The U-T San Diego Editorial Board stirred the pot of the Chargers’ stadium/relocation controversy by arguing that the team actually wants to move to L.A. They make a compelling argument, and many San Diegans lament that the Chargers are as good as gone. However, all of this assumes that the NFL owners would allow the Chargers to relocate to L.A., and I’m not sure that they will.
Voice of San Diego points out that opposition by only 9 of the NFL’s 32 teams is necessary to defeat a team’s relocation bid. San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York recently hinted that he may cast one of those ‘nay’ votes. Long story short: he wants the NFC West to remain in tact, but he thinks the Chargers/Raiders arrangement would split it up. “It sounds like if it’s two AFC West teams, I don’t think it’s in stone, but it sounds like someone would switch divisions,” said Mr. York.
So, why is that a problem?
I personally wouldn’t like to see the the NFC West change because I think our fans are starting to get used to it. For the fans, I’d like to see consistency. I think a team or two will be there (in Los Angeles). I’m indifferent, but I’d be very supportive of trying to keep the NFC West together.
Circumstances can obviously change before the vote, and this would only be one potential vote out of a necessary nine. Nonetheless, an interesting tidbit for those counting votes to evaluate the viability of the Chargers’ relocation threat. Does anyone else out there follow other NFL teams whose owners may be tipping their hands?