The San Diego Union Tribune reports today that “LaDainian Tomlinson had an additional MRI on his left knee Tuesday that revealed his playing even just four snaps in the AFC Championship Game further damaged it.”

Surgery is still not required, but the knee will take longer to heal. To no one’s surprise, Tomlinson will not play in the Pro Bowl.

But the injury hasn’t stopped Tomlinson from traveling to Phoenix this week “as part of an endorsement deal.” Read more…

It appears the Chargers like to keep their boo-boos secret. After Philip Rivers admitted to playing against the Patriots without an ACL, the SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE learns that kicker Nate Kaeding was booting field goals with a broken leg.

A person “familiar with the situation” said that Kaeding’s lower left leg was injured back on Dec. 24 against the Broncos, yet the kicker continued to play in San Diego’s last 5 games. Even with a fractured plant leg, Kaeding scored all 12 of the Chargers’ points in the AFC Championship Game.

The team had claimed that Kaeding’s injury was only a ‘bruise’, while also declaring Rivers’ torn ACL as just a ’sprained MCL’. But you have to admire Nate’s bravado in soldiering on despite the broken limb.

Read more…

Like Shaq in the Champagne Room last night, SbB limps to the finish …

• ESPN has apparently now embargoed any Dana Jacobson news.

• Al Davis wants to derail Lane Kiffin’s Raiders coaching career.

• Jim Spanarkel used to be a sexy (Blue) Devil - now he’s a sexy Pirate.

• If a Ray Lewis lie detector test falls in the woods…

• Tony Romo ended his relationship with Jessica Simpson - to marry his college sweetheart?

• The latest LaDainian Tomlinson action figure features the Chargers RB with his end on the bench.

• A college basketball coach goes barefoot to end the agony of poor kids without shoes.

• The Pistons brawl starter ends his freedom with another drunk driving charge.

The criticism of LaDainian Tomlinson taking a powder during the Bolts’ loss to the Patriots has died down, which is really a shame for the Chargers running back.

(We only want one with the sticker)

The interest in LT bench action figures was just starting to heat up again (we thought Jack Haley was the only guy who got one of these?).

Was LaDanian Tomlinson really hurt? Or was he afraid to get pummeled by the Pats?

During Sunday’s game, LT left in the 1st quarter after aggravating his sore knee. But by the 2nd quarter, the Chargers had sent word to the Gillette Stadium press box that Tomlinson “can return”.

Which was news to LaDainian. He argued, “It’s obvious that I couldn’t play. If I could have played, I would have been in there.” And coach Norv Turner defended his running back after the game, telling reporters, “The doctors and trainers said he couldn’t go.”

So, who’s telling the truth here?

Read more…

San Diego’s upset over the Colts is becoming a painful victory. First, LaDainian Tomlinson gets hurt. Then Philip Rivers. Now…A.J. Smith?

The SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE reports that the Chargers GM took a tumble while exiting his team’s transportation Sunday night. Smith was the first one off the bus, but he tripped & fell outside the front door and had to be helped up by a security guard.

Smith joked that he may have sprained his MCL, but told fans not to worry: “Me, being the athlete that I am, I got up fast. I don’t know if anyone saw me. With all those (TV) lights, you couldn’t see. I’m glad I landed on my bag or I’d probably still be on the ground.”

Had the Chargers continued their woeful season start - especially right after firing popular coach Marty Schottenheimer - many fans would have been more than happy to keep Smith on the ground - 6 feet under, to be exact.

COWBOYS QB ROMO NUMERO UNO IN NFL JERSEY SALES: Drink up, Tony Romo! Your #9 is now #1 in the hearts and wallets of NFL fans.

SPORTS BUSINESS DAILY ships out news that the duds of the Dallas QB were the most purchased on the league’s merchandise site, NFLShop.com.From April to October, more consumers lassoed Romo’s jersey than the uniforms of LaDainian Tomlinson (#2), Peyton Manning (#3), or even 9-0 Tom Brady (#4).

The top ten sellers list rounds out with Brian Urlacher, Brett Favre, Brady Quinn (who has yet to play), Reggie Bush, Adrian Peterson, and Steelers DB Troy Polamalu (hair sold separately).

Romo’s rocketing fame also helped the Cowboys take the top spot in total team merchandise sales, ahead of the Bears and Steelers.Sophia must be proud. And Carrie. And Jessica. And Britney.