Worst week ever: San Diego edition

The week began with the Chargers subjecting its fan base to one of the most embarrassing meltdowns that the NFL has ever seen on Monday night.  The bad vibes were swiftly escalated by Chargers Director of Public Relations, Bill Johnston, criticizing the fans for venting their frustrations to social media outlets and sports radio and suggested everyone "take a chill pill".  Surely, this week couldn't get any worse...right?


Well, on the morning of October 21, 2012...it got worse.  We still aren't quite sure the severity of the latest revelation...but it definitely got worse.  It was first reported by Fox Sports' Jay Glazer that a sticky substance was confiscated from a member of the Chargers equipment staff by line judge, Jeff Bergman, during the Chargers-Broncos game on Monday night.  The substance has been presented to the Denver Broncos and the NFL for further investigation.

Now, anybody that follows the NFL knows that Roger Goodell loves to punish players any chance he gets.  You know that joy you felt playing Monopoly when one of your friends would land on your hotel on Boardwalk?  That's now Goodell feels every time he gets to hand down a hefty fine.  However, as much scrutiny as Goodell has faced concerning the NFL's handling of the Saints' "Bountygate", he would be best served to ensure that he has gathered all of the facts before fining San Diego and taking away draft picks.  Even so, it doesn't look good for the Chargers.

I'm sure I wasn't alone when one of my first thoughts surrounding the latest Chargers debacle was, "They cheated and they STILL lost?".  Sure, that makes me sound like a horrible fan...like I somehow endorse winning at any cost...but it feels like nothing can help this team be successful.  Have the Bolts truly reached this level of desperation that they are willing to use a substance that has been banned by the league since 1981?  If the allegations are true, who put the equipment staff up to this?  We already know the Norv and AJ have their jobs on the line if the Chargers fail to make the postseason for a third consecutive season.  Could they have anything to do with it?  Not likely, but not out of the realm of possibility.

Next Sunday, the Chargers have a date with a 1-6 Cleveland Browns team that has struggled to put up points on anybody not named the Cincinnati Bengals.  A convincing win is much needed for a Chargers team that is now drowning in adversity.  A blowout will at least help relieve some of the tension and self-doubt surrounding the organization.  A close game will be almost as bad as a loss.  With the team making headlines for all the wrong reasons, this is sure to be one of the longest weeks in San Diego sports history.