HUGE NEWS: Chargers LB Shawne Merriman to be suspended for steroid use

**Nick** · #1 (**permalink**) -23-10-2006

Quote:

Sources: Chargers' Merriman suspended for steroids
ESPN.com news services
Updated: Oct. 22, 2006, 10:05 PM ET

Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman has been notified he will be suspended for four games for violating the NFL's steroids policy, league and team sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

Merriman's positive test was "definitely for steroids … not one of those supplement deals" said a source with knowledge of Merriman's suspension.

Merriman's suspension originally was to be announced last Tuesday when two other players -- the Falcons' Mark Lehr and the Lions' Shaun Rogers -- were suspended for violating the policy. But Merriman reserved the right to appeal his suspension, so it was not announced.

Neither the Chargers, nor Merriman, could be reached for comment Sunday night.

Earlier Sunday the Chargers lost to the Chiefs 30-27 in Kansas City.

Not sure if he misses the Rams game because of this, because an appeal might delay the suspension. But regardless, it's huge news.

*Varg6* · #2 (**permalink**) -23-10-2006

Well, probably that this happened now, he probably is out for the game against the Rams, which is GREAT news.

*r8rh8rmike* · #3 (**permalink**) -23-10-2006

Wow! First LB Steve Foley gets shot, then LB Igor Olshansky goes down and is out after knee surgery, while today LB Shawn Phillips is injured and will miss 4-6 weeks and now the big kahuna Merriman gets suspended. I guess it's too early to talk about S Terrance Kiel and his pending felony drug charges. Probably not the same unit they are cracked up to be at this point.

Looks like our good fortune continues.

*AlphaRam* · #4 (**permalink**) -23-10-2006

I never could understand what thought processes one goes through to do steroids, but then again, I never understood the thought process that a person goes through to shove gerbils in their butt, either.

*r8rh8rmike* · #5 (**permalink**) -23-10-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlphaRam

I never could understand what thought processes one goes through to do steroids, but then again, I never understood the thought process that a person goes through to shove gerbils in their butt, either.

Okay then. Gee Alpha, it's good to have you back, I think.

**Nick** · #6 (**permalink**) -23-10-2006

The question becomes whether or not he's actually going to be suspended or if he'll appeal, which I believe will delay his suspension until the appeal ruling is handed down.

*RamsFan16* · #7 (**permalink**) -23-10-2006

Lets face it, we had an idea that before the San Diego game we were going to recieve hell from Shawn Merriman, just because thats the kind of player that he is but if any of you haven't heard, here it is:

Quote:

Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman has been notified he will be suspended for four games for violating the NFL's steroids and related substances policy, league and team sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

Thats one part of the Fearsome Front Seven thats gone, but also Shaun Phillips, and Igor Olshansky are out.

Looks like things just keep getting better and better for the Rams, of course that doesn't affect there Offense/our Defense, but with this shaky Offensive Line its refreshing to hear this.

Just thought if you didn't know, but there out this game.

*playboy37* · #8 (**permalink**) -23-10-2006

thier saftey kiel is also going to be out.

*general counsel* · #9 (**permalink**) -23-10-2006

merriman is out, tested positive for steroids. Everyone is entitled to their view, but i would sure rather play the chargers without him than with him. i believe that they also lost another starting linebacker this weekend. If we can protect bulger, we just may have a shot in this game, provided they dont get too far ahead of us early and run the ball down our throats with LT all game.

Ramming speed to all

general counsel

#10 (**permalink**) -23-10-2006

Is that definite, because Merriman appealed the suspension
and that it was uncertain when he'll serve it. But if in fact he does start serving his suspension it's GREAT NEWS!!

*BigGameMN* · #11 (**permalink**) -23-10-2006

I've been listening to Mike and Mike this morning and their saying he's out for the next 4. If you'll remember, Shaun Rogers from Detroit and somebody else were announced last week. Merrimen was supposed to be but they held off because he appealed. Apparantly his appeal has already been heard and denied. That's just what I'm hearing this morning so don't take it as gospel.

**laram0** · #12 (**permalink**) -23-10-2006

The latest I've heard was this morning on NFL talk radio (Sirius Satellite). He is appealing the suspension but the radio hosts said he has no chance. Also that the suspension will go into effect immediately.

**laram0** · #13 (**permalink**) -23-10-2006

We'll take any help we can get. This game could be a shoot out.

#14 (**permalink**) -23-10-2006

Thats great news OLB Shaun Phillips is also out 4-6 weeks. San Diego's linebacker group is in bad shape. Rams need to bring there A game and go ahead and chalk up a victoy!!

*RAMFANRAIDERHATER* · #15 (**permalink**) -23-10-2006

Let not count our chickens just yet....

We thought we caught a huge break when Alexander and Stevens didn't play in the Seattle game too, and look how that turned out. :\

But.... I do have my Charger/Rams tickets in-hand!!!! Going to my first NFL game since Georgia stole my Rams.