Back before the 2007 draft, I had a ton of arguments on the draft board about Meriweather. My main contention is that the Patriots target prototype guys for the position in round 1 -- prototype measurables, and clean character histories. Meriweather had neither, so clearly they wouldn't draft him. Yeah, I can make predictions with the best of 'em.
In the arguments, the size/athleticism concerns quickly took a back seat to the character questions. He had some vigorous defenders, because neither of the "incidents" was clear cut. Yes, he stomped on another player...in the middle of a huge brawl when many lost their heads (metaphorically, mostly). Yes, he was investigated in relation to a shooting, but it was a legal weapon and self-defense, how can you hold that against him?
Four years later, a pattern seems to have developed. Meriweather has a steady record of "no charges were filed" situations. Justified shooting, somebody else actually fired the gun, was in the next room when the attack happened...he never gets in any actual trouble, but would you want him at your next party?
