Despite four different doctors advising him to have major reconstructive surgery on his knee, San Diego Chargers’ linebacker Shawne Merriman told FOX Sports.com columnist Jay Glazer that he will play in 2008.
“I know what’s at stake,” Merriman said Wednesday. “But I had a goal with the team before the season started, and I’m sticking to it.”
When asked how sure he was about playing, Merriman replied, “100 percent.”
Merriman has a torn PCL and LCL in his left knee, but has postponed the surgery necessary to deal with those issues. He sought the opinion of several noted specialists in the last week. While all of them recommended surgery, the decision was ultimately left to the player.
“I’m putting the surgery off until I need it,” he said.
Last weekend, as Merriman pondered his upcoming decision, he acknowledged the inherent risks in playing this season.
“It could be career-threatening if I did (play),” Merriman told The Associated Press. “It’s a possibility. That possibility is still open.”
Far be it for me to question an athlete regarding whether or not he should play injured, but I have to believe Merriman would be better off listening to the doctors on this one. It’s not like he sought out two medical opinions and got a split vote – four separate doctors told him that he needs major reconstructive surgery.
Merriman is incredibly tough and it’s admirable that he’s fulfilling a promise to help his team this season. I know it would kill him not to play the game he loves. But I hope for his sake that he doesn’t ruin his career by further damaging his knee.
