It was a football game better watched through your fingers.

But at least the Chargers retired LaDainian Tomlinson’s number Sunday and even enlisted him as an unofficial morale officer, a cruise director without a passport.

He deserved the honor. It was nice. His halftime speech was inspiring. It didn’t do any good. Maybe because the players didn’t hear it.

While the crowd got into it a bit — you could actually hear it at times over the screaming vacated seats and smattering of Chiefs fans, the chants of “LT LT” — but nobody was kidding a kidder. The Chargers ended with 3 points, good if this were soccer, Kansas City with 33, fine for American football.


The Chargers, now losers of six straight, stink, but, even worse, they aren’t fun. Boring is worse than bad. Honor who you want, honor perhaps your most sainted player. Boring is death. These are parlor games — funeral parlor games.

You can bring back the past. You can’t relive it.

Once, the Chargers meant something —not that long ago, really, when LT was running around Mission Valley like the devil himself. Games became after-church socials, a place to be, to the point where Qualcomm Stadium was its own place of worship. Sunday they even brought in a Medal of Honor recipient, U.S. Army Capt. Florent Groberg, a genuine hero. It was moving.

1 / 100 Former Chargers runningback LaDainian Tomlinson gets emotional as his number 21 was retired at Qualcomm Stadium during halftime of the Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 2 / 100 Former Chargers runningback LaDainian Tomlinson is congratulated by former teammate Donnie Edwards, left, after Tomlinson’s number 21 was retired at Qualcomm Stadium. (K.C. Alfred) 3 / 100 Former Chargers runningback LaDainian Tomlinson’s number 21 was retired and he was inducted into the Ring of Honor at Qualcomm Stadium during halftime of the Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 4 / 100 Former Chargers runningback LaDainian Tomlinson salutes the crowd as his number 21 was retired at Qualcomm Stadium during halftime of the Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 5 / 100 Former Chargers runningback LaDainian Tomlinson’s number 21 was retired at Qualcomm Stadium during halftime of the Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 6 / 100 Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers leaves the field after a 33-3 loss to the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 7 / 100 Chiefs Spencer Ware scores a touchdown in the 4th quarter against the Chargers. (K.C. Alfred) 8 / 100 Chargers King Dunlap sits on the bench during the final moments of a 33-3 loss to the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 9 / 100 Chargers Jason Verrett, Joe Barksdale, D.J. Fluker, and Melvin Ingram leave the field after a 33-3 loss to the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 10 / 100 Chargers Melvin Gordon walks off the field after Sundays lost to the Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 11 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers watched from the sidelines late in the 4th quarter during Sundays lost to the Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 12 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers watched from the sidelines late in the 4th quarter during Sundays lost to the Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 13 / 100 Chargers Corey Liuget watched from the sidelines late in the 4th quarter during Sundays lost to the Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 14 / 100 Chargers Manti Te’o is unable to stop Chiefs Spencer Ware from scoring in the 2nd half of a home game lost to the Chiefs. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 15 / 100 Chargers owner Dean Spanos sits in a box during the Chargers loss to the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 16 / 100 Chiefs Alex Smith scrambles agaisnt the Chargers in the 3rd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 17 / 100 Fans thank LaDainian Tomlinson, who had his number 21 retired at halftime of the Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 18 / 100 Chiefs Tamba Hali celebrates sacking Chargers Philip Rivers in the 3rd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 19 / 100 Chiefs Justin Houston returns an interception for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter against the Chargers. (K.C. Alfred) 20 / 100 Chargers Javontee Herndon is stopped at the 15-yard line on a kick return by Chiefs D.J. Alexander in the 4th quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 21 / 100 Chargers Dontrelle Inman drops a pass right to him in the 3rd quarter against the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 22 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers reacts to the Chiefs challenging and winning a play in the 4th quarter that resulted in a fourth down. (K.C. Alfred) 23 / 100 Chargers Mike McCoy, center, and staff look on during the 4th quarter of a 33-3 loss to the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 24 / 100 Chargers defense was unable to stop this 52-yard rush by Chiefs Spencer Ware in the 2nd half at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 25 / 100 Chargers Javontee Herndon can’t believe his fumble on a punt return in the 2nd half against the Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 26 / 100 Chargers escapes the defense of the Chiefs in the 2nd half at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 27 / 100 Chiefs Justin Houston celebrates in the end zone his interception turned in for a touchdown against Philip Rivers in the 2nd half at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 28 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers gets the pass off in time against the Chiefs in the 2nd half at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 29 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers gets sacked against the Chiefs with a loss of 13-yards in the 2nd half at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 30 / 100 Pass complete to Chiefs Travis Kelce for a gain of 7-yards in the 3rd quarter with Chargers Jahleel Addae defending. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 31 / 100 In the half against the The Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers hold the Chiefs Charcandrick West from scoring. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 32 / 100 During the half time between the Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, LaDainian Tomlinson gave a heartfelt thank you to the fans for their support during his NFL football career as a Charger. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 33 / 100 During the half time between the Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, LaDainian Tomlinson jersey number was officially retired by the team. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 34 / 100 During the half time ceremony between the Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, LaDainian Tomlinson is hugged by his wife LaTorsha Oakley. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 35 / 100 During the half time Chargers Hall of Fame ceremony at Qualcomm Stadium San Diego, LaDainian Tomlinson holds his Chargers Hall of Fame award. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 36 / 100 Chargers Melvin Gordon rushes for the first down against the Chief in the 1st half at Qualcomm Stadium. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 37 / 100 In the half against the The Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers hold the Chiefs Charcandrick West from scoring. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 38 / 100 Charger Girls perform for fans at Qualcomm Stadium during the games against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 39 / 100 Charger Girls perform for fans at Qualcomm Stadium during the games against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 40 / 100 LaDainian Tomlinson walks arond Qualcomm Stadium before the start of the Chargers game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 41 / 100 Chris Farrell cheers on the Chargers as they walk onto the field at Qualcomm Stadium before the start of game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 42 / 100 Chargers head coach Mike McCoy at Qualcomm Stadium before the start of game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 43 / 100 Pass complete to Chargers Stevie Johnson for a gain of 13-yards against the chief at Qualcomm Stadium. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 44 / 100 Chiefs Alex Smith throws agains the Chargers in the 2nd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 45 / 100 Chargers Tyrell Williams can’t make a catch in bounds as Chiefs Husain Abdullah defends in the 2nd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 46 / 100 Chargers Melvin Gordon runs the ball in the 2nd quarter against the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 47 / 100 Chargers Josh Lambo celebrates the team’s only points of the game on a 2nd quarter field goal. (K.C. Alfred) 48 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers scrambles in the 2nd quarter against the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 49 / 100 Chargers Ladarius Green can’t make a catch in the 2nd quarter as Chiefs Josh Mauga defends. (K.C. Alfred) 50 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers is sacked in the 1st quarter by Chiefs Josh Mauga. (K.C. Alfred) 51 / 100 Chiefs Dontari Poe (92) scores a touchdown in the 1st quarter against the Chargers. (K.C. Alfred) 52 / 100 Chiefs Jeremy Maclin is tackled by Chargers Jason Verrett, Manti Te’o, and Brandon Flowers (24) in the 1st quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 53 / 100 The Chargers painted #21 on the field to honor former runningback LaDainian Tomlinson, who had his number retired. (K.C. Alfred) 54 / 100 Chiefs Alex Smith throws and is hit by Chargers Denzel Perryman in the 1st quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 55 / 100 A Chargers fan stood up showing support for LaDainian Tomlinson at Qualcomm Stadium during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 56 / 100 Lots of Chargers fans wore LaDainian Tomlinson jerseys on the day his number was retired. (K.C. Alfred) 57 / 100 Former Chargers Lorenzo Neal and LaDainian Tomlinson take the field as LT’s #21 was retired. (K.C. Alfred) 58 / 100 Chargers Manti Te’o is introduced against the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 59 / 100 Chargers Josh Lambo kicks off against the Chiefs in the 2nd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 60 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers runs out of bounds as Chiefs Jaye Howard tries to defend in the 2nd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 61 / 100 A Chargers fan stood up showing support for LaDainian Tomlinson at Qualcomm Stadium during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 62 / 100 Chargers Melvin Gordon rushes for the first down against the Chief in the 1st half at Qualcomm Stadium. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 63 / 100 LaDainian Tomlinson walks into Qualcomm Stadium just before the start the half against Kansas City Chiefs. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 64 / 100 LaDainian Tomlinson waits with his family for the Chargers Hall of Fame ceremony at Qualcomm Stadium. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 65 / 100 During the half time between the Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, LaDainian Tomlinson gave a heartfelt thank you to the fans for their support during his NFL football career as a Charger. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 66 / 100 The Charger Girls perform during the Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 67 / 100 The Chargers played the Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. (K.C. Alfred) 68 / 100 The Chargers take the field before the Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 69 / 100 The Charger Girls perform during the Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 70 / 100 Chargers fans showing support for the Chargers against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 71 / 100 Philip Rivers heads for the fields to take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 72 / 100 Chargers Antonio Gates takes the field against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. (K.C. Alfred) 73 / 100 Military members carry flags into Arrowhead Stadium for the start of the Chargers-Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 74 / 100 Chiefs Alex Smith is introduced against the Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. (K.C. Alfred) 75 / 100 Chargers Denzel Perryman hits Chiefs Charcandrick West in the 1st quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 76 / 100 Chargers King Dunlap was injured against the Chiefs in the 1st quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 77 / 100 Chargers Melvin Gordon is stopped by Chiefs Tamba Hali in the 1st quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 78 / 100 A Chargers fan can’t stand to watch during the 4th quarter againt the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 79 / 100 Chiefs Alex Smith is introduced against the Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. (K.C. Alfred) 80 / 100 Fans braved a steady rain at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chargers-Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 81 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers calls out a play to lineman Kenny Wiggins, Trevor Robinson, center, and Orlando Franklin against the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 82 / 100 Chiefs Alex Smith drops back to pass against the Chargers in the 3rd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 83 / 100 Chiefs cheerleaders perform during the Chargers game at Arrowhead Stadium. (K.C. Alfred) 84 / 100 Fans brave a steady rain during the Chargers-Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium. (K.C. Alfred) 85 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers throws against the Chiefs in the 2nd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 86 / 100 Chiefs Derrick Johnson intercepts a pass intended for Chargers Malcom Floyd in the 2nd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 87 / 100 Chiefs Derrick Johnson intercepts a pass intended for Chargers Malcom Floyd in the 2nd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 88 / 100 Chargers catches a pass for a first down against the Chiefs in the 2nd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 89 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers walks off the field after not converting a 3rd down play against the Chiefs in the 1st quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 90 / 100 Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith lines up against the Chargers in the 1st quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 91 / 100 Chargers Jerry Attouch sacks Chiefs Alex Smith in the 3rd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 92 / 100 Chargers Malcom Floyd drops a pass in front of Chiefs Marcus Peters in the 4th quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 93 / 100 Chargers Malcom Floyd drops a pass in front of Chiefs Marcus Peters in the 4th quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 94 / 100 Chargers fans lookn on during a 10-3 loss to the Chiefs in the 4th quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 95 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers is hit by Chiefs Dee Ford in the 3rd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 96 / 100 Chargers Melvin Gordon runs the ball against the Chiefs in the 3rd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 97 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers catches his breath after getting sacked by Chiefs Rakeem Nunez-Roches in the 4th quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 98 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers is helped up by Chris Hairston after getting sacked by Chiefs Dee Ford in the 4th quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 99 / 100 Chargers coach Mike McCoy walks the sidelines against the Chiefs in the 4th quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 100 / 100 Chargers fans brave the rain before the Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium. (K.C. Alfred)


But once it’s gone, it’s gone.

What the big bartender has poured is a bad cocktail, a mix of the Carson threat, a few dashes of bitters and apathy, overly conservative coaching when nothing’s to be lost, not enough shots of NFL players, awful decisions, and injuries for garnish.

Every one of these things lately has been turned into an exhibition game. There is an “oh, well” to this now. It’s reached the point where, while you can say they’re playing for pride, it would be difficult, because there doesn’t seem to be much pride to be had.

It’s gotten to where even The Great Gamer, quarterback Philip Rivers, may be starting to fear for his livelihood (as he did last year). He is wondering about effort, for sure. He had a miserable passer rating of 65.7. His offense mustered 201 total yards, or just about half of what it had been averaging. They fell behind early and had no chance. This was a no-doubter, and the Chiefs aren’t the ’75 Steelers.


It isn’t a matter of it not working anymore. It’s that it can’t work anymore. The factory has run out of spare parts. And Sunday, despite McCoy repeatedly stating his kids had a good week of practice after a bye rest, they really didn’t seem to care, and McCoy seemed to sense it.

“Very disappointing,” he said. “I just thought the mindset of the players coming off the bye was outstanding. Each individual player and coach has to look at themselves first. This has got to change. Did I do everything on every snap?”

Complete coverage: Chiefs 33, Chargers 3

Obviously, they did many bad things on many snaps. There was nothing there to warrant praise.

It would seem McCoy is on the ropes now. Given what we saw Sunday, it’s almost impossible to imagine him righting the ship. I don’t know what losing a locker room really means, but it doesn’t seem he has a grasp on it.


“That was the last thing I thought would happen after the way we practiced,” he said, “the energy, the mindset coming in. We didn’t get it done in all three phases. We had a great atmosphere today; it (the LT celebration) was great for the organization and the fans.”

It seems the words Rivers and tight end Antonio Gates had on the sideline mustered up about as much excitement as the team did on the field. Philip pooh-poohed it as nothing, which I’m sure it was. Football players are intense. It happens.

But Rivers, who used a great word, “lollygaggling,” is beyond frustrated now, and when basically asked if all his teammates were going all out, he passed the baton to his coach.

“That’s a question for Mike; I’m not him,” Rivers said. “I’m not here to assess that. It’s just: be a pro now. Are you going to be a man? Be a pro.”


Harsh, but good.

Is this rock bottom, Philip?

“It doesn’t matter. Who cares?

“That football team is better than us. Could we have beaten them? Yes. But they’re better than us.”


So, I’m thinking, is everyone else.

sezme.godfather@gmail.com Twitter: @sdutCanepa