Laid-Back San Diego Not a City for Champions

As another depressing sports year in San Diego draws to a close, the ever-optimistic local sports fan is left to ponder the same old question: Why do all of my teams lose? Be it the Aztecs, Padres or Chargers, San Diego sports teams can be counted on to disappoint and dishearten even the most loyal sports fan. Of course, the one aberration is the Sockers. Well, I think I have the answer to this dilemma.

San Diego is, by nature, a weak, soft, laid-back, silly sort of resort city that lacks any real intensity or grit. The teams that represent this city manifest these qualities and play accordingly. It doesn’t make any difference how intense or tough an athlete is when he comes here (San Diego produces few of its own athletes) after a few margaritas, some guacamole and a day at the beach, they lose their edge.

The answer is not new coaches, free agents, new general managers or new arenas. As long as the teams represent San Diego, they can be counted on to play accordingly. This fact won’t change until the demeanor of the city changes, and that won’t be happening in the near future.

BILL TAPP

San Diego