Source: Associated Press



SAN DIEGO (AP) - LaDainian Tomlinson has been released by the San Diego Chargers, ending a brilliant nine-year run in which he became one of the NFL's greatest running backs.

The move has been expected since the end of the season. Tomlinson had 730 yards on 223 carries for an average of 3.3 yards per carry, all career lows.

"This is a part of the business that I hate, and it's particularly hard when you're dealing with someone I consider a friend," Chargers president Dean Spanos said on Chargers.com. "Change involving great players is never easy. I respect LT as much or more than any player I've ever known. And no one appreciates his contributions to this organization more than I do. That is why this is such a difficult announcement for me to make."

Tomlinson was due a $2 million bonus in early March.