In a surprise move to many, the San Diego Chargers will not be moving to LA.
Well, not yet that is.
San Diego owner Dean Spanos released a statement on Friday afternoon, letting Chargers fans know the team will be staying put for at least the 2016 season:
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Dear Chargers Fans,
Today I decided our team will stay in San Diego for the 2016 season and I hope for the long term in a new stadium.
I have met with Mayor Faulconer and Supervisor Roberts and I look forward to working closely with them and the business community to resolve our stadium dilemma. We have an option and an agreement with the Los Angeles Rams to go to Inglewood in the next year, but my focus is on San Diego.
This has been our home for 55 years, and I want to keep the team here and provide the world-class stadium experience you deserve.
Everyone on both sides of the table in San Diego must now determine the best next steps and how to deploy the additional resources provided by the NFL.
I am committed to looking at this with a fresh perspective and new sense of possibility.
With deep appreciation for your years of support,
Dean A. Spanos
Chairman
One member of the Chargers who took notice of the news was former Cal Bears star receiver, Keenan Allen. The three-year pro took to Twitter asking for support from Chargers fans while the team may have one last chance at staying in San Diego.
The Chargers have until Jan. 15, 2017 to exercise their option to move to Los Angeles with the Rams.
The Raiders have an option to join the Inglewood project if the Chargers choose to stay in San Diego beyond the 2016 season.