(KGTV) — Apparently, San Diegans' distaste for the Chargers is being felt.
Speaking on former Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith's podcast Friday, NFL Hall of Famer and former Charger LaDainian Tomlinson expressed the need for San Diegans to embrace the team that bolted from America's Finest City.
"It's not like Oakland who's going to another state. We are still in the same state. We're still Southern California's team. Yes, we may not be in San Diego, no more, but we're still Southern California's team," Tomlinson said. "We need their support badly."
You can listen to Smith's podcast below:
This week I got the chance to chat with one of the greatest RB’s we’ve ever seen and former Chargers legend @LT_21! We talk about the Chargers move to LA, his new acting career, and his incredible ancestry! https://t.co/itPsjWJNGt
— Billy Ray Smith (@Billyraysmith) October 6, 2018
Since the Chargers' departure from San Diego, the team has played at the StubHub Center in Carson as they wait for the completion of a new Inglewood stadium.
Many times this season already, photos and video have been posted on social media showing a sea of fans representing opposing teams at StubHub, outweighing support for the Bolts.
A plane routinely takes to the skies above the stadium during home games as well, carrying messages directed toward owner Dean Spanos and the league.
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"Our players need to feel their support," Tomlinson said. "I know it takes time to forgive, you will never forget, obviously, but I know it takes time to forgive. But I'm just asking you, our fans, to forgive at this point."
As one may guess, Tomlinson's request to fans didn't garner much sympathy online.
"I haven’t wore my LT jersey since the Chargers left SD. After this, I’m burning it!" one Twitter user wrote.
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"I’ll always love watching [LT] and miss him as a player, but y’all at the chargers organization gotta realize you left home, you left a place that loved you. You say it’s time to forgive, well it’s hard to when Spanos ripped the hearts out of chargers fans and didn’t bat a eye," another user wrote.
The team took on the slogan "Fight for LA" as they entered the Los Angeles market last season. This season, the Chargers have adopted the slogan "Fight for Each Other," incorporating the Los Angeles Rams into the fold. The two teams will play in the Ingelwood stadium once completed.
The Chargers are currently 2-2 in the AFC West, while the Rams are 4-0 in the NFC West.
