Chargers Coach Norv Turner: Players Didn't Use Sticky Substance

Chargers head coach Norv Turner said Monday none of his players used a sticky substance banned by the National Football League during last week's nationally televised loss to the Denver Broncos.

At a news conference following the team's first practice after a bye week, Turner said the NFL is investigating a towel that has been used for a decade.

"It's been used by a lot of teams in this league," Turner said. "The towel is used to dry the balls, dry the gloves the players wear, and their arms."

Over the weekend, Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported that the NFL had began investigating after a Chargers equipment man was spotted "hiding" an illegal sticky substance and giving it to players. A line judge saw it, had it confiscated and sent to the Broncos and to the league, Glazer said in a Twitter posting.

The NFL banned the use of adhesive or sticky substances used to improve grip, such as Stickum, in 1981. Stickum was especially popular among players who are expected to catch footballs, like wide receivers and defensive backs.

The Chargers issued a statement Sunday, saying the team was cooperating with the NFL investigation.

-City News Service