LT, other Chargers among wildfire evacuees; practice canceled

Monday, Oct 22, 2007 , NFL.com

Reigning NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson was among several San Diego Chargers players, coaches and staff members who had to evacuate their homes as wildfires burned in San Diego County.

The Chargers, who had just returned from their bye weekend, canceled practice Monday. Players were dismissed so they could take care of families, spokesman Bill Johnston said.

As of late Monday morning, wildfires fanned by fierce desert winds forced the evacuations of nearly 250,000 people in San Diego County.

Johnston said it was too early to know if the fires will affect Sunday's scheduled home game against the Houston Texans at Qualcomm Stadium, where the parking lot was being used as an evacuation center.

Four years ago to the week, the Chargers had to move a home Monday night game to Phoenix on short notice because the Qualcomm parking lot was being used as an evacuation center during deadly wildfires.

Tomlinson's business manager, Lamar Andrews, said he checked on the player at 5 a.m. and he and his wife had already left their home in suburban Poway. Andrews said two other players he represents, safety Marlon McCree and linebacker Matt Wilhelm, also evacuated their homes.

Johnston said others in the organization were evacuated.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved