NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Sammy, Chicago, IL — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:06:00 GMT

Agreed

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Rich C, San Diego CA — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 07:12:52 GMT

Actually, you're missing one of the most important reasons not to hold the game in San Diego, and to me, the most obvious: the air quality is atrocious. Even if the fires were completely out by tomorrow (wishful thinking, as they will still be burning for at least another week) it would still be too risky to expose athletes to lungfuls of air containing toxic micro particles only four short days later.

The last thing the Chargers would need right now would be for half of their team to develop bronchitis that can last up to 4 weeks. They would definitely lose buckets of money if that were to happen.

I think San Diegans will be watching this game on TV, broadcast live... from Phoenix.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Tom Hughes, Ballston Spa Ny — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:37:47 GMT

What a putz! Why even play the game at all!? Reschedule it. Even a Sunday/Thursday combo would be better than moving it. At least that way the loss of money is mitigated somwhat. Why force the chargers to play "a game" when their friends,families,etc...need their help and support, let alone maybe their houses and belongings are gone. True, money is a bigger driver here but I think its time the NFL wises up and puts things in the proper perspective.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

James E,Riverside,Ca — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:12:17 GMT

Yes do it now so Chargers fans can make plans

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Dan Hass, Duluth, MN — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:37:36 GMT

San Diegans are a bit preoccupied this week with other things and will be this weekend. Those who hold tickets to Sunday's game probably aren't going to care one way or the other where, when or whether the game is played. Give the money back for decency's sake if for no other reason.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

kerry, coolidge, AZ — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:40:48 GMT

I agree. Make a decision!! Ironically, our family holds Charger season tickets (15 years now!!) and we recently transplanted to Arizona. We fly home for the home games and were planning on coming into San Diego this weekend. If the Chargers are here in AZ, we can still go and root them on! We will root on the Chargers and the San Diego families who need a lot of support. The Chargers Organization/NFL should do what they did last time: play for no charge and ask for donations from the fans to give to fire victims

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Larry, Lancaster, California — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:46:23 GMT

Because so many of the Chargers players homes were affected by the fires I think the NFL should cancel the game period. Let the S.D. players have a week off to take care of thier families and what's let of thier homes. It's the right thing to do. The NFL won't collapse because one game is not played.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Nathan Wooley, WIchita, KS — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 19:26:31 GMT

Totally agree. Either change location and refund or change location and give option of another home game or refund. I am a firefighter from Wichita. Thank god we have not had to deal with anything of this severity. You do not turn around in a few days and say let's play. First things first. Which is the safety and well being of the community.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Carlos Norwalk,Ca — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 22:27:29 GMT

There is the Rose Bowl, about 2 hrs away

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Pamalla Kaya Lee Indian Springs Nevada — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:57:33 GMT

I Believe that the fires started in California
to be a terrorist attack and would not be surprised
to see an increase nation wide of this sort of occurrence as well as intensity of said attacks....

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Josh Lander, San Diego, CA — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:26:54 GMT

I am not a religious man...but A...Freaken...Mannnn!!! or Mennn... I don't even know...

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Josh Lander, San Diego, CA — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:40:26 GMT

Are all of you absolute freaken idiots...?
Unfortunately, this is the oportune time for assholes to come in and loot what is left of these families homes'. Police presence is absolutely mandatory to ensure that home owners are able to access their homes without the concern of others looting their belongings.

I am here as a personal guard to ensure that no-one besides the owners are here to access what remains.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Donna Hernandez San Diego CA — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 13:38:07 GMT

I am a big football fan but our city needs help right now. It would be great to break up the craziness of what has happened this week but our priorities are for San Diegans.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Yvonne — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:48:52 GMT

I think they should change the date of the game to another day and let them play in San Diego so the ticket holder can have the same seating they paid for or return the tickets for money.
YP from Las Vegas

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Cheryl, San Diego — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 21:18:59 GMT

Why not ask the people of SAN DIEGO what they want. If you are not actually here, you have NO IDEA what you are talking about. It's easy to sit behind a computer in another town and give your opinion. We are dealing with it and it will be handled in a way that the SAN DIEGANS want it. This city has pulled together like nothing I have ever seen and if the decision is to play the game here, WE WILL SUPPORT THAT DECISION! Maybe it will boost the morale of everyone here and give a little relief from the constant reminder of this tragedy!

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Marie T. Webber, San Diego, CA — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 21:54:44 GMT

I live in San Diego and while I have not been affected directly by the fires, just air quality issues and the 5th day of ashes in the air, I will be sorely disappointed if the Chargers play on Sunday at the Q. Move the game, refund the tickets, DO NOT make anyone at the stadium have to leave. The Chargers organization needs to give back to this community.

Marie

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Gordon Evans, San Diego, CA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:24:38 GMT

If the San Diego Chargers owners and the NFL and the players think it would be a good thing for moral for the community to have the game in spite of the tragedy that has occurred for so many people...then how about the owners and the NFL contribute what they would have made from the game to the relief effort for so many who have lost everything and will only be able to re-build with new (low-interest but additional loans)and let this one game be played for the victims of the San Diego firestorm for free... and let the stadium be filled with fans who for this one game do not have to pay to be there. Novel concept.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Bea Peworchik, Tampa Fl — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:48:32 GMT

San Diego loves their Chargers and would love for the game to played at home even during this terrible time. It will give the fans something to look forward to along with the players. GO CHARGERS !

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Sandi Byrum, Fountain Valley, CA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:54:14 GMT

The NFL only thinks about the money that will be lost. The game can be postponed for another time.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Deena La Jolla CA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:02:32 GMT

I agree too and you could not have stated it better. I am a season ticket holder and think its a no brainer decision. The game should be moved. I don't care what the weather is like on Sunday, the energy in San Diego needs to be focused on helping everyone that was affected by the devastaion of that fire to heal.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Alan, Escondido, CA. — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:12:33 GMT

Sounds like another Katrina to me, who the heck cares about the silly Chargers game anyway? I say the Chargers should have to donate 80% of the money they take in on Sunday to the relief effort.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Phil — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:14:40 GMT

why not play the game in LA? It is a lot closer than Phoenix, so would accomodate those fans that weren't affected and give those that were, a needed local getaway. If only for a moment from their troubles. Has several fields that would be capable and would be a good test for seeing if LA could support a team,,,,,,

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Stephanie Umbro, Maine — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:21:27 GMT

Amen. Well said. Couldn't say it better. God bless San Diego.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Kevin S., San Diego, CA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:25:06 GMT

Dear Mr. Celizic,
A caller to KOGO AM 600 this morning expressed your same frustration but thanked the radio jock for his assessment of why it's not a slap in the face for the Chargers to play at home on Sunday. Reason #1: money, but not the NFL's as you have written, but the thousands of dollars that flow into our city's businesses. And flow back out in the form of wages for our hard working citizens. Football isn't confined to a stadium... Reason #2: diversion. We NEED something to stop us from being consumed by these fires; the media coverage has been great, but most of us will welcome a break - we need something to cheer about.

I was at Qualcomm Stadium on Monday night, not as an evacuee, but as a San Diegan donating what I could to those who were put out of their homes. The stadium was filled with as many or more volunteers than evacuees and the number still at the stadium was at 750 as of this morning. This city has come together like nothing I've ever witnessed. We're ready for more positives in a week of wracked nerves and a home game and a win will will provide just that.

I'm not a die-hard fan of the Chargers (go Browns!) but I will be rootin' for this city and its team this Sunday and I know I won't be alone.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Kevin, San Diego, CA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:30:27 GMT

I think it will help give us San Diegans who have suffered this week an opportunity to return to some semblance of normalcy. No decision would have been the absolute correct one but our hometown Chargers mean a great deal to the city and their fans. We grieve together and we celebrate together.

Go Bolts!

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Rule12b, Del Mar, CA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:33:39 GMT

As a long time fan and San Diego resident, I must disagree. The Chargers mean a lot to that city and the game will be a major morale booster for a beleaguered city. Moving the game strips the fans of a bit of joy in an otherwise bleak period. Moreover, asking the Chargers, 24 of whom were evacuated, to go play for strangers in another city is unfair. Most have stated their strong desire to play for their fans and their city this weekend.

Good luck finding anyone in San Diego who would agree with this article. In this case you are simply mistaken. Do your homework before presuming (that's what this really is) to preach the high road.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Jarrod — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:38:05 GMT

I totally agree that it is a bad decision to play the game at Qualcomm Stadium. I think it should be either moved or set for another date.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Mark Jacobson, Hemet, Californina — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:41:24 GMT

I agree whole heartedly. For a change we should do what needs to be done rather than what would be the easiest or what would be more profitable. People of San Diego have stepped up to the plate and donated their time and money to the victims of this fire disaster which has been most impressive. I don't think that the season ticket holders; those in their "Right Minds" anyway, would have a problem with getting a refund or credit for next season and that's what the NFL should do. They have a moral obligation has well as a financial one.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

J. R. F San Diego, Ca — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:42:55 GMT

You write this article because you don't live here in San Diego. The last 4 days have been hell on earth here in San Diego. If for just 4 hours we can see our home team play a football game and forget, for just a moment what has happened here, go for it. It's not just about owners and money. The players too, have been through it. They're ready, let's play.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Doug, Carson, CA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:50:42 GMT

This is concise and to the point. Shame on the NFL (not necessarily the Chargers) for not doing the right thing! Too bad they aren't as smart as the folks who evacuated their homes and stayed away from work, and any other activity, so the roads were clear and the fire agencies, Red Cross and others could do their jobs. If I were an officer, I would be irritated as all get out if, after giving of myself to the Nth degree, I were asked to pull duty so the NFL can hold onto "all that money" by playing a football game now.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Randall, San Diego — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:51:50 GMT

Do you understand San Diego? Are you from there? Do you realise what impact a game will have on the city? Doubtful on all fronts.

San Diego is a strong city that doesn't need the attention and pity warranted other disasters and even fires to the north (Malibu). San Diegans want to move on, have things as normal as they can, and keep living life in America's Finest City.

If the game can be played there, it should. Bottom Line.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Jan Sacramento ca — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:53:44 GMT

why not hold the game towards the end of the season. I really could care less about the game. It is the people hurt by the fires that come first. If they want to pkay the game have the team pay for hotels for the 5,000+ displaced they have the big $$$$$$

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Ginny, Colorado Springs, CO — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:55:53 GMT

Amen!

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

John P, Normal, Illinois — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:55:53 GMT

I couldn't agree more. The Chargers would be welcomed to play in Palo Alto, Tempe - or any number of locations besides San Diego. There would be much less revenue for the team - but the city itself wouldn't have to endure the strain. I also don't care for the reasoning behind the Chargers thinking - it smacks of attempting to dig some cash out of what would otherwise be a lost weekend (if they played elsewhere, they'd have to offer a ticket refund).

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

REC — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:58:22 GMT

Taco Bell would probably lose more money giving away FREE TACOS for Stolen bases then the NFL will lose by changing the games location.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Michelle Harris, Houston, TX — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:58:46 GMT

I agree. The executives in the NFL need to step up this weekend - move the game and refund the ticket holders.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Jeremy, San Diego, Ca. — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 02:10:25 GMT

Where do you live??? I know I can't speak for all of the people effected by the fires, but I have had family, friends, and my office evacuated over the last few days (thankfully no losses), and we are ready to get back into life. After five days of HELL.. We are not alone! There will be plenty of time to clean up after. In addition, as in the 2003 fires, this becomes a huge fundraising opportunity for our neighbors who were not as lucky.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

morty catcher — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 02:15:39 GMT

For goodness sake... cancel the game... refund the money. It's called making the right and proper decision. Are the decision makers simply a bunch of greedy people or just idiots? Maybe both?

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Linda Smith Scottsdale, Arizona — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 02:25:32 GMT

The Gov needs to step in and tell the NFL "Let our people heal and get back on their feet"!! How absoloutely thoughtless that the NFL would be that cold. The players are here in our valley and are having a hard enough time concentrating with what is going on at "home". Did it ever occur to the NFL that the players might feel "bad and inconsiderate" if they have them boot them out of the stadium? HEY, GOV. ARNOLD......SHOW THEM YOUR STUFF AND TERMINATE THE NFL'S IDEA!!!!

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

John, San Diego CA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 02:28:23 GMT

Did you happen to know that the stadium in Arizona is not open onSunday? With your Ph.D. research, I am sure you know there are other events scheduled in the stadium besides football. By the way, do you think the people of San Diego want the game to move? Your story is a "bad call".

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Anthony, Pitts., PA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 02:28:41 GMT

Here's a radical thought... Replay the game on a different night and a different location. If the teams don't play this Sun., accept any volunteers from each of the two football teams to rally around the CA communities (this Sun.) devestated by these fires. Too simplistic?

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Charger Fan, San Diego — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 02:49:15 GMT

Once again, Celezic, you got it right on the money.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Andy, San Diego — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 02:54:49 GMT

At the moment, there are only about 400 evacuees left in the stadium (there had been up to 15,000). The rest have been cleared to go home. There are only a small handful of communities that are still under a mandatory evacuation order, and most of those will likely be cleared within the next 24 hours. Things are beginning to settle down here, and starting to normalize just a bit.

In 2003, the game was scheduled to be a Monday Night game to begin with. Get your facts straight. They may still move this one to Monday night, too.

The Santa Ana winds were the problem. They were the cause of the firestorms. They've subsided, and the offshore flow is pushing the remaining flames and smoke to the east, as opposed to a westerly direction and into the city as before. It's now heading away from the city and firefighters are able to wrest a greater level of control over the blazes.

Stadium traffic will be far away from any of the previously evacuated areas. It will have no effect on the burned areas. Rancho Bernardo, the area hit the hardest, is about 20 miles to the north of the stadium.

The prevailing sentiment in San Diego is that we want the game to be played, and played here if at all possible. The feeling is that it will be a welcome diversion, if only for a few hours. It's something to look forward to and get excited about and stop thinking about the fires for a short while. The recovery process will still be there, and a football game won't do anything to change that, but it's something good and positive to have in this community.

The Mayor, Jerry Sanders has ok'd playing the game, and has left it up to the team. The team is reluctant to make that decision at this point. The league is sitting on its hands.

Mr. Celezic, please have your facts straight before you openly criticize the decisions being made. Operating on pure conjecture and spewing half truths and guesses and presenting them as facts is very unprofessional and doesn't help matters at all.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Brian, San Diego — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 02:55:22 GMT

I disagree. As long as this game can be played safely and without further impediment to evacuees (apparently the city is satisfied on both counts given the mayor's recent statement), then it should most definitely be played here in San Diego. After a hellish week for all of us, having our team perform in front of the home crowd is good medicine indeed.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Bryan, San Diego, CA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:06:47 GMT

You are way off base. The NFL wants to move the game to Dallas why? Money as you stated. The RIGHT move is to postpone the game until Monday and play in in Glendale!! Give me a break!

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Bill-- Eastlake Ohio — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:08:02 GMT

A few years ago, NASCAR was met with a near identical situation when Florida wildfires happened around the same time as their July Daytona event. NASCAR not only moved the date to later in the year, they sent the Daytona Speedway fire crews to help. If a money monster like NASCAR can do it, the NFL certainly can.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Suzy, San Diego, CA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:09:41 GMT

I don't know where you live, Mike. And Sammy lives in Chicago. I live in San Diego and my family and I have been living through this nightmare since Sunday. The lives of everyone in San Diego have been turned upside-down. I mean everyone. Even if you did not have to leave your home, you probably haven't been able to work, and your kids definitely haven't gone to school all week (and schools are closed until Tuesday). My kids' high school is currently a Red Cross evacuation shelter. All high school sports, concerts, fairs, events, etc. have been cancelled. We are looking forward to getting our lives back to a state of normalcy (the kids were disappointed that they could not go back to school Monday). Part of getting back to our normal lives will be having our Chargers play their home game on Sunday here in our town. Yes, it's just a football game, and there are many more important, pressing matters in this city right now. But taking the game away from San Diego would just be one more thing taken away from us as a casualty of the fires. The Chargers should play in San Diego on Sunday.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

lucky — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:10:39 GMT

I disagree. Who was the nit-wit that let people go to the stadium in the first place. This is city property, not state property.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

M. M., Chula Vista CA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:11:22 GMT

You may think it was unwise, but being a San Diego resident who lived through an evacuation, trust me having the game will bring a lot of relief to San Diego and a sense of things getting back to normal. For the team it may be a financial situation but you may not be aware that not only are you dealing with a game being played but there is no way for them to reschedule a performance by 150+ 7-15 year old girls who for the last month have been preparing for their half time show, raised thousands of dollars in funds for the Charger foundation & Make A Wish Foundation. There is no way to do it at another game due to the logistics of sitting the girls in the stadium, they probably cant reserve a section as the tickets have probably already been sold and the tickets for the parents who purchased tickets to this weekends game, not next weekend.. It may not sound like a big deal to someone who doesnt live here or have a daughter looking forward to the performance. These girls also were a part of the horrors that occured this week & lived through it and should be allowed some normalcy.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Dave, Efland, NC — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:13:46 GMT

As soon as I saw "bad call" I knew it was a Celizic column.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

David, San Diego, CA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:16:59 GMT

Disagree. Although many people have been displaced, the neighborly response here has been awesome. The game is a welcome diversion to many who have endured a lot this week. Everyone I have talked to knows someone who was evacuated and probably knows at least one family that lost everything. Hopefully, the NFL will do the right thing in terms of refunds to those who did lose their possessions, honoring those who are serving so bravely and assisting with the rebuilding of the community. The vast majority of the population want things to "get back to normal" as soon as possible. (In my opinion, "We Are Marshall" is a good paradigm for our situation here.) No, I am not a season ticket holder (can't afford it) and, yes, we were prepared to evacuate had the order come, but it stopped a mile from our house.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

larry shaw, la mesa, ca — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:17:40 GMT

A correction and then a comment. First of all, the offshore winds blowing in from the ocean come from the west and blow eastward. The santa ana winds blow in from the east toward the ocean, and they were responsible for the firest.

I live in San Diego and don't see any problem with the freeways or infrastructure in getting people to and from the game. This was not an earthquake but a mighty fire, but the fire didn't come close to the stadium and the roads and freeways are almost totally open by now (Thursday evening).

One good argument against holding the game in San Diego was not even mentioned, namely the poor air quality. It is unhealthy air throughout San Diego now and could certainly be around on Sunday or Monday.

L. Tomlinson was quoted as saying that the game should be played in San Diego because this entertainment might just take minds off the fire for a few hours.

But if the air quality is still unhealthy by the weekend, shouldn't the decision be based on the communities and players health? That may be the only good reason for changing the games venue.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Joe Season Ticket Holder — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:26:13 GMT

I am a Charger season ticket holder and can not believe they are even considering playing this game. It upsets me and shows that it really is about the money. The city handled the fires in an outstanding manor. They are blowing this one...

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Native San Diegan, CA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:26:57 GMT

I think it's a good idea to play the game in San Diego. They are probably going to have it on Monday night anyways. I think it will be nice diversion for the people of San Diego. In the Katrina aftermath, the Saints had a game and there were countless people tuned in at evacuation centers all through the south. Those people that didn't get burned out who want to watch a game, can get a little normalcy returned to their life. Those that did get burned out, what else are they gonna do? A little diversion on a sunday afternoon or monday evening can be quite nice. Im assuming you have never been through a disaster like this...i have...a few times. And a little diversion works wonders.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Rachel, New Orleans, La — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 18:03:47 GMT

I live in New Orleans, and with all the problems after Katrina, I still drove to LSU to see the Saints play. I was devastated when they announced that half of our home games would be played in other cities. It was like they took away the last form of enjoyment I had. I think the people affected by this tradegy may need some form of escape, just one afternoon to forget your problems and watch a football game.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

cal weddle jamul ca — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 21:13:10 GMT

I hope no one shows up at all NFL games. I think what the people in San Diego are going through is far more inportant than a footall game. Maybe no one will attend any NFL football game play this week end in protest.

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

R.A.Grant — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 21:24:45 GMT

Ok Mike. You are entitled to your opinion BUT what you are saying not only misses THE point, but several points...I have lived in N San Diego for 30 yrs,(a Charger fan), and have dealt with other disasters and prolonging the pain, as you suggest by moving the Charger game somewhere else, prolongs the recovery for those who wish life to return to usual. The City authorities, Charger management and the NFL have correctly and carefully weighed the decision to play as scheduled, in the BEST interest of ALL concerned. As you strongly suggest, I am sure $ was a consideration, but far from the most important one. Beyond your cynical take, everyone from the fans,players and overall city population, appreciate that having the game played here is best, even the SDPD officers who will provide security. Sometimes you miss the point (s)...

NFL waits, while San Diego burns

Chris — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 02:18:12 GMT

I agree with your statement, I can grasp you perspective, after all the NFL is still another well oiled machine and you can not expect anything less, however, we understand the reality, it's been a long week, those of us who were directly affected, have lost a great deal, have rummaged through charred personal remains, well we're just urning for a distraction now, something to just make us smile, even if it is for four quarters...