In California, Scott Bair notes Chargers GM A.J. Smith “took full responsibility for the Chargers' recent shortcomings” during their 8-8 season. Smith on Tuesday said, “The bottom line is results, and I expect the bar to go very high. That's on me, and I haven't been good enough." Bair notes Smith's retention as GM “didn't come with ultimatums or demands of philosophical re-evaluation.” Smith: "I have been on the job for nine years, and the Spanos family and the Chargers fans still don't have a Super Bowl trophy. It doesn't make me happy. I look at what's been accomplished here and I'm proud of a number of things, but I need to do better in Year 10. I only care about one thing, and I haven't gotten it done as the GM for this team. I'm going to get another shot at it, and I'm excited about those prospects” (NORTH COUNTY TIMES, 1/5).
THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS: In Sacramento, Matthew Barrows writes the year “wasn't perfect” for 49ers President & CEO Jed York, as there were “ugly incidents before, during and after the team's annual exhibition game against the Raiders.” And when the national spotlight “finally was pointed toward the 49ers' triumphs during a Monday night game against the Steelers last month, the lights went out. Twice.” Still, York’s uncle and former 49ers Owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. said, "Jed has done what every owner in the league should try to do, and that is stay out of it. To do that at his age? That says so much.” Barrows notes York’s victories “have come off the field” and on. The team's proposed $1B Santa Clara stadium “is now fully funded, and make-ready work begins this month.” Maybe the project “would be at the same stage if the 49ers had finished 8-8 this year,” but 13-3 and headed to the playoffs “sounds a lot better when you are selling sponsorships and luxury suites.” Meanwhile, York “seems to have found the right combination” with GM Trent Baalke, an Executive of the Year candidate, and coach Jim Harbaugh, a “shoo-in for Coach of the Year” (SACRAMENTO BEE, 1/5).
BE ON ALERT: In Green Bay, Alex Morrell reports after “a rash of counterfeit tickets were reported" at the Packers' Christmas Day game against the Bears, authorities are "warning fans to be vigilant when purchasing playoff tickets.” Green Bay Police Lt. Kevin Warych yesterday said that “about 25 fake tickets were seized costing fans thousands of dollars at the Bears game, a problem police are labeling a growing crime trend.” Warych said that the “majority of the counterfeit tickets were purchased around Lambeau Field, though some are also being purchased” on Craigslist. A number of “fake tickets also were reported at the Dec. 11 game” against the Raiders (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 1/5).
