Current Chargers Delicately And Politely Discuss How Glad They Are LaDainian Tomlinson Is Gone

San Diego Chargers camp is underway and its the first one that doesn’t include RB LaDainian Tomlinson since 2001. The “other” LT left San Diego as its best running back in team history. He also left the franchise and his teammates with a bad taste in their mouth over his way of handling business, especially towards the end of his tenure.

This week his former teammates are talking gingerly about how much they respect Tomlinson and appreciate what he accomplished all while making it clear that they’re kinda glad he’s gone.

Philip Rivers: “I don’t know how everyone feels or if they felt it...Maybe it was a little bit of a relief. Maybe it’s a feeling of, ‘I can do a little more without wondering what he thinks.’ ”

Antonio Gates: “Sometimes you would get the sense that people felt bigger than the team...Not to say it was an issue, but we know it’s not an issue for sure now...Me and LT had a wonderful relationship too. But sometimes you got the sense of stardom status and you can only take it so far. With Philip, I never feel that.”

Union Tribune writer Kevin Acee is quick to point out that his article doesn’t exist to damage LT’s reputation, but merely to recognize that the hierarchy and leadership on the Chargers has changed since he left. And it seems that most players, especially its leaders, think that it is for the better.

For more Chargers news, keep an eye on Bolts from the Blue.