For example, despite the fact that TSC conducted little to no business in Las Vegas for decades, Dean insisted on keeping a TSC office there so that he could write off private flights to enjoy his second home and get his haircut, since Las Vegas is where Deans barber is based, the lawsuit read. It kind of just made me want to fight more at practice, do the little things to show that I deserved to have that number.". 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. Dean Spanos has controlled the teams day-to-day management since 1994. But the 156-page filing raises questions about the future of the franchise owned by the Spanos family since 1984 and reveals a family dispute that until now had played out in private. Now, the question most Chargers fans will have is, of course, could this result in the Bolts moving back to San Diego? He's 21-years-old. To have the opportunity to keep playing with a guy like Quentin Johnston, it's a blessing, for sure. ", The families of Dean, Michael and Alexis Spanos Ruhl have since rebutted Berberian's claims in a statement issued to CBS Sports via Mark Fabiani, special counsel for the Chargers: "It is unfortunate that our sister Dea, who clearly has no interest in continuing to participate in the family's businesses, has resorted to leveling false and provocative charges in an attempt to impose her will on the rest of the family. The lawsuit is also seeking financial damages from Berberians other brother, Michael Spanos, and Steven Cohen, the executive vice president and COO of The Spanos Corporation (TSC). Spanos Throughout this entire ordeal that was instigated without justification by my sister Dea Berberian, my brother Dean has been unfailingly respectful of me and my wishes. The Los Angeles Chargers today re-signed quarterback Easton Stick. (AP Photo/Steve Conner), Boise State defensive tackle Scott Matlock (99) looks to the sidelines against San Diego State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in Boise, Idaho. I thought we were able to just draft players that we felt like fit what we're trying to join up with, create depth and competition at other positions. Alex Spanos, Chargers Owner Worth $2.4 Billion, Dies - Forbes Take a look through some photos of the Chargers 2023 sixth-round Draft pick DT Scott Matlock, from Boise State. He isn't one of these kids that played five or six years with the COVID rule. Every day that passes increases the risks that the charitable beneficiaries and the Spanos family legacy will suffer irreparable financial and reputational damage the petition said. Boise State defensive tackle Scott Matlock (99) lines up against Tennessee-Martin in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Boise, Idaho. 2023 www.recordnet.com. My family, my mother, she was right beside me, so she was super happy for me, as well. Steve Conner/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. Hopefully, I can do that for the Chargers. On the seventh episode of ALL IN Season 2, learn about Khalil Mack's journey to the Chargers and his fight to prove his doubters wrong as the veteran edge rusher holds down the Bolts defense after Joey Bosa is sidelined with a groin injury. Then, we had a photo shoot. All-time NFL Draft list of Connecticut high school football players The Los Angeles Chargers today signed linebacker Eric Kendricks to a multi-year contract. They are two of the type of guys that will be able to soak all of that up from [OLB] Joey Bosa and [OLB] Khalil Mack, and in Daiyan's case, from an Eric Kendricks. All Rights Reserved. Chargers continue to impress in semi-pro football league Chargers The Los Angeles Chargers today signed the following 12 players to Reserve/Future free agent contracts. In the latest episode of ALL IN: Season 2 we take a look at the driving force behind the Chargers offense, quarterback Justin Herbert. 1 / 10. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson). Brynn Anderson/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. Controlling owner Dean Spanos is facing a court challenge from his sister Dea Spanos-Berberian to force the sale of the team. Phelan M. Ebenhack/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. ", "It's been 93 days since our last ball game, so we're ready to get started We're excited to start doing football. A solid family foundation: This is the basis of everything, the essential passage said. I'm just blessed to be a Charger. It was, obviously, a special experience for me and also my family, as well. All rights reserved. On the ninth episode of ALL IN Season 2, go all-access on how the Chargers clinched their first playoff spot since 2018. On drafting offensive players in the first round the last three years: "We drafted a tackle two years ago, a guard last year. The Economou brothers, the L.A. Times reported, want the money returned, along with damages. Alexander Spanos, the longtime owner of the San Diego Chargers, died on October 9 at the age of 95. Spanos bought his controlling stake in the Chargers in 1984. His grandchildren John and A.G. run the team, worth $1.9 billion net of debt. Spanos founded AG Spanos, one of the country's largest apartment developers, in 1960. Powered by Southern California McDonald's. Take a look through some photos of the Chargers 2023 seventh-round Draft pick QB Max Duggan, from TCU. The production was there, the intangibles were there. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. That's why I was always available for special teams and why I will be available here for special teams because I feel like there's a joy, there's an art to it. Then theres the relocation fee, which was $650 million for the Bolts to go to L.A. Then, I come in here and everybody wants to know where they're going to play opening day. Berberian contends the trust has debts and expenses exceeding $353 million, with no plan for how it will pay $22 million it has pledged to charities. (AP Photo/LM Otero), TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) celebrates scoring a touchdown during an NCAA football game against Oklahoma on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Fort Worth, Texas. Someone that you definitely have to double, and if you don't, you're going to lose. When he walks in a room, you're going to feel him right away. I think that's the best thing about this is that you go into this team, this franchise, and you get to learn so much for people that are so knowledgeable, so talented, have been around it for a long time. After the Broncos' record $4.65 billion sale to the Walton-Penner family, one of Denver's AFC West rivals, the Chargers, could be next on the list of NFL franchises to be sold. Maybe this is what I thought his role would be, and then some things happen and this is what it becomes. The move resulted in money shifting from the trust to themselves personally.. The Chargers 2023 draft room in Century City. That moved more than a third of the Chargers into a family trust, one that controls 36% of the team. The lawsuit also lists multiple allegations of "breaches of fiduciary duty" by Dean Spanos, who is accused of diverting $105 million from the trust to various debts. It's going to create a lot within our locker room that, I think, is going to be really healthy, in terms of competition and fitting into a team that's already really good.". I'm like, 'Alright, whatever.' He later bought up nearly all the remaining shares of the team. Berberian accused Michael Spanos of falsely representing himself as a co-trustee of the family trust, and claimed Michael and Cohen played roles in aiding and abetting Deans breaches of fiduciary duty., The lawsuit also accused the Spanos brothers of misogynistic behavior and of actions designed to keep Dea in the dark from business dealings. On the eighth episode of ALL IN Season 2, go all-access on the Chargers young quarterback, Justin Herbert, and learn how his competitive drive has translated to clutch, highlight-worthy plays his whole career, including the Bolts recent win over the Dolphins on Sunday Night Football. It's always long-term with these players when we're drafting them, from the first round to the sixth or seventh round. In an attempt to force the sale of the Chargers, a sister of controlling owner Dean Spanos filed a petition in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Thursday. In it, she argues that mounting debt has imperiled the familys finances and that the only solution is to put the NFL franchise on the market. Top Quotes | Chargers 2023 NFL Draft Weekend Dean Spanos' sister asks L.A. court to force Chargers sale - Los ", Alexis, Dean's other sister, has also pushed back against Berberian's allegations: "The statements made in today's court filing about my brother Dean Spanos are outrageously untrue," she wrote. We put in a lot of hard work, early mornings. That sounds like a guy that we want. On if the roster can achieve what last year's did and possibly improve: "I'll let you in training camp. 2001: San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museums Community Champions Award, 2012: Make-A-Wish Foundation gave the team its Wish-Granting Partner of the Year Award, 2014: Outstanding Community Service Award by the. In addition, according to the filing, the trust doesnt have a plan to pay more than $22 million it has pledged to charities. Then, I saw my jersey. The Los Angeles Chargers agreed to terms with tackle Trey Pipkins III on a multi-year contract. I'm talking about what do we really have? (AP Photo/Brandon Wade), TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) scrambles against Texas during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Austin, Texas. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nfl | pageType: stories | It's like football, but in extreme space. Spanos Family Feud About the Chargers Ownership "It is unfortunate that our sister Dea, who clearly has no interest in continuing to participate in the family's businesses, has resorted to leveling false and provocative charges in an attempt to impose her will on the rest of the family," the statement read. 2023 Chargers Football Company, LLC. Berberian is trying to make the case that Dean has put the family trust in such deep financial trouble that he should be removed as co-trustee, giving her lone control of the trust. Our free newsletter is delivered at 8 a.m. daily. In March 2021, she filed a petition to Los Angeles Superior Court asking the franchise be sold due to mounting trust debts. The petition paints a bleak picture of its finances, estimating an annual shortfall of $11 million with little cash flow or reason to believe the numbers will improve. Coming into the league, that's what I wanted. I agree to receive the "With The First Pick Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. Spanos, Berberian and their siblings Michael Spanos and Alexandra Spanos Ruhl each own 15% of the Chargers franchise, with 36% managed by the family trust and the remaining 4% owned by non-family members. Latest Company & Industry Overviews News and Updates. We didn't take any projections, these guys that we drafted, all seven of them, have proven college production. The four charities involved here have all agreed/understand that the remaining monies due under the pledges will be paid once the trust settles up with the IRS.. The Los Angeles Chargers team, who defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in an exciting finish on Nov. 22, has been in the Spanos family since 1984. Dean Spanos is the Chargers team owner and chairman of the board. His three siblings also hold significant ownership stakes. The team's ownership has come into question this year. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond), Clemson offensive lineman Jordan McFadden runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. ", "I would describe it as being very violent, very physical at the point of attack. A lot is expected of you. In a November 2019 letter included with the court filing, Dean Spanos vowed to his three siblings that he would retain an investment bank at the end of the 2024 season in an effort to find a new owner. Episode 8 of All IN is out now. 21, Alexander: With everything else going on, its NFL draft night, Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (April 20-27), More land sliding at Casa Romantica; residents evacuated, trains halted through San Clemente, Orange County Artist of the Year winners announced, Then and Now: Photos of Casa Romantica show damage caused by landside, Fire at Barnes & Noble in Orange disrupts book-signing event, OC Marine who volunteered in Ukraine, survived rocket attack: I would do it again, Cold, drizzly week ahead for Southern California, The DMV says permission to drive is based on ability, but older drivers are scrutinized more, A look at Orange Countys baseball teams and the CIF-SS playoffs, Status Update: Dutch Bros. drive-through coffee shop plots first OC locations, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. When you guys meet Quentin Johnston, you're going to know why he's here, just like when you guys met [G] Zion Johnson last year and the year before when you met [T] Rashawn Slater. 32 lingering post-draft questions: Will Lions have regrets? It's going to be exciting. It's going to be good. The Chargers will take on the Indianapolis Colts on Monday at 5:15pm at Lucas Oil Stadium. Streisand previously represented Steve Ballmer in his purchase of the Clippers and Jeanie Buss in the legal fight that cemented her as controlling owner of the Lakers. Spanos and Berberian were left as co-trustees of the trust after the deaths of Alex and Faye Spanos in 2018. Get a behind-the-scenes look at 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston's first day with the Bolts! Take a deep dive into the defensive resurgence that powered this postseason push, including how the Bolts stymied two of the most explosive offenses in the league. Dean Spanos, for what it's worth, has long insisted he will never sell the Chargers. I'm excited for opportunity. Alex Spanos - Wikipedia All rights reserved, US Readies Second Attempt at Speedy Border Asylum Screenings, Man, 20s, Dies of Heat Exhaustion on El Capitan Trail in Lakeside, New Rules for Short-Term Vacation Rentals in San Diego Start May 1. On coming from Boise State and joining an organization that features Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore: "That's the GOAT right there, as far as Boise State is talking. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins), FILE - TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) passes with blocking from teammate offensive tackle Andrew Coker against Iowa State defensive end Will McDonald IV (9) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Fort Worth, Texas, on Nov. 26, 2022. at The Chargers left San Diego at the end of the 2016 season after more than 50 years in the region. That's mostly because of a longstanding legal dispute that continued this week, when the sister of current Chargers owner Dean Spanos filed a lawsuit accusing her The Los Angeles Chargers today signed wide receiver Jalen Guyton. Spanos also allegedly manipulated the trust to borrow over $60 million "for the wasteful purchase of an airplane for Dean's and Michael's use that has no legitimate business justification.". Quentin Johnston speaks to the media about being drafted in the first round by the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday, April 28, 2023 at Hoag Performance Center in Costa Mesa, CA. We'll send you the top local news stories every morning at 8 a.m. By clicking subscribe, you agree to share your email address with Times of San Diego to receive our free newsletter and breaking news alerts. Nearly four decades ago, the family patriarch, Alex Spanos, purchased a majority interest in the San Diego Chargers for $40 million. "I'm excited. All rights reserved. That's a big part of it.". Dean Spanos was accused of manipulating the trust to borrow in excess of $60million for an airplane, which was used with no legitimate business justification.. The suit claims the trust is, as of December 31, 2021, $358 million in debt and losing $11 million annually. The three of us and our children, representing more than 75% of the family and its ownership of its businesses, stand united in support of our parents and grandparents wishes, including as to the continued ownership and operation of the Chargers.. That means being on the field as a linebacker, being on the field as a gunner or whatever it may be for special teams and a linebacker, that's what I plan to do.". Register and the Southern California News Group. Get an inside look into what makes Khalil Mack one of the greatest EDGE rushers in the NFL on the latest episode of All In Season 2, out now. All rights reserved. The Los Angeles Chargers today tendered kicker Cameron Dicker as an exclusive rights free agent and signed tackle Foster Sarell. Chargers Oct 09, 2018 at 06:52 AM It is with heavy hearts that the Spanos family announces the death of Alexander Gus Spanos, founder of A.G. Spanos Companies and owner of the Chargers NFL Franchise. I think that they're going to fit really well with our football team.". People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Nell Redmond/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. The State AG in this case is NOT seeking to intervene in other words, the AG is not seeking to become a party to the case. Powered by Southern California McDonald's. Then, going into college, I was in a good situation at TCU; our top receiver was going out [Eagles WR] Jalen Reagor he had number 1, then when I came in, I wasn't expecting to get that number so early. Levis has inside track to be future of Titans, Eagles add three Georgia studs to elite roster, Belichick keeping Jones, Zappe on edge after draft, Simms: Hooker has more talent than Goff, NFL draft takeaways: QBs selected on Day 3, California AG Rob Bonta gets involved in Spanos family dispute over Chargers, In the end, the Packers fleeced the Jets for Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Rodgers blamed cell service at his house for not returning Brian Gutekunsts calls, Trade charts show Jets sending Packers equivalent of a high second-round pick in 2023, Odds greatly improve for Will Levis to be the first overall pick, Deion Sanders is ashamed of 31 NFL teams for not drafting any HBCU players, Brian Gutekunst: It would have been nice to have had those conversations with Aaron Rodgers, Jim Irsay asks fans whether Colts should pair Will Levis with Anthony Richardson, will not be selling any aspect of the team. Boise State won 35-13. That was something that was really impressive to us, was spending time with him. He's a young player with just three years in college. On the benefit of playing multiple positions throughout his football career: "Exactly that, just being able to play somebody their positions, be on the opposite side of the ball first. Meanwhile, the trust is so heavily concentrated in owning a minority stake in a professional football team that beneficiaries have no choice but to depend almost solely on the rise or fall of the Team.. Berberian claims that Dean's decision to relocate the Chargers from San Diego back to Los Angeles in 2017 has put the trust more than $358 million in debt. go earlier, and there was a lot of excitement to be a part of this franchise, to go out and be in L.A. and be with this group people. On the long-term view factoring into draft picks: "It's funny because when we talk about these players in the draft room and meetings, we're talking long-term with all of them. Sam Hodde/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. I said, 'Those aren't the most exciting picks, but they were needed picks.' (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus). Take a look at top quotes from Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco, Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley and the Chargers draft picks' media availability from draft weekend: "He's big, strong and fast. He and his wife were the owners until they both passed away in 2018. I feel like I need to come in, as a young guy, as a sponge, taking in as much information as I need to. John oversees the teams football operations and A.G. heads the business side. We won't use your email for any other purpose, and you can opt out at any time via an unsubscribe link. That's a good way to start it off as a player. The Spanos family owns 96% of the Chargers. It feels weird to stay here just because I was expecting to leave, go somewhere on the East Coast. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde), TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) passes during the first half of an NCAA college game against SMU on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Dallas, Texas. One example, taken from the lawsuit: Dean continues to use Trust assets as collateral, draw on the Trusts lines of, credit, and refuses to pay dividends for his own personal benefit and in breach of his fiduciary duties. Who Owns the LA Chargers? Spanos Family History and They're all talented, but once they get in this league, it takes a lot of work to get to where you want to go and keep improving. In 1995, they created The Chargers Impact Fund, which has given $13 million so far to various programs. Spanos, raised in Stockton, California, is the son of Alex Spanos and Faye Papafaklis, both of Greek ancestry. Photo by Chris Stone Dean Spanos, co-owner of the Los Angeles Chargers , is mired in a family dispute that has prompted another court battle. Dimitri and Lex Economou, Spanos nephews, sued him this week in San Joaquin County, according to the Los Angeles Times. On being selected by the Chargers and his emotions upon receiving the call (Question from WR Quentin Johnston): "It was unbelievable. 21 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. For example, despite the fact that TSC (The Spanos Corporation) conducted little to no business in Las Vegas for decades, Dean insisted on keeping a TSC office there so that he could write-off private flights to enjoy his second home and get his hair cut, since Las Vegas is where Deans barber is based., The suit alleges, while Dean and Dea are the co-trustees, Michael has been misrepresenting himself as a trustee and the brothers have attempted to freeze their sister out of the trusts decision-making process because Dean and Michael believe to their cores that, regardless of what their parents intended and their wills specified, men are in charge and women should shut up.. They also disagree on what exactly the AGs involvement in the dispute implies for the case at hand. The remaining 4% is owned by non-family members. In addition, Mike Hiestand will transition to the defensive side of the ball as a Front Seven Specialist and John Timu will be the Assistant Defensive Line Coach. (AP Photo/Steve Conner), Boise State defensive tackle Scott Matlock (99) celebrates with Boise State place kicker Jonah Dalmas after his 1 yard touchdown catch in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, in Boise, Idaho. Instead, what the State AG is asking for is to receive notice of everything filed in this case. On this edition of Let's Play, tight end Tre' McKitty and linebacker face off in a race of F1 2021. ", "I was kind of preparing myself to like go somewhere far, like all the way to the East Coast or something, but I'm happy to stay home and be close to family. Breaches of fiduciary duty. The LA Chargers in action on November 21, 2021. In partnership with the Los Angeles Chargers Impact Fund, Inglewood Unified School District, and Brotherhood Crusade, SoFi celebrated the graduation of 14 young scholars from the Bolt Academy program.