Chargers accused of cheating with illegal stickum

The NFL is investigating claims that the Chargers cheated in their 35-24 loss to the Broncos on Monday night.

“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,” Jay Glazer of Fox Sports tweeted.

Glazer explained that a Chargers equipment manager went on to the field during a timeout and dispersed a clear-colored substance on hand towels.

The line judge witnessed the activity and tried to confiscate the materials. The equipment manager initially refused to hand over the towels, but officials forced him to empty his pockets, and that is when the substance was discovered.

The NFL takes cheating very seriously. These allegations could result in a wide range of punishments, including suspensions, fines and the loss of draft picks.

Ultimately, coach Norv Turner is culpable if the investigation finds that an illegal substance was being used, and this would be yet another mark against him for the growing number of Chargers supporters who believe he should be fired.

Follow the Chargers and Dan McLellan on Twitter @CBSChargers and @sandiegosports.