The Chargers haven’t played in Giants Stadium in nearly 14 years, but their last trip was a memorable — and ugly — one.
San Diego beat the Giants, 27-17, in the regular-season finale on Dec. 23, 1995, but the outcome was nearly overshadowed by the behavior of the Giants’ fans in what came to be known as the “Snowball Game.” Chargers players and personnel were pelted with snow and ice from the stands throughout the game.
“It was a miserable end to a miserable season,” said Pat Hanlon, the Giants vice president of communications, who was the director of public relations at the time. “It was an absolute nightmare.”
The lowlight came when San Diego equipment manager Sid Brooks was knocked unconscious by a block of ice.
“It was a bad scene,” Hanlon said. “And what happened to Sid was awful.”
Hanlon attributed the actions to a combination of factors, starting with a Giants season in which they went 5-11.
“The timing of the snowfall prevented stadium operations from being able to clean it up,” Hanlon said. “Plus, the way the game went didn’t help.”
The backlash was severe. The Giants took out an ad in The San Diego Union-Tribune apologizing to the Chargers.
“We used it as an unfortunate opportunity to let season-ticket holders know that even if they’re not in their seats, they’re responsible,” Hanlon said.
Hanlon said Wellington Mara, the team’s late owner, “was as disappointed as anybody. We all felt terrible.”
Fortunately, there is no snow in the forecast for tomorrow.
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CB Aaron Ross remains out with a left hamstring injury. WR Mario Manningham (shoulder) was listed as probable and Coughlin said, “He seems to be on track.”
TE Kevin Boss (ankle), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle/foot) and WR Sinorice Moss (foot) were limited in practice and listed as probable — as was QB Eli Manning (foot), though he was not limited.