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

[laram0]

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

[martysrams]

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]

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.

[Rambos]

GC are you nuts, I always want the other team at thier best, not.

This guy really is a force, glad he will be out of trhe game.

[Rambos]

ESPN he will miss the next four games, och. They are very thin at LB.

[general counsel]

There are no guarantees in the nfl no matter how many guys are out, but its still a break in our favor and improves our odds of winning.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

[BIG-BLUE]

What are these guys thinking, GET OFF THE ROIDS ALREADY. Good news for us tho. If are defense can step it up a notch this will be a good game.

[BigGameHolt]

That is great news for us Rams Fans. Not only does the bye week feature key losses by the division rival Seasquawks, and playoff contending Eagles, Panthers, and Redskins, but Shawn "Lights Out" Merriman is suspended for the huge showdown in San Diego on Sunday. Now a Chargers defense has some major holes in it, and although LT is one of the best RB in the league, I have faith that the Rams can stop Rivers and the mediocre San Diego receivers. If we get burnt by LT, its acceptable; if burnt by Eric Parker? that will not fly.

RAMMIN AHEAD TO 1st PLAce!

[Sweets]

Dang it, why didn't they test him when we played em...talk about rotten luck!!! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[CaliGirlRamsFan]

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

I read the artical differently. Sounds like he already appealed it and lost, and would have been announced earlier had he not appealed.

I could be wrong.

[Rambos]

Report: Chargers' Merriman faces steroids ban

NFL.com wire reports



SAN DIEGO (Oct. 22, 2006) -- Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman will be suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, according to a report posted on ESPN.com.

The 22-year-old Merriman, last year's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, was initially to be suspended last week alongside two other players, the Web site reported, citing people with knowledge of the suspension whom the report did not identify.

Guard Matt Lehr of the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers began serving their suspensions this week. But Merriman's suspension was delayed because he reserved the right to appeal, ESPN.com said.

The report did not specify when the suspension would begin, but Merriman would be eligible to return Nov. 26 against the Oakland Raiders if he sat out immediately.

Merriman had seven tackles, one assist and no sacks in a 30-27 loss to the Chiefs in Kansas City. The team was flying home Sunday night and messages left by The Associated Press for several Chargers officials, including head coach Marty Schottenheimer, were not immediately returned.

Merriman, who started in the Pro Bowl as a rookie, is second on San Diego with 5½ sacks.

Besides Merriman's suspension, the Chargers have had five separate off-field issues dating back to April.

Outside linebacker Steve Foley was shot three times outside his suburban home on Sept. 3 by an off-duty police officer who suspected him of drunk driving. Foley will miss the entire season and was charged with two counts of DUI.

Safety Terrence Kiel was arrested on five felony drug counts in September and has pleaded not guilty.

Cornerback Markus Curry, who had been demoted to the practice squad, was released Oct. 9 just hours after he was arrested on suspicion of committing domestic violence.

Foley and linebacker Shaun Phillips were each arrested for scuffling with San Diego police officers a week apart in April. Neither was charged.


AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2006, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

Sounds as if he might still play this weekend.

[laram0]

When is the league going to test Matt Bryant ?? 62 yd FG c'mon!

[thoey]

Just heard on ESPN that they have not appealed yet, so he may play this week. We'll see...

[MOM]

When is the league going to test Matt Bryant ?? 62 yd FG c'mon!

Dude, I know, I saw that mess! Un-stinkin'-real! He could have made that thing fly 65!

Anyways, I hope they start really throwing the book at all these guys that think doing drugs is acceptable behavior. Our kids look up to these guys as their heroes, and it sets the wrong example. If the league makes examples out of them, then hopefully, HOPEFULLY, that bad influence can be negated.

[general counsel]

it now looks like he is going to play which is bad news.

ramming speed to all

general counsel