GregH
10-23-2006, 06:06 AM
This is just plain stupid. So much for me finding a Merriman jersey.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=2635605
Report: Chargers' Merriman to be suspended 4 games for violating steroids policy
Associated Press
National Football League News Wire (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?sportId=28)
SAN DIEGO -- Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7188) will be
suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse
policy, according to a report posted Sunday night 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 Mark Lehr of the Atlanta Falcons (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=atl) and Detroit Lions (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=det)
defensive tackle Shaun Rogers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5508) 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.
"Per the collective bargaining agreement, the Chargers aren't
allowed to comment on reports or results involving the league's
substance abuse policy," Chargers spokesman Bill Johnston said
Sunday night.
Merriman had seven tackles, one assist and no sacks in Sunday's
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 5.5 sacks.
Besides Merriman's suspension, the Chargers have had five
separate off-field issues dating back to April.
Outside linebacker Steve Foley (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4483) 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 (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6398) was arrested on five felony drug counts in
September and has pleaded not guilty.
Cornerback Markus Curry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7658), who had been demoted to the practice
squad, was released on Oct. 9, just hours after he was arrested on
suspicion of committing domestic violence.
Foley and linebacker Shaun Phillips (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6857) were each arrested for
scuffling with San Diego police officers a week apart in April.
Neither was charged.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=2635605
Report: Chargers' Merriman to be suspended 4 games for violating steroids policy
Associated Press
National Football League News Wire (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?sportId=28)
SAN DIEGO -- Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7188) will be
suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse
policy, according to a report posted Sunday night 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 Mark Lehr of the Atlanta Falcons (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=atl) and Detroit Lions (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=det)
defensive tackle Shaun Rogers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5508) 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.
"Per the collective bargaining agreement, the Chargers aren't
allowed to comment on reports or results involving the league's
substance abuse policy," Chargers spokesman Bill Johnston said
Sunday night.
Merriman had seven tackles, one assist and no sacks in Sunday's
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 5.5 sacks.
Besides Merriman's suspension, the Chargers have had five
separate off-field issues dating back to April.
Outside linebacker Steve Foley (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4483) 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 (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6398) was arrested on five felony drug counts in
September and has pleaded not guilty.
Cornerback Markus Curry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7658), who had been demoted to the practice
squad, was released on Oct. 9, just hours after he was arrested on
suspicion of committing domestic violence.
Foley and linebacker Shaun Phillips (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6857) were each arrested for
scuffling with San Diego police officers a week apart in April.
Neither was charged.