10-22-2006, 11:58 PM
: Chargers' Merriman suspended for steroidsESPN.com news services
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.
[Image: nfl_u_merriman_65.jpg]MerrimanMerriman's positive test was "definitely for steroids … not one of those supplement deals" said a source with knowledge of Merriman's suspension.
Merriman, 22, was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year last season and started in the Pro Bowl. He is second on the Chargers with 5½ sacks this season.
Merriman's suspension originally was to be announced last Tuesday when two other players -- the Falcons' Matt 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.
The team was on a plane Sunday night and neither the Chargers, nor Merriman could be reached for comment, though the team was expected to issue a statement later Sunday. Merriman's suspension is the latest on a laundry list of on- and off-the-field issues coach Marty Schottenheimer has had to deal with this season.
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.
[Image: nfl_u_merriman_65.jpg]MerrimanMerriman's positive test was "definitely for steroids … not one of those supplement deals" said a source with knowledge of Merriman's suspension.
Merriman, 22, was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year last season and started in the Pro Bowl. He is second on the Chargers with 5½ sacks this season.
Merriman's suspension originally was to be announced last Tuesday when two other players -- the Falcons' Matt 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.
The team was on a plane Sunday night and neither the Chargers, nor Merriman could be reached for comment, though the team was expected to issue a statement later Sunday. Merriman's suspension is the latest on a laundry list of on- and off-the-field issues coach Marty Schottenheimer has had to deal with this season.