.

Raider and Bronco fans.

 

[JetMaxx]

I have never been a big L.T. fan,. I think of him as a bit of a whiner, but come on here. He has to deserve better than this. I really cant see any justification for him being mocked by his own GM, especially in this case. He didnt say anything remotely inflamatory.

I'm with you on this on all counts, never liked LT but this AJ guy is a jerk. Guy has a real big mouth, wonder if he'd say the same thing to LT if they were in a closed off room with nobody around to protect Mr. Big Mouth.

Both While I believe that SD would be better off moving on without LT and signing Sproles and drafting a RB early, the way Smith handled this stinks. A Hall of Fame RB that has meant the world to the franchise you represent and you do this????As an Eagles homer looking in on this it gave me pause. I know there is alot made about the fact that Reid is vanilla is his PCs and, at times, justifiably so. But he never calls anyone out or makes a fool out of himself, his coaches, or his players. Be thankful Eagles fans that you don't have a clown like Smith running the team.

 

[Wadsworth]

Can you give me an interpretation of Smith's comments that is anything other than sarcasm?

Seriously? How about the straightforward, literal interpretation: Smith empathized with LT, realizing that they have similar feelings.

How about the fact that Smith was obviously asked the question because he is the GM and would be in a position to confirm, deny or politically ignore LTs concerns. This wasn't a comment by another player or even a coach, it was a comment by the guy presumably in charge of making the choice on LT's future as a Charger. Instead of choosing one of the previous options he chose to mimic LT's statement. As someone said earlier, this at the least falls under the catagory of "An NFL GM should know better", at the worst he was taunting a future Hall of Fame player who has been a stand up guy for his franchise.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Whatever you think about LT as a guy, LT the player deserves better than being mocked by the GM in public. It's just not appropriate or professional. Shame on AJ, no matter how it works out.

 

[jonessed]

Not understanding the folks that dislike Tomlinson.

Raider and Bronco fans.

New England too.Unfortunately, there are a lot of #######s in football and AJ is one of them. The Spanos' aren't ever going to fire him so apparently he has taken that as a sign he can run his mouth off at will. Good GM, crappy person.

 

[Crippler]

Not understanding the folks that dislike Tomlinson.

Raider and Bronco fans.

And the Broncos and Patriots are first in line to scoop up LT if he is cut. Raiders would be they have lots of RB's.

 

[Tanner9919]

he is such a d-bag

Is there a counter argument to this? Seems like there have been a few recent reports where AJ Smith is being intentionally cryptic about LT's status, when he could choose to use standard cliches that don't jeopardize a future working relationship with LT, and don't suggest he's unwelcome as a Charger. He seems to be enjoying this a bit too much, IMHO. Is there any other interpretation of what he's saying other than "LT may help us short term, but how can I recommend keeping him is a longterm benefit to the team?" Even if that's his opinion, why be so frontal about it? Have other high pedigree RBs been drug through the muck like this and I'm just not remembering it? I think Alexander was simply released, in a dignified way.

Parcells used the word 'she' when referring to Terry Glenn...he refused to use T.O.'s name during his missed practices in training camp a few years ago..he once called Lewis Tillman a prima donna in the way he handled his holdout situation years ago.Perhaps AJ Smith is doing the same here with LT2? the guy hasn't played a lick in two post seasons now..maybe AJ just feels that Lt2 is either faking injury or is being a baby in that he's not willing to play hurt,unlike some of his other teammates..it's great to have a Ferrari ,but if you never drive it and/or its always in the shop , what good is it?!

 

[BigJim®]

he is such a d-bag

Is there a counter argument to this? Seems like there have been a few recent reports where AJ Smith is being intentionally cryptic about LT's status, when he could choose to use standard cliches that don't jeopardize a future working relationship with LT, and don't suggest he's unwelcome as a Charger. He seems to be enjoying this a bit too much, IMHO. Is there any other interpretation of what he's saying other than "LT may help us short term, but how can I recommend keeping him is a longterm benefit to the team?" Even if that's his opinion, why be so frontal about it? Have other high pedigree RBs been drug through the muck like this and I'm just not remembering it? I think Alexander was simply released, in a dignified way.

Parcells used the word 'she' when referring to Terry Glenn...he refused to use T.O.'s name during his missed practices in training camp a few years ago..he once called Lewis Tillman a prima donna in the way he handled his holdout situation years ago.Perhaps AJ Smith is doing the same here with LT2? the guy hasn't played a lick in two post seasons now..maybe AJ just feels that Lt2 is either faking injury or is being a baby in that he's not willing to play hurt,unlike some of his other teammates..it's great to have a Ferrari ,but if you never drive it and/or its always in the shop , what good is it?!

Was Glenn a franchise player? I don't think so. Also, if I recall those were mid-season comments because Glenn had a nagging hamstring issue, not comments over an offseason. I also don't see the Parcells/T.O. thing in a similar light. That was after T.O. was forced upon Parcells, it was during a season when there was no question T.O. was on the team. Also, Parcells' approach with T.O. more than anything communicated unhappiness that he had no say over T.O.'s inclusion on the team he coached. Reportedly this is in part why Parcells chose to later leave that job. So Parcells was clearly not in a decision-maker role. I also don't personally see a problem with Parcells subtly suggesting no "player" was bigger than the team. That's a different thing altogether. Everyone knows from T.O.'s past that putting him above the team is a big mistake. On the injuries, if AJ thinks LT was faking injury, then that's pretty sad. I believe both the sprained MCL (2007) and the torn groin ligament this year were indisputable injuries that would hurt any human's ability to play, particularly a RB. Does anyone really believe LT would choose not to play in important playoff games? Why? I think AJ is going to be disapointed if he gets another RB he expects to play through those real injuries.

How about the fact that Smith was obviously asked the question because he is the GM and would be in a position to confirm, deny or politically ignore LTs concerns.

I don't think even politically ignoring is a GM's job. Maybe you mean downplaying the situation, and I agree with that completely. IMHO, the GM's job is in part to make these decisions, and also to get the best value for a star player if he chooses to trade him. I do not see how his public statements can hope to get value for LT. If I'm another GM, I'm thinking I can get LT on a blue light special. Is that the good GM Play? Being forced to release a guy for nothing or take a garbage deal because you're being cute publically that you might be planning to recommend ownership go a different direction?

 

[T Bell]

Can you give me an interpretation of Smith's comments that is anything other than sarcasm?

Seriously? How about the straightforward, literal interpretation: Smith empathized with LT, realizing that they have similar feelings.

And he says that by repeating what LT said in the first person rather than making a statement about LT? That's "empathy"? Let me ask you a question- what do you suppose the likelihood is of a guy like AJ Smith devoting a public statement in the context of a potential contract renegotiation to feelings? I'd say it's nil, and I don't say that's unique to Smith - I'd say the same thing about Polian, for example. But on the spectrum of GM's out there who are unlikely to make a comment about empathizing with feelings, Smith's out on the very far edge.

 

[T Bell]

I have never been a big L.T. fan,. I think of him as a bit of a whiner, but come on here. He has to deserve better than this. I really cant see any justification for him being mocked by his own GM, especially in this case. He didnt say anything remotely inflamatory.

I'm with you on this on all counts, never liked LT but this AJ guy is a jerk. Guy has a real big mouth, wonder if he'd say the same thing to LT if they were in a closed off room with nobody around to protect Mr. Big Mouth.

Not understanding the folks that dislike Tomlinson. I always thought that he was one of the good guys.

Agree 100% - He IS one of the good guys. I think he and some of the other Chargers had a problem with how the Pats reacted after upsetting the Chargers in SD in the divisional playoffs a couple of years ago, but I can't remember any other instances where LT came across as whiny...

LT is a great player who has kept his nose clean and has been faithful to his organization, even when that organization seemingly was going nowhere and doing nothing to change its perennial losing ways. He deserves the accolades he's gotten.OTOH, when he's in front of a microphone in recent years he has a habit of whining or attributing blame for losses in ways that have undercut his reputation as a gamer or a good guy. There's a local LA sports radio station that interviews him every Monday or Tuesday, and I hate listening to it because his way of speaking does sound whiney. The unfortunate injuries that have sidelined him in the playoffs, including one that had him apparently sulking on the bench rather than cheering his team on in the conference title game a year ago, contributed to this "whiner" image that some have.

That by no means should outweigh his on-field accomplishments, but he has done some things that have hurt his image.

 

[Avery]

Can you give me an interpretation of Smith's comments that is anything other than sarcasm?

Seriously? How about the straightforward, literal interpretation: Smith empathized with LT, realizing that they have similar feelings.

Serious fanboy, homer interpretation here.You can't look at these comments in a vacuum and like Smith or not as a GM, but he has a history and reputation for calling players and coaches out and just being kinda a d-bag.

 

[thatguy]

I have never been a big L.T. fan,. I think of him as a bit of a whiner, but come on here. He has to deserve better than this. I really cant see any justification for him being mocked by his own GM, especially in this case. He didnt say anything remotely inflamatory.

I'm with you on this on all counts, never liked LT but this AJ guy is a jerk. Guy has a real big mouth, wonder if he'd say the same thing to LT if they were in a closed off room with nobody around to protect Mr. Big Mouth.

Not understanding the folks that dislike Tomlinson. I always thought that he was one of the good guys.

Agree 100% - He IS one of the good guys. I think he and some of the other Chargers had a problem with how the Pats reacted after upsetting the Chargers in SD in the divisional playoffs a couple of years ago, but I can't remember any other instances where LT came across as whiny...

LT is a great player who has kept his nose clean and has been faithful to his organization, even when that organization seemingly was going nowhere and doing nothing to change its perennial losing ways. He deserves the accolades he's gotten.OTOH, when he's in front of a microphone in recent years he has a habit of whining or attributing blame for losses in ways that have undercut his reputation as a gamer or a good guy. There's a local LA sports radio station that interviews him every Monday or Tuesday, and I hate listening to it because his way of speaking does sound whiney. The unfortunate injuries that have sidelined him in the playoffs, including one that had him apparently sulking on the bench rather than cheering his team on in the conference title game a year ago, contributed to this "whiner" image that some have.

That by no means should outweigh his on-field accomplishments, but he has done some things that have hurt his image.

That sums up my feeling for LT. He's not a guy that you hate. He's not a bad person or a criminal. He just rubs a lot of us the wrong way when speaking with the media.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Can you give me an interpretation of Smith's comments that is anything other than sarcasm?

Seriously? How about the straightforward, literal interpretation: Smith empathized with LT, realizing that they have similar feelings.

And he says that by repeating what LT said in the first person rather than making a statement about LT? That's "empathy"?

Yes, empathy is vicariously experiencing someone else's feelings. So when LT says he likes being a Charger and wants to remain a Charger, but has no control over it; and when AJ can relate exactly to what LT is saying because he feels the same way; that's empathy.

Let me ask you a question- what do you suppose the likelihood is of a guy like AJ Smith devoting a public statement in the context of a potential contract renegotiation to feelings?

The likelihood is 100% since it already happened.I don't know exactly what you're asking, but here's how things went down. 1. LT made a statement. 2. AJ was directly asked about LT's statement. 3. In response, AJ said he can relate to what LT said because he feels the same way.

I don't think there's anything odd about that at all. The only thing odd about it is that PFT and Rotoworld went off the deep end in trying to make it into something controversial, and evidently dragged a number of people over the edge with them.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I have never been a big L.T. fan,. I think of him as a bit of a whiner, but come on here. He has to deserve better than this. I really cant see any justification for him being mocked by his own GM, especially in this case. He didnt say anything remotely inflamatory.

I'm with you on this on all counts, never liked LT but this AJ guy is a jerk. Guy has a real big mouth, wonder if he'd say the same thing to LT if they were in a closed off room with nobody around to protect Mr. Big Mouth.

Not understanding the folks that dislike Tomlinson. I always thought that he was one of the good guys.

Agree 100% - He IS one of the good guys. I think he and some of the other Chargers had a problem with how the Pats reacted after upsetting the Chargers in SD in the divisional playoffs a couple of years ago, but I can't remember any other instances where LT came across as whiny...

LT is a great player who has kept his nose clean and has been faithful to his organization, even when that organization seemingly was going nowhere and doing nothing to change its perennial losing ways. He deserves the accolades he's gotten.OTOH, when he's in front of a microphone in recent years he has a habit of whining or attributing blame for losses in ways that have undercut his reputation as a gamer or a good guy. There's a local LA sports radio station that interviews him every Monday or Tuesday, and I hate listening to it because his way of speaking does sound whiney. The unfortunate injuries that have sidelined him in the playoffs, including one that had him apparently sulking on the bench rather than cheering his team on in the conference title game a year ago, contributed to this "whiner" image that some have.

That by no means should outweigh his on-field accomplishments, but he has done some things that have hurt his image.

That sums up my feeling for LT. He's not a guy that you hate. He's not a bad person or a criminal. He just rubs a lot of us the wrong way when speaking with the media.

thatguy, I'm going to have to ask you to stop mocking T Bell.

 

[thatguy]

I have never been a big L.T. fan,. I think of him as a bit of a whiner, but come on here. He has to deserve better than this. I really cant see any justification for him being mocked by his own GM, especially in this case. He didnt say anything remotely inflamatory.

I'm with you on this on all counts, never liked LT but this AJ guy is a jerk. Guy has a real big mouth, wonder if he'd say the same thing to LT if they were in a closed off room with nobody around to protect Mr. Big Mouth.

Not understanding the folks that dislike Tomlinson. I always thought that he was one of the good guys.

Agree 100% - He IS one of the good guys. I think he and some of the other Chargers had a problem with how the Pats reacted after upsetting the Chargers in SD in the divisional playoffs a couple of years ago, but I can't remember any other instances where LT came across as whiny...

LT is a great player who has kept his nose clean and has been faithful to his organization, even when that organization seemingly was going nowhere and doing nothing to change its perennial losing ways. He deserves the accolades he's gotten.OTOH, when he's in front of a microphone in recent years he has a habit of whining or attributing blame for losses in ways that have undercut his reputation as a gamer or a good guy. There's a local LA sports radio station that interviews him every Monday or Tuesday, and I hate listening to it because his way of speaking does sound whiney. The unfortunate injuries that have sidelined him in the playoffs, including one that had him apparently sulking on the bench rather than cheering his team on in the conference title game a year ago, contributed to this "whiner" image that some have.

That by no means should outweigh his on-field accomplishments, but he has done some things that have hurt his image.

That sums up my feeling for LT. He's not a guy that you hate. He's not a bad person or a criminal. He just rubs a lot of us the wrong way when speaking with the media.

thatguy, I'm going to have to ask you to stop mocking T Bell.

Although I do disagree with your stance on A.J.'s intent, I still got a chuckle out of this. Well done.

 

[T Bell]

Can you give me an interpretation of Smith's comments that is anything other than sarcasm?

Seriously? How about the straightforward, literal interpretation: Smith empathized with LT, realizing that they have similar feelings.

And he says that by repeating what LT said in the first person rather than making a statement about LT? That's "empathy"?

Yes, empathy is vicariously experiencing someone else's feelings. So when LT says he likes being a Charger and wants to remain a Charger, but has no control over it; and when AJ can relate exactly to what LT is saying because he feels the same way; that's empathy.

Let me ask you a question- what do you suppose the likelihood is of a guy like AJ Smith devoting a public statement in the context of a potential contract renegotiation to feelings?

The likelihood is 100% since it already happened.I don't know exactly what you're asking, but here's how things went down. 1. LT made a statement. 2. AJ was directly asked about LT's statement. 3. In response, AJ said he can relate to what LT said because he feels the same way.

I don't think there's anything odd about that at all. The only thing odd about it is that PFT and Rotoworld went off the deep end in trying to make it into something controversial, and evidently dragged a number of people with them.

I would have thought a Chargers fan like yourself would have a little better knowledge of his team's GM. (BTW, I hope you don't think that I'm epathizing with you by quoting your post - I'm not. Your rationale is just as incomprehensible to me as it was before.)

 

[Tom Servo]

Very odd statement. While it's hard to paint it as outright derision, I'd think it still falls under the category of "NFL GM Should Know Better", regardless of how Smith intended the comment to come out.

This ranks up there with Millen calling Johnnie Morton a ######. Well done, AJ

Phil Savage thinks AJ needs to think before he says something.

 

[DPRugby]

If this thing explodes and LT is really wronged by the organization (specifically by AJ Smith or the Spanos family) then I'll be living my last days as a Charger fan. I've followed this team since 1978 and I bleed powder blue (nttatwwt) but at some point enough is enough. AJ may make good moves (or did at some point) but when you show a guy who has been a pretty good example of class and humility this kind of disrespect then there is something really wrong with the way the organization is being run.

I know LT's had a few moments where the shine wasn't so bright but if you look at his whole tenure at San Diego he's been a pretty humble and classy guy. The debate isn't is LT classy or not, the debate is if AJ is an ##### or not. Right now he looks like on in my eyes.

 

[Despyzer]

The debate isn't is LT classy or not, the debate is if AJ is an ##### or not. Right now he looks like on in my eyes.

I get what you're saying. It's nice to think that your guys are the good guys. I think it's a good approach to respect character over gamesmanship, but I don't think A.J. shares that sense of priorities. Smith seems like the kind of guy who is going to do or say anything that is going to get him the best players for the lowest sum he can. Looking at the win-loss column and the number of Pro-Bowlers on the roster, he is probably doing a better than average job in that department. He probably feels this is more in line with his job description than being meek and humble. Does it make him look good in the press? No, he looks like a bully and a *******. Does he get results? More often than not. Is this particular strategy going to pay off for him? Maybe not, but if the eventual outcome means his team wins more games, he'll probably be satisfied with that. I doubt Bill Belicheck loses too much sleep over the knocks to his reputation of character either. For these kind of guys, the bottom line is just that.

 

[cstu]

I just think back to when LT was approaching free agency and San Diego was not a good team and few outside of SoCal thought their chances of improving were very good. LT surprised me and I think a lot of other people by signing a deal to stay a Charger. He said he believed in the Chargers and wasn't afraid of a challenge. I thought he was crazy. Since then LT has been money(until this season) and the Chargers have become a pretty good football team. Now this? It doesn't make much sense to me.

My thoughts exactly. LT could have left the team high a dry and got as much money somewhere else but he decided to stay. I've support AJ in the past, but he's killing the team's reputation around the league by acting so bush league.

 

[cstu]

If this thing explodes and LT is really wronged by the organization (specifically by AJ Smith or the Spanos family) then I'll be living my last days as a Charger fan. I've followed this team since 1978 and I bleed powder blue (nttatwwt) but at some point enough is enough. AJ may make good moves (or did at some point) but when you show a guy who has been a pretty good example of class and humility this kind of disrespect then there is something really wrong with the way the organization is being run.I know LT's had a few moments where the shine wasn't so bright but if you look at his whole tenure at San Diego he's been a pretty humble and classy guy. The debate isn't is LT classy or not, the debate is if AJ is an ##### or not. Right now he looks like on in my eyes.

I'm with you. Admittedly, I only started being a Chargers fan in 2003 when I moved to CA, but LT was main reason I became a fan because of the same reasons you mentioned.