NFL supposedly upset with Chargers' move

ESPN.com is reporting that "pretty much everyone in the [National Football League] hates the idea of the Chargers in L.A." The league office is said to be "beside itself" over the move and, says ESPN, "the NFL actually wants the Chargers to move back to San Diego, although the league doesn't actually think that's a realistic possibility."

In January of last year, the owners voted overwhelmingly for the deal that gave the Chargers the option to move to L.A. If ESPN's report is accurate, this would appear to be a case of the owners erring badly, then looking for a scapegoat after the arrangement begins falling apart.

And the Chargers' move is looking wobbly. It is already clear that Los Angeles fans do not want to see the Chargers in L.A. Moving-van companies in both San Diego and L.A. do not want to move the team. ESPN says Chargers chairman Dean Spanos has "lost the backing of his fellow owners." These are the same owners who voted almost unanimously in favor of the Chargers trying to get a stadium in San Diego, then, if unsuccessful, joining Stan Kroenke's Rams in a new stadium going up in Inglewood.

ESPN says, "NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made it clear on several occasions that he wanted the Chargers to remain in San Diego." Yes, but Goodell was talking out of both sides of his mouth; if he had been so opposed to the move last year, he could have spoken more forcefully.

CBS Sports NFL reporter Jason La Canfora says several owners last year had "grave concerns" about putting a second team in L.A. so soon.

(corrected 1/22, 8:20 a.m.)