SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Chargers are under investigation for allegedly using a banned substance in the team's recent Monday night loss to the Denver Broncos. The investigation was first reported by Fox Sports on Sunday.
According to the Fox Sports story, an equipment manager came onto the onto the field with an illegal sticky substance, which a line judge saw on towels and tried to confiscate. After the equipment manager reportedly refused to give the towels to the official, he was asked to empty his pockets. Upon doing so, the official found a skin-colored or clear type of tape. Fox Sports adds possible penalties the Chargers are facing may include a fine to a possible loss of draft picks.
The NFL has banned the used of sticky substances since 1981, including the product "Stickum" which was used most notably by Oakland Raiders cornerback Lester Hayes.
The Chargers have issued a statement on its website, which read in part, "We are aware of the inquiry and we are cooperating fully with the League."
In the game the alleged incident occurred, the Chargers fell to Denver 35-24 after surrendering a 24-0 halftime lead. The Chargers, which had a bye this past weekend, currently has a record of 3-3 and is tied for first place in the AFC West with the Broncos.
