Sources around the NFL are reporting that San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman will be suspended four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
ESPN.com’s Chris Mortensen is reporting that Merriman’s suspension is likely due to actual steroids and not a dietary supplement like some athletes get caught with.
Merriman’s positive test was “definitely for steroids … not one of those supplement deals,” said a source with knowledge of Merriman’s suspension. Both the initial A sample and backup B sample came back positive, Mortensen reported.
Merriman was honored with the Defensive Rookie Player of the Year award last season in which he posted 54 tackles, 10 sacks and two forced fumbles. That award will undoubtedly be questioned with this suspension.
However, in due time, fans of the NFL have proven that they are much more forgiving than Major League Baseball fans. Just look at Julius Peppers. Nobody remembers that he was suspended in 2002 for violating the league’s substance abuse policy too.
It’s a shame that Merriman cheated, but it’s a bigger shame that we as NFL fans will most likely forget and forgive him as soon as he is back to entertaining us on the gridiron.
