(AP Photo/Steve Conner). It feels weird to stay here just because I was expecting to leave, go somewhere on the East Coast. The lawsuit was filed Thursday in San Joaquin County Superior Court by attorneys representing Dea Spanos Berberian, who is seeking sole control of a family trust that constitutes more than one-third of the Chargers' ownership. 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. "I always believed in the pursuit of one's dreams. I'm excited for opportunity. 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. Dea says her brother has been using the trust to pay against debts, many of them for his own personal gain and the detriment of the rest of the family. Not a member? Considering the fact Berberian has already filed a petition in Los Angeles County Superior Court asking that the trust and the team be put up for sale it stands to reason that she would put the team up for sale. TCU won 34-24. Nell Redmond/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. Obviously, there will be a short-term outlook on how they may fit a role early, but after that, as you know, where do we project them three or four years down the road? Sam Hodde/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. 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. The four Spanos siblings each own 15%. On being selected by the Chargers and remaining in his hometown: "Thank you to the Spanos Family, [General Manager] Tom Telesco, [Head] Coach [Brandon] Staley for believing in me and blessing me with this opportunity. ", "I think from where we were as a football team, cap space-wise, where our roster is, what our resources were, I think it went pretty well. Los Angeles Chargers owner Dean Spanos has been accused of "misogynistic" behavior, "self-dealing" and repeated "breaches of fiduciary duty" by his sister in a lawsuit that escalates the siblings' ongoing legal battle over control of the team. The Los Angeles Chargers today signed cornerback Kemon Hall. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 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. The legal conflict came into public view in April 2021, when Berberian petitioned the Los Angeles County Superior Court to put the trust up for sale. Alexis Spanos Ruhl also released an additional statement defending Dean. According to Daniel Popper of 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. It's going to be exciting. Kenneth Murray is going into his fourth year playing, so there's a lot of wisdom there. The Chargers will take on the Denver Broncos on Sunday at 1:25pm at Empowerfield at Mile High. 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. It was, obviously, a special experience for me and also my family, as well. Well, you know the situation has hit rock bottom when an elected politician gets involved. I'm excited to get to work.". 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. Adrian Kraus/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. Last year, [DL] Otito [Obonnia] was here. The Cal State Northridge graduate also spent two seasons as a breaking news editor for NFL.com. Chargers The Chargers will take on the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at 1:05pm at State Farm Stadium. The scene is set!! Episode 8 of All IN is out now. All rights reserved. The NFL declined to comment on the lawsuit. You have linebacker movements if you're sitting there trying to rush, or edge movements just different types of movements based off what position you're playing and what's happening. If the NFL is not willing to waive or at least drastically reduce that fee a new owner would be looking at $4.5 billion to $5 billion to put the Chargers back where they belong. ", 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. The Spanos family owns 96% of the Chargers. Please reload the page and try again. 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 | On 'focusing long-term' with the 'vision' for each player selected: "That's the whole thing. Spanos The 2021 court filing alleges the Spanos family legacy is in danger of suffering irreparable financial and reputational damage.. Dean Spanos' sister asks L.A. court to force Chargers sale - Los Teaming up with my former teammate, Quentin Johnston, it's just a blessing. To step in and watch guys who have done it and done it at a high level that are really masters of their craft, I think is really going to help them.". In a joint statement between siblings Alexis Spanos Ruhl, Dean and Michael, the families disputed the accusations made by their sister in her latest lawsuit. Over Berberian likely sees the sale of the NFL team as the best way to pull the family trust out of financial turmoil. I think the same for Tuli [Tuipulotu]. ", "Just come in and control what you control. 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 events brought in approximately $300 million to the local economy. Latest Spanos family lawsuit accuses Chargers owner of The families of Dean Spanos, Alexis Spanos Ruhl and Michael Spanos released a statement later Friday reaffirming their unity. 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. That's something that I got from my old coach it's football in extreme space. 21 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Dean Spanos, the controlling owner of the Chargers, was accused of repeated breaches of fiduciary duty and self-dealing by his sister in a lawsuit, which also claimed A named source close to the team told Popper a different tune for the involvement. 342 (12) Alex Spanos, who was Dean Spanos father, purchased the L.A. Chargers in 1984 for about $40 million. 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. His four adult children 1 / 10. They would line me up in the backfield sometimes. A private jet to get a haircut. "Throughout this entire ordeal that was instigated without justification by my sister Dea Berberian, my brother Dean has been unfailingly respectful of me and of my wishes. 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.. The Los Angeles Chargers today signed linebacker Eric Kendricks to a multi-year contract. The move resulted in money shifting from the trust to themselves personally.. According to Forbes.com, the teams worth in the spring 2021 was $2.6 billion. The Los Angeles Chargers today re-signed center/guard Will Clapp. The families of Dean, Michael, and Alexis released a joint statement responding to the lawsuit: "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 browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. I know that they'll take full advantage of it. 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.". This is normal state AGs often get involved with large charitable trusts. The Economou brothers, the L.A. Times reported, want the money returned, along with damages. 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. 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. 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. WebAlex Spanos was a shining example of how the American spirit of hard work and determination can pay off for those willing to follow their dreams. Learning the game that way helps you be more, I guess, capable to do one job because you know so many jobs on that football field. LM Otero/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. (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. He has a lot of learning to do, especially at that position. That's why we feel really good about all three of these guys.". Like I said, we're really glad that he's a teammate of Derwin James.". The Spanos family owns 96 percent of the Chargers. The program is designed to offer juniors and seniors from Inglewood high schools the opportunity to participate in a six month after-school program to develop leadership and job-readiness skills. Dea Spanos Berberian wants to sell the team due to financial mismanagement. All rights reserved. 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. Dea Spanos Berberian filed the suit Thursday in San Joaquin County Superior Court, as ESPN reported, seeking sole control of the Spanos Family Trust that constitutes more than one-third of the Chargers' ownership. 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. A private jet to get a haircut. More:Faye Spanos: A wonderful person, a wonderful life, More:Whos who of civic, sports leaders bid farewell to Alex Spanos, Photos: Remembering the life, legacy of Alex Spanos. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File), TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) passes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Baylor in Waco, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. Aggressive Misogyny. Berberian has sought to have the 36 percent stake of the team controlled by the Spanos trust sold as she claims the team is unable to fulfill its financial commitments to charitable causes due to the debt of the franchise. 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). The Chargers left San Diego at the end of the 2016 season after more than 50 years in the region. But, obviously, I knew that that came with a lot. The NFL has declined comment on the matter. Then, I come in here and everybody wants to know where they're going to play opening day. Gilbert Manzano covers the Los Angeles Rams for the O.C. Contact Us - Gomadic And he has been fighting, along with my brother Michael and me, to fulfill the wishes of our mother, Faye, relating to our family and our businesses. They now have an emerging superstar at quarterback in Justin Herbert and share the $5-billion SoFi Stadium with the Rams. Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Throughout this process, I feel like I built a lot of good relationships with all of the coaches on the coaching staff and really built up and connected with them in that way. Being here three years I'm from Northeast Ohio, one of the special places in the country for football but Southern California, that's taking it to a different level. (AP Photo/Steve Conner), Boise State defensive tackle Scott Matlock (99) pressures Tennessee-Martin quarterback Dresser Winn (3) as Winn throws the ball in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Boise, Idaho. The petition asks the court to order Berberian and Spanos to take steps to sell the trusts share of the Chargers and invoke a provision of trust law that would require the teams other shareholders to do the same. There are different paths for everybody, in terms of how quickly people play and what their role is. 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.". 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 arguing that mounting debt has imperiled the familys finances and the only solution is to put the NFL franchise on the market. The Chargers will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday at 5:15pm at TIAA Bank Stadium for the AFC Wild Card Game. Powered by Southern California McDonald's. 2:14 pm ET. I'm excited to get to work with the defense and the D-line and help the guys win some football games.". On his reaction to receiving the call and being selected by the Chargers: "I was super excited. The Los Angeles Chargers agreed to terms with the following undrafted free agents on Saturday after the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft: The Bolts drafted Southern California outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (54th overall) and Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley (85th overall), adding a pair of Los Angeles Area natives and 2022 first-team All-Pacific-12 selections. Its all alleged in a lawsuit filed this week against Dean Spanos that could tip the balance of power in the Spanos family and, almost certainly, usher in the sale of the National Football Leagues Chargers. Who Owns the LA Chargers? Spanos Family History and The AG has the right to support our petition or to file its own petition seeking to compel the sale. The Chargers will take on the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at 1:25pm at Sofi Stadium. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. You must be logged in to leave a comment. The AG generally doesnt do this unless it has real concerns, Berberians lawyer Adams Streisand said. Adam Streisand, the attorney for Berberian, declined to comment. Chargers owner Dean Spanos sued by sister for financially Spanos family quarrel is another setback for Chargers in L.A. Dean Spanos' sister, Dea, petitions court to force Chargers The family trust controls 36% of the team with the remainder owned by nonfamily members. Rather than seeking to monetize illiquid assets in order to pay debts and liabilities, and make distributions to beneficiaries, the Co-Trustees have principally been borrowing, including borrowing money from one bank to pay another, the petition said. Chargers We won't use your email for any other purpose, and you can opt out at any time via an unsubscribe link. On Henley learning from LB Eric Kendricks: "What a wealth of knowledge. His four adult children Alexandra Spanos Ruhl, Michael Spanos, Dean Spanos and Berberian each owns 15% of the Chargers. 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. All rights reserved. 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. 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. That sounds like me, sounds like [General Manager] Tom [Telesco], [Owner and Chairman of the Board] Dean Spanos. She claims that the team has $353 million in debt and expenses. Take a look through some photos of the Chargers 2023 sixth-round Draft pick DT Scott Matlock, from Boise State. 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. Definitely a little familiar with them, but I definitely going to have to invest some time and study and learn a little bit more.". The Spanos family has owned the LA Chargers since 1984 when the late Alex Spanos purchased 60% ownership of the team. Berberian, therefore, is looking to control a total of 51 percent of the team, making her majority owner. The Los Angeles Chargers selected TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston with the No. On his punt return and kickoff return abilities: "My game, as a returner, I always tell people that I'm explosive. 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. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. 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. 32 lingering post-draft questions: Will Lions have regrets? Spanos, raised in Stockton, California, is the son of Alex Spanos and Faye Papafaklis, both of Greek ancestry. Obviously, you see Q and D.D. This website is managed on a digital platform of the National Football League. Spanos family In response to the filing, Dean Spanos and two of his siblings released a statement Thursday pledging to keep the team in the family. Dean Spanos is the (AP Photo/Nell Redmond), Clemson offensive lineman Jordan McFadden runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. Alex Spanos, a billionaire real estate developer, took ownership of the then-San Diego franchise in 1984, buying 60% of the team for $48.3 million. Alex Spanos - Wikipedia Take a look through some photos of the Chargers 2023 sixth-round Draft pick DT Scott Matlock, from Boise State. Dea Spanos Berberian is the co-trustee along with brother Dean to oversee the team trust established by their parents. His three siblings also hold significant ownership stakes. In her estimation its necessary to overturn years of financial mismanagement by Dean, Michael, and Steve Cohen (executive vice president of The Spanos Corporation). Berberian accuses brothers Dean and Michael of repeatedly acting "out of their deeply-held misogynistic attitudes and sense of entitlement as the men in the family and to rationalize their pitiable behavior which she believes is intended to teach her that a woman has no rights, no matter what any trust instrument might say." That's crazy. To characterize Dean as somehow being less than fully respectful of the women in our family is just not right., Statement by the Spanos family regarding their sister Deas latest lawsuit #Chargers pic.twitter.com/FiskZHTSi8, Gilbert Manzano (@GManzano24) June 10, 2022. Berberian contends the situation is too dire to wait. All rights reserved. They noted that she doesnt have a large enough stake to force a sale. Lawsuit That Could Force Spanos Family to Sell Chargers ", "Great quarterback. Dean Spanos: Los Angeles Chargers owner is sued by his sister in a I think that is something that I can do at the Chargers, be a versatile player, come in and make plays when the offense needs it, and just be that great teammate to my teammates.". He had an outstanding college career, meant a lot to TCU. Then theres the relocation fee, which was $650 million for the Bolts to go to L.A. All rights reserved. They said that, if necessary, they were prepared to buy their sisters stake in the franchise. TCU won 55-24. Boise State won 35-13. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. In it, she 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. The plaintiffs are the sons of a Spanos sister, Dea Spanos Berberian. Be a sponge. 2023 www.recordnet.com. One of the attorneys working with Berberian is Adam Streisand, who helped Jeannie Buss take control of the Lakers and represented Steve Ballmer successfully force Donald Sterling to sell the Clippers. I was sitting there and watching, then, all of a sudden, my phone rings. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. See who wins the matchup between these two Chargers defensive linemen, Joseph-Day's Bolts led by Justin Herbert or Fox's random choice, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. To walk in the room with Mike Williams and [WR] Keenan Allen, it can't get much better than that. 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. Berberian also accuses her brothers of conspiring with Steven Cohen, the executive vice president and COO of The Spanos Corporation, to undermine Berberian by "deliberately" damaging her relationship with the pastor of her Greek Orthodox church, Father Alex Karloutsos. Check out where the Chargers front office will be based for night one of the 2023 NFL Draft! 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 arguing In March 2021, she filed a petition to Los Angeles Superior Court asking the franchise be sold due to mounting trust debts. Unfortunately, our sister Dea seems to have a different and misguided personal agenda., They said operations of the Chargers will be entirely unaffected by this matter.. Spanos family Great work ethic that we love. I'm already liking it. The Chargers' owners, the Spanos family, are taking a huge gamble that scrutinized Brandon Staley can make a huge leap as a coach and make his team super. To characterize Dean as somehow being less than fully respectful of the women in our family is just not right.". Berberian's sons, Dimitri and Lex Economou, also previously filed a lawsuit against Dean Spanos, alleging that he secretly diverted money from the trust. You're signing a rookie for four or five years, that's the vision. We'll see when we get on the field. All-time NFL Draft list of Connecticut high school football players (AP Photo/Darron Cummings), Clemson offensive lineman Jordan McFadden (71) stretches during practice for the Orange Bowl NCAA college football, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Clemson faces Tennessee on Friday. Both are co-trustees of the Spanos Family Trust which controls 36% of the Chargers. As soon as I got off the plane, I'm like, 'Yeah, I can feel it.' In April 2021 when she started the proceedings, even Jeff Bezos was mentioned as a potential buyer, but no sale has happened. The lawsuit could be headed for arbitration within the NFL. So, why would she take this step? On being selected by the Chargers and joining a team that already features two of his collegiate teammates, Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis: "There was a lot of excitement. It's one of those things that's part of the process. A page was dog-eared for quick reference. Thirty-six percent is part of a trust established by the parents. Breaches of fiduciary duty. On drafting two players that participated in the club's local pro day and the quality of football in Southern California: "I know that Southern California is one of the premier places in the country to play football.