Shawne Merriman is Crazy

by Scruffy Lefty on Aug 27, 2008 1:43 PM PDT

Dude is going to play with 2 Torn Ligaments in his knee. This can only end badly.

Surgery will have to wait for Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, who decided Wednesday he’ll play this season despite two torn ligaments in his left knee.

After spending several days seeking outside opinions, Merriman informed the team of his decision on Wednesday morning.

The star outside linebacker returned from Miami on Tuesday after seeking yet another opinion on his knee.

Tweet Comment 7 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Meathead

What do you expect from a pig but a grunt? This is a guy that got punted for 4 games a year ago because of his ‘roids; clearly long-term health means nothing to him. The sad thing is that this plays into the whole tough guys play injured myth in sports (tough guys play HURT, not injured). For future athletes to learn the lesson, I hope Merriman blows his knee out. There’s also a huge difference between playing if they were already deep into a season/playoffs (like Rivers did) and playing now; for all he knows, San Diego could finish 9-7 and miss the playoffs; it happened three years ago when they were damn good and it can happen again. The smart move is to have the surgery now, ergo, dumbass Merriman will play.

by Azimeir on Aug 27, 2008 2:03 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah Merriman is nuts,

but hoping he blows out his knee is a little vicious. It’s his knee, his financial future, his football future. He can choose to do whatever he wants, as long as the team clears him.

I think the bigger issue is the Chargers clearing him.

by brayden04 on Aug 28, 2008 1:54 AM PDT up reply actions

But that's my point

Recklessness should have consequences, not for him but for all the other athletes that look up to this ape. Merriman also got busted ‘roiding up last year and then got to play in the pro bowl. If he plays on this injury and goes to another pro bowl then Merriman is going to have twice set a bad example for younger athletes to follow. Also, any ethical coach – that wasn’t an insecure hack – would shut him down anyway. It makes sense from a business standpoint to have Merriman play – use him up and then throw him away – but any decent human being would sit him down for his own good. If karma doesn’t rear its ugly head, there will be decent human beings that will suffer for making the same stupid decision in the future.

by Azimeir on Aug 28, 2008 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions

Wow, this guy is insane

by Benne on Aug 27, 2008 2:18 PM PDT reply actions

He saw (I heard) four different doctors

Looking for one of them to say that other than the pain there was no risk to playing this season. It seemed liked they were all saying if he gets hurt he could be done for good.

Seems like a very dumb move. The guy is only 24, he could have another 12 seasons left in him? Why risk all of that for one season where he might be limited anyways?

272 pounds is a very high weight for a guy who is changing directions so quickly. While his combination of size and athleticism is a big part of why he is so dominant, it also bodes poorly for the long term health of his knees.

I hope he plans to play at a bit lower weight and take some pressure off those knees.

I hope he doesn’t get hurt, he is a great young player.

by michaelfox99 on Aug 27, 2008 3:39 PM PDT reply actions

What an idiot.

I’m somewhat shocked the Chargers organization is going to let this happen. He’s 24.

Jeeeez…

by AtomicGarden on Aug 27, 2008 4:25 PM PDT reply actions

I love his rationale for it

He keeps saying he’s going to play “until it’s time to get surgery”….Uhh, five doctors just told you NOW is the time to get surgery. What’s his definition of “needs surgery”? When his leg falls off below the knee?

by OlSalty on Aug 30, 2008 8:47 PM PDT reply actions