A lawyer familiar with the matter told ESPN that Berberian's motive for filing the suit is to embarrass Spanos publicly. 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. 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. The Spanos family owns 96 percent of the Chargers. Chargers That sounds like a guy that we want. It is unfortunate that our sister Dea, who clearly has no interest in continuing to participate in the familys businesses, has resorted to leveling false and provocative charges in an attempt to impose her will on the rest of the family, the statement read. Chargers While Forbes valued the Chargers at $2.6 billion last year, Berberians petition described the team as a rare trophy asset and noted that the price a buyer is willing to pay is often not dictated by any economic metric. The NFL recently finalized massive new media rights deals that could be worth more than $10 billion per year, something the filing asserts will certainly attract potential buyers., The petition noted reports that Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, worth an estimated $180 billion, is interested in becoming an NFL owner and said the Chargers could be a perfect opportunity.. Adam Streisand, the attorney for Berberian, declined to comment. 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). TCU won 34-24. All rights reserved. The suit claims the trust is, as of December 31, 2021, $358 million in debt and losing $11 million annually. Millions in debt. On 'focusing long-term' with the 'vision' for each player selected: "That's the whole thing. Dean will likely contend that if he is only allowed to use his position as a Co-Trustee to be a speculator to double and triple down on bad decisions of the past, he can turn things around because there are positive developments at the NFL level that should benefit the Chargers as well, the petition said. With the generous support of readers like you, Times of San Diego publishes timely and accurate news coverage for a better-informed community. 2023 www.recordnet.com. We didn't take any projections, these guys that we drafted, all seven of them, have proven college production. On S Derwin James Jr. mentioning that he wanted to the team to select a 'dawg' and if WR Quentin Johnston 'fits' that description: "That sounds like exactly what we want. To kind of step out of that, I feel like this is the best place for me, for sure. Similar to last season, the Spanos family It's going to be good. "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. I was like, 'I'm probably going to have to work my way up.' ", The families of Dean, Michael and Alexis Spanos Ruhl have since rebutted Berberian's claims in a statement issued to CBS Sports via Mark Fabiani, special counsel for the Chargers: "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. It also has the right to take action against the trustees that can amount to substantial civil penalties. Spanos 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. I'm talking about what do we really have? At TCU, there were times where we didn't have any points on the board and I was the first one to score during my return, so I feel like I'm a party starter. 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. The four children of late owner Alex Spanos Dean, Dea, Alexandra Spanos Ruhl and Michael Spanos each own 15% of the team. Coming into the league, that's what I wanted. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde), TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) passes during the first half of an NCAA college game against SMU on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Dallas, Texas. His plan is hope.. 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. I shouldn't have any problem coming in early and adjusting, soaking up as much stuff as I can from him as far as just football in general. That's the biggest thing for me, I get to be home and get to do what I love, in a place that I grew up in. The Spanos family owns 96 percent of the Chargers. In 1995, they created The Chargers Impact Fund, which has given $13 million so far to various programs. So, why would she take this step? 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. The statements made in todays court filing about my brother Dean Spanos are outrageously untrue, Ruhls statement read. (AP Photo/LM Otero), TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) celebrates scoring a touchdown during an NCAA football game against Oklahoma on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Fort Worth, Texas. The Los Angeles Chargers today re-signed defensive lineman Morgan Fox. The Spanos brothers, her lawsuit argues, "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 Chargers will take on the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at 1:25pm at Sofi Stadium. Chargers ownership has turned into a Spanos family feud We'll kind of see how it plays out in July and August.". The Chargers left San Diego at the end of the 2016 season after more than 50 years in the region. I'm like, 'Alright, whatever.' 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. In response to the filing, Dean Spanos and two of his siblings released a statement Thursday pledging to keep the team in the family. Lawsuit That Could Force Spanos Family to Sell Chargers A private jet to get a haircut. Berberian, therefore, is looking to control a total of 51 percent of the team, making her majority owner. The Chargers 2023 draft room in Century City. (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 lawyer went on to say that Berberian's three siblings, Dean, Michael and Alexis, have stood firmly in opposing her in the past and that "today's lawsuit will receive the same reaction.". Latest Company & Industry Overviews News and Updates. Then, I saw my jersey. 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.. Spanos family litigation may end up in arbitration Register and the Southern California News Group. That means being on the field as a linebacker, being on the field as a gunner or whatever it may be for special teams and a linebacker, that's what I plan to do.". Dean Spanos' sister, Dea, petitions court to force Chargers Faye Spanos: A wonderful person, a wonderful life, Whos who of civic, sports leaders bid farewell to Alex Spanos, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Click here to learn more. It's going to be an honor to work with him and just be around him every day, being able to pick his brain on his journey so far and what he's learned and experienced throughout his career. Anyone actually care about rich people problems? This is a developmental game, so we definitely have that long-term path. Neither Berberian nor Streisand responded to ESPN's requests for comment. I think that's why it's important to be connected, personnel and coaching, and really be aligned in your vision for the role and how you're going to utilize them. Aggressive Misogyny. at We're trying to give [QB] Justin [Herbert], our whole offense and [Offensive Coordinator] Kellen Moore a lot of different styles of players to use in different situations. Gareth Patterson/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. Spanos Family Feud About the Chargers Ownership Nell Redmond/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. Inability to pay off charitable obligations. On drafting offensive players in the first round the last three years: "We drafted a tackle two years ago, a guard last year. 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. In addition, according to the filing, the trust doesnt have a plan to pay more than $22 million it has pledged to charities. from Spanos siblings' court battle over Chargers It was a blessing, for sure. 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. "The statements made in today's court filing about my brother Dean Spanos are outrageously untrue," the statement read. Not a member? Dean Spanos' sister asks The debt includes $164 million associated with the Trusts Interest in the Chargers and at least $75 million in estate tax. The ownership dispute within the Los Angeles Chargers is now seeing involvement from the California Attorney General. The lawsuit, which was filed on Wednesday in San Joaquin County Superior Court by attorneys representing Dea Spanos Berberian, is seeking sole control of the family trust and asks the court to suspend and remove Spanos as co-trustee. He's an outstanding young man. On Henley learning from LB Eric Kendricks: "What a wealth of knowledge. CNN Los Angeles Chargers owner and chairman Dean Spanos is being sued by his sister and team co-owner Dea Spanos Berberian, whos accusing him of I thought we were able to just draft players that we felt like fit what we're trying to join up with, create depth and competition at other positions. In partnership with the Los Angeles Chargers Impact Fund, Inglewood Unified School District, and Brotherhood Crusade, SoFi celebrated the graduation of 14 young scholars from the Bolt Academy program. That's a big part of it.". I said, 'Those aren't the most exciting picks, but they were needed picks.' Photos: Chargers Draft Room in Century City, Photos: Quentin Johnston Lands in Los Angeles, Photos: Quentin Johnston's First Day as a Charger, Photos: Get to Know Fifth Round Pick Jordan McFadden, Photos: Get to Know Sixth Round Pick Scott Matlock, Photos: Get to Know Seventh Round Pick Max Duggan. It's not that we're not going to look at the defensive side of the ball. I'm very happy and I'm very blessed. ", "At TCU, I produced in jet sweeps. Berberian's sons, Dimitri and Lex Economou, also previously filed a lawsuit against Dean Spanos, alleging that he secretly diverted money from the trust. 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. A page was dog-eared for quick reference. All rights reserved. Check out where the Chargers front office will be based for night one of the 2023 NFL Draft! This is normal state AGs often get involved with large charitable trusts. Whoops! 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. I wasn't really sure who I would be picked by or where I would go. According to Daniel Popper of Take a look through some photos of the Chargers 2023 fifth-round Draft pick OL Jordan McFadden, from Clemson. ", Here is everything new Chargers Defensive Coordinator Derrick Ansley said Tuesday when he met with media members, Here is everything new Chargers Offensive Coordinator said Wednesday morning when he met with media members. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman), TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) runs with the ball during the second overtime period of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. ", "Obviously, there's still process from now until the draft and after the draft so we'll see where it goes, but we feel really good about our football team. Spanos family quarrel is another setback for Chargers in L.A. Dimitri and Lex Economou, Spanos He was 95. Dean simply refuses to discuss it. The NFL has declined comment on the matter. Photo by Chris Stone Dean Spanos, co-owner of the Los Angeles Chargers , is mired in a family dispute that has prompted another court battle. Dimitri and Lex Economou, Spanos nephews, sued him this week in San Joaquin County, according to the Los Angeles Times. My agent was telling me, like, 'Get ready to move, Tuli.' On his reaction to receiving the call and being selected by the Chargers: "I was super excited. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. The three of us and our children, representing more than 75 percent 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. In a November 2019 letter included with the court filing, Dean Spanos vowed to his three siblings that he would retain an investment bank at the end of the 2024 season in an effort to find a new owner. 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. All Rights Reserved. On the latest edition of Let's Play, Sebastian Joseph-Day and Morgan Fox go head-to-head in a game of Madden 23. All rights reserved. After the Broncos' record $4.65 billion sale to the Walton-Penner family, one of Denver's AFC West rivals, the Chargers, could be next on the list of NFL franchises to be sold. Enter address: This website, like most media sites, uses small files called cookies to anonymously customize the advertising that you see. Berberian contends the trust has debts and expenses exceeding $353 million, with no plan for how it will pay $22 million it has pledged to charities. I think, from a culture standpoint, they all have toughness, I think that these guys are all football players. Someone that you definitely have to double, and if you don't, you're going to lose. Tyler Sizemore/Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 14 of 30 Family and friends rejoice after hearing the news that Vlad Ducasse, Chargers. This is a well-established rule played by the State AG in similar cases. Then, we had a photo shoot. Instead, what the State AG is asking for is to receive notice of everything filed in this case. 2023 Chargers Football Company, LLC. In the petition, Berberian claimed, Dean has failed to present any plan to address the Trusts bleak financial picture and that her brother refuses to consider a sale of the Trusts Interest of the Chargers.. 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. On the benefit of playing multiple positions throughout his football career: "Exactly that, just being able to play somebody their positions, be on the opposite side of the ball first. Definitely a little familiar with them, but I definitely going to have to invest some time and study and learn a little bit more.". (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell), Clemson offensive tackle Jordan McFadden (71) lifts up running back Kobe Pace (20) and celebrates scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wake Forest, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson), Clemson tackle Jordan McFadden blocks during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse in Syracuse, N.Y., Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. ", 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. 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. Spanos also allegedly manipulated the trust to borrow over $60 million "for the wasteful purchase of an airplane for Dean's and Michael's use that has no legitimate business justification.". Spanos sued by sister as Chargers feud escalates, Fantasy football rankings for 2023 season, 10 fantasy football breakout players for 2023, Broncos pick up Jeudy's 5th-year rookie option, Bills ink vet Murray after passing on RBs in draft, Source: Ravens decline LB Queen's 2024 option, LB Barrett's 2-year-old daughter drowns in pool, Deion 'ashamed' after only 1 HBCU player drafted, Sources: NFL eyes May 11 to release schedule, Cowboys scout emotional as team drafts his son, Rams use 'Mr. (AP Photo/Steve Conner), Boise State defensive tackle Scott Matlock (99) celebrates with Boise State place kicker Jonah Dalmas after his 1 yard touchdown catch in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, in Boise, Idaho. He had an outstanding college career, meant a lot to TCU. A solid family foundation: This is the basis of everything, the essential passage said. "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 statement read. The Los Angeles Chargers today re-signed center/guard Will Clapp. Help us grow with a monthly contribution. In a new court filing seeking to have the matter This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Boise State won 30-7. Spanos family fight is another setback for You're always thinking about your quarterback. He's 21-years-old. I wasn't even really watching the draft. They noted that she doesnt have a large enough stake to force a sale. 1 / 10. The Chargers will take on the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at 1:25pm at State Farm Stadium. Thats another $500 million minimum, along with a new practice facility for a few hundred million. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Darron Cummings/Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. The Los Angeles Chargers today re-signed quarterback Easton Stick. Rick Scuteri/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. I think all three of these guys fit what we want in a football player at their positions. 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. The Chargers are estimated by Forbes to be worth $2.6 billion, but since the Denver Broncos are reportedly about to sell for $4.6 billion the Chargers would likely go for closer to $3 billion. Spanos I met a few people. section: | slug: chargers-owner-dean-spanos-sued-by-sister-for-financially-ruinous-business-family-rebuts-false-charges | sport: football | route: article_single.us | The Chargers will take on the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at 1:05pm at State Farm Stadium. We think he can fit that.". ", "I would describe it as being very violent, very physical at the point of attack. Spanos bought the San Diego Chargers for $72 million in 1984. 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. They're all talented, but once they get in this league, it takes a lot of work to get to where you want to go and keep improving. After Alex Spanos and his wife, Faye, died in Stockton in 2018, Dean Spanos, the oldest of the four children, and Berberian were left as the sole co-trustees. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. When you guys meet Quentin Johnston, you're going to know why he's here, just like when you guys met [G] Zion Johnson last year and the year before when you met [T] Rashawn Slater. the Spanos family not overhaul the Chargers I feel like I need to come in, as a young guy, as a sponge, taking in as much information as I need to. 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. A named source close to the team told Popper a different tune for the involvement. All rights reserved. The family trust controls 36% of the team with the remainder owned by nonfamily members. The LA Chargers are owned by Dean Spanos and the Spanos family following the passing of Alex and Faye Spanos in 2018. I've been in Texas all my life. Powered by Southern California McDonald's. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade), TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game against Michigan, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, in Glendale, Arizona. She is represented by Adam Streisand, the same attorney who helped Jeanie Buss take control of the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. Spanos lawsuit moves to San Joaquin 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. Alexander Spanos, the longtime owner of the San Diego Chargers, died on October 9 at the age of 95. Spanos bought his controlling stake in the Chargers in 1984. His grandchildren John and A.G. run the team, worth $1.9 billion net of debt. Spanos founded AG Spanos, one of the country's largest apartment developers, in 1960. You guys have seen it, since I've been the head coach, there are some guys that don't play very much at all, and then, midway through the year after your bye, then they play a whole bunch down the stretch. Chargers first-round pick arrives in L.A. for his first day as a member of the Chargers. 342 (12) go earlier, and there was a lot of excitement to be a part of this franchise, to go out and be in L.A. and be with this group people. 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. Dean Spanos is the Chargers team owner and chairman of the board. His three siblings also hold significant ownership stakes. The team's ownership has come into question this year. We'll see when we get on the field. It's just a blessing. 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. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond), Clemson offensive lineman Jordan McFadden runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023.