
Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman was once one of the most-feared players in the NFL. On Wednesday Merriman was placed on the injured reserve list because of a calf injury and a “minor-injury designation”. Because he was placed on the injured reserved list Merriman must be released once he’s healthy.
Technically, the Chargers could re-sign Merriman, but he was already a restricted free agent and the team is probably not going to be willing to pay the hefty price tag for a player that has been hurt more than healthy the past few seasons. So I honestly think that it won’t happen, because general manager A.J. Smith hasn’t been a fan of Merriman’s celebrity-leaning lifestyle.
Smith wasn’t really happy that Merriman brought unwanted attention off the field. He was arrested just before the 2009 season after reality television star Tila Tequila accused him of battery and false imprisonment at his suburban San Diego home. No charges were filed, and Merriman and Tequila settled dueling lawsuits.
A man who was once known as “Lights Out” because of his once-ferocious hits, Merriman had 39 1/2 sacks in his first three seasons. He’s had only four in the three seasons since then due to a variety of injuries.
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