And this isn't the first example of behavior by the Pats that has been perceived as classless which is why you see all this press about it.
...The 13-2 Chargers have had their share of off field problems, any where from Steve Foley being shot by an off- duty police officer to a practice player getting arrested for DUI. Little is mentioned that recently they were under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for sending large sums of money to China. The reason for this investigation was the belief that players were involved in a steroid-smuggling ring. Shortly after this investigation, Shawn Merriman was recently suspended 4 games by the NFL for violating the leagues steroid-abuse policy. Now the DEA believes the money is being used for knockoff athletic shoes that could be passed off and sold as name-brand merchandise in this country. Because of this belief, the case has since been turned over to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, which has jurisdiction over such investigations.
Safety Terrence Kiel of the Chargers was arrested by DEA agents at the team's practice facility in September on charges of transporting and possessing a controlled substance. Kiel admitted to shipping at least two parcels of prescription cough syrup to Texas. While Kiel did not tell the DEA his motive, the agency in Texas has found widespread abuse of codeine-based cough syrup mixed with soft drinks or drugs and referred to as "lean," which can cost between $200 and $325 on the street.
Chargers' Phillips arrested in scuffle with police
San Diego Chargers backup linebacker Shaun Phillips was arrested after he scuffled with a patrol officer, police said.
Phillips saw significant action in 2005 and made three starts in place of injured linebacker Steve Foley. He was second on the team last season with seven sacks.
San Diego Charger arrested for suspected drunken driving
By: North County Times
SAN DIEGO -- Cornerback Cletis Gordon of the San Diego Chargers' football team was arrested early today in San Diego on suspicion of drunken driving, authorities said.
Gordon, a 23-year-old cornerback, becomes one of almost half a dozen of the team's players who have been arrested this year on various charges in separate incidents.
Monica Munoz, San Diego police spokeswoman, said Gordon was taken into custody about 2:15 a.m. at Sixth Avenue and J Street in the Gaslamp Quarter area.
He was booked into the San Diego Central Jail and released before noon.
Gordon, who attended Jackson State, didn't play early in the season because of a wrist injury, but he has played since then, said Bill Johnston, Chargers' spokesman.
"There won't be any change in his status," Johnston said.
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