NFL: Who's cryin' now?

On Wednesday, after three unproductive years, the Chargers removed the millstone from around their necks, waiving petulant prima donna QB, Ryan Leaf.

Now, the Chargers are in the driver's seat to pick up college wunderkind Michael Vick.

Ever since the San Diego Chargers guessed wrong in 1998 and selected Ryan Leaf as their quarterback of the future, there's been enough tears in San Diego to open up a new home for Shamu.

Of course, most of the tears were provided by Ryan (known not so affectionately as Cryin') Leaf. The media blasted Leaf for showing up out of shape for training camp, for his boorish off-field behavior, and more importantly, for his awful game performance. That caused Cryin' to do what apparently he does best: he cried. He cried to anyone who would listen which did nothing to endear him to either Charger fans or the Charger organization.

Let's face it, no one wants to hear a crybaby, especially someone who won't take responsibility for his or her mistakes. But the tears didn't stop there. The Chargers, who had achieved football nirvana by making it to the Super Bowl, languished after the Leaf selection. The Chargers gave up two first round draft picks, a second round pick, linebacker Patrick Sapp and wide receiver Eric Metcalf for the opportunity to select Leaf. They've been cryin' ever since.

The fans were crying too, having watched their once-proud AFC Champions crumble. Last year, the Chargers finished with a dismal 1-15 record.

Of course, not all of this can be laid at the feet of Leaf. Charger management may have erred by thrusting the inexperienced and immature Leaf into a situation he wasn't ready for. But with the kind of jack that's being thrown around pro sports these days, expectations are high and those that can't produce are quickly thrown on the NFL trash heap. The Chargers received very little for their $12 million investment.

Undoubtedly, Leaf will end up with another team -- possibly the Cincinnati Bungles. Every team needs a good, reliable back up. Does Leaf fit either of these two criteria? The answer is no and, uh, let's see…. no!