Chargers Accused of Cheating: Did San Diego NFL Team Use Illegal 'Stickum' Substance against Denver Broncos?

The NFL is currently investigating claims that the San Diego Chargers cheated during last Monday night's football game (Oct. 15) against the Denver Broncos. According to reports, a Chargers equipment manager ran out onto the field during a timeout with an illegal substance on hand towels that may have allegedly been Stickum, a trademark adhesive of Mueller Sports Medicine that was banned in the NFL in 1981. If the NFL determines the Chargers did use the substance, the team could be fined, suspended, or lose a draft pick.

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports tweeted this message to fans: "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."

Fox Sports claim that a Chargers equipment manager went on to the field during a timeout and dispersed a clear-colored substance on hand towels. A line judge who witnessed the activity attempted to confiscate the materials - when the equipment manager refused to hand over the "sticky" towels, game officials forced him to empty his pockets which is where the substance's container was found.

In 1981 Stickum, along with other adhesive or "sticky" substances such as glue, rosin, or food substances, were made illegal for play in the NFL (the rule was named after Lester Hayes, a player who used Stickum to improve his grip).

Chargers went on to lose the game against the Broncos 35-24.

If these cheating allegations prove correct, it looks like Chargers coach Norv Turner might be handed another blow, considering many fans already dislike him and think he should be fired.