PFT: Shawne Merriman's career in jeopardy?

[Scouse Patriot]

Does anyone who isn't a puritan really care about that?

Nope.

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[Scouse Patriot]

Was it this that done it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTbCtjX_y0w

 

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

I agree

The guy racks up great stats against Oakland but in 2006/7 playoffs, where was he?

Maybe he's getting the knee scoped for "Dancing with the Stars".... or "River Dance". How about a tryout with Celtic Woman?

 

[Disco Volante]

Some more insight from a better source...

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20080822-9999-1s22chargers.html

What's next for Merriman?
Present, future with Chargers up in air

By Kevin Acee
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
August 22, 2008

Shawne Merriman was in New York yesterday to see a specialist and was pondering seeing another doctor today, as he and his advisers attempt to gather enough information to decide when and if he will play this season.

“It's finding out what do I need to fix, what I need to do,” Merriman said by phone. “If it's left up to me, I want to play football. I can't stand sitting out.”

Merriman's options for fixing what he said was a torn posterior cruciate ligament (among other issues) in his left knee range from doing nothing to having a surgery that would delay the start of his season to undergoing reconstructive surgery that would keep him out all season.

Even as Merriman deals with his knee, he faces scrutiny back in San Diego.

General Manager A.J. Smith famously does not talk about “the Chargers' football business.” And when Smith does comment on personnel matters, it is often in a sort of conundrum, but with a definite message buried not too far below the surface or between the lines.

Asked yesterday how he felt about Merriman's latest venture, wherein the linebacker will fly from San Diego to Los Angeles after practice each Thursday and tape a show about the NFL on Fox Sports Net, Smith said this:

“My feeling about any of his off-the-field activities will be between me and Shawne. Shawne has many, many activities off the field, and that's his business, along with his agents, marketing people, publicist and business partners. My only hope is that he remembers his high-level football performance is what drives his off-the-field attraction.”

Smith would say no more.

He didn't have to. His concern is clear.

There has long been a quiet unease among the Chargers brass regarding Merriman's many off-field activities – endorsements, appearances and business endeavors.

[Continued...]

Wow publicly criticizing your star defensive player for his off-the-field activities? Smart move. Doesn't seem like things are too sunny in San Diego right now. Found it quite interesting to see the writer of the article speculate..

Take this to the bank: Merriman will not be a Charger after his contract expires at the end of the 2009 season.

The reasons are many – his commitments outside football being just one.

Merriman is one of five Chargers stars whose contracts expire after '09, and Smith has made no secret the team will not re-sign them all.

 

[BTTA]

Anytime you hear an athletes name followed by "visited Dr. James Andrews" it's never a good thing. That guy is like the fat lady of sports careers.

Read the article on him in this month's Fast Company. He's actually extended the careers of a number of stars, including Jordan, Jim Rice, Clemens, etc. He's the guy who invented Tommy John surgery. He's anything but "the fat lady."

 

[BTTA]

In the long run, it would be good for the NFL and sports in general if every player who uses steroids ends up with significant joint problems. Add this one to the (already long) list. The players and teams know who they are.

 

[lostjumper]

While I don't wish injuries on any player, once one happens, I certainly don't get all teary eyed over it. Unfortunately for the chargers, I doubt many people outside of San Diego will be dissapointed by this news. Just like many of us aren't sorry to hear that Peyton Manning had his sack removed...bursa sack that is.

I've always gotten the sense that when merriman hits someone, he hopes to hurt them in as violent a way as possible. It appears karma's come back to bite him in the as... err, knee.

 

[Rob0729]

If I am Merriman and I know that I will not be resigned after next season, I opt for season ending surgery if it is my best option for his long term career. Last thing he needs is to go into free agency with people questioning his knee and his ability to play out a large contract with a huge guarantee.

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

So in other words, it may be "Lights Out" for Merriman's career??

couldn't resist.

 

[LuthierJr]

I never want to rejoice in anyones dismay, but dang I dislike this guy. I hope he makes it back on the field, but if he doesn't I'm sure not going to loose any sleep over it.

 

[bradmahn]

“You can question a lot of things,” he said. “But you can't question my commitment to football. . . . How I approach the game, I've never had that question."

Didn't a positive test for a banned substance result in a lot of people questioning the way he approached the game, or am I missing something?

 

[VJCPatriot]

Didn't a positive test for a banned substance result in a lot of people questioning the way he approached the game, or am I missing something?

LOL. Maybe he's saying he was so committed that he was willing to use drugs to become better.

Anyways, this would be a real blow to the Chargers D if true. I don't actually care either way. When the Pats play the Chargers, we will beat them down. It just gives SD fans another excuse to throw at us if Merriman is out for that game.

 

[Steamer86]

Re: Shawne Merriman's Career In Jeopardy

Wow, figures your a Marv Albert fan. Do you have a signed copy of his panties? I noticed your a fan of Morgan, who was part of a great tandem with Stingley. Kind of sucks when an athlete loses his career due to injury. Your calling San Diego classy?

I think there is a difference between a guy hurting his knee and not being able to run a 4.4 (and who already has made 20 million) and a guy who paralyzed for life.....The classy comment was in reference to the movie "Anchorman" and the fact that the Chargers have called BB and Pats classless in the past.......despite their own questionable antics....

 

[N.Eman]

Sucks for him and the chargers. Could this be the effect of steriods use?

 

[patriotsdynasty12189]

merriman basically ended priest holmes career with a vicious hit and subsequent concussion without so much as a blink. if merriman's career should be over, i doubt i'll blink.

Thats part of the game tho, thats what happens. People get hit, thats the name of the game. Injuries happen.

 

[fumbrunner]

Just heard on ESPN that it is a torn PCL. He is getting 2nd and 3rd opinions on it.

 

[gonzo99us]

pretty sad if you ask me...sure the guy was a complete ******* jackass, but to see any NFL player go down an extended time always sucks.

 

[Mr.Muhozi]

he's one of the best young defenders in the league, i hope his career isn't over from a football fan view, but as a patriot, i really coult not care makes things easier for us i guess

 

[Disco Volante]

Talent means nothing without durability.

Got to have both in this profession. Never will I feel "sorry" for someone being unable to stay on the field unless it was a result of an illegal hit or some type of serious health condition. (ie: A stroke)

 

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

Was Merriman actually caught taking steriods?

All I have ever heard is a "banned substance". That could mean HGH or a number of things.

Also, isn't the PCL the least "threatening" of the ligaments?

If anyone has clarification, it would be appreciated.