Yahoo Sports: A New Englander's Guide on labeling every other team a cheat

According to Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com, the National Football League is investigating the San Diego Chargers for possibly using an illegal "Stickum"-like substance during their 35-24 loss to the Denver Broncos last Monday night.

"NFL Security has already begun investigation as SD equipment man was hiding illegal sticky substance and giving to players. Line judge saw it and had it confiscated and sent to Broncos and league," Glazer posted on Twitter.

The Chargers released a statement later on Sunday.

"We are aware of the inquiry and we are cooperating fully with the league," the Chargers announced on their official website.

The equipment manager had the substance hidden in hand towels and the line judge (Jeff Bergman) noticed it during a timeout and made the equipment manager in question empty his pockets. The NFL takes issues of competitive advantages seriously and Glazer adds that sanctions by the NFL could range from a substantial fine to the possible forfeiture of draft picks, the latter of which may depend on how many individuals were involved in using or distributing the illegal substance.

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In the heat of battle, the Denver Broncos were just trying to stay warm.

That's why Brian Habib, Gary Zimmerman and Mark Schlereth had Vaseline on their arms during Sunday's AFC divisional playoff victory in frigid Kansas City, coach Mike Shanahan insisted yesterday.

Nevertheless, the NFL fined the three offensive linemen $5,000 apiece yesterday for using a foreign substance, which can make it harder for defenders to get a grip.

Shanahan said that he convinced the NFL to drop $5,000 fines levied against Tom Nalen and Tony Jones for the same offense and that he eventually plans to appeal the other three.

``Any time you use a foreign substance, it's subject to a fine. The question is whether Vaseline is considered a foreign substance when it's very cold weather . . . whether it's excessive,'' said Shanahan, whose team plays Pittsburgh in Sunday's AFC Championship Game at Three Rivers Stadium.

``I spent time in Minnesota, and if you've ever lived in a cold-weather climate . . . and you're exposed, you use Vaseline because it closes the pores and you can be out there without a hat on and have it on your face and your ears. You can deal with [the cold].

``It's quite common in the NFL. I know I use it for every cold game; I know I always have. But I don't play, so I don't get fined.''

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As Tampa Bay quarterback Jeff Garcia said: "Everybody in this league is trying to find a way to get away with something that creates an advantage. If they get caught doing something, they'll get penalized. But if they don't, they'll keep doing it as long as they can."

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Wax Frog said:

Paging Bruins29!

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