Chargers LB supports the "Merriman Rule"
By Mike Klis
Denver Post Staff Writer
Posted: 02/07/2007 01:00:00 AM MST
Ko Olina, Hawaii - To his credit, Shawne Merriman didn't allow the elevator doors to close.
As he moved from the lobby of JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa to the elevator banks here Tuesday, Merriman had been asked about his decision to honor his Pro Bowl commitment, even though the San Diego Chargers' outside linebacker well understood he would serve as the game's lightning rod.
"No, I'm not embarrassed," Merriman said while holding the elevator doors open - and quite easily, at that. "The fans wanted me here. If the fans didn't want me here, I wouldn't have been here. But it was the fans who decided they wanted to see me play and I'm honored by that. I think I would disappoint the fans if I didn't show up."
In future years, players in Merriman's situation may be barred by what is likely to be known as the "Merriman Rule." Earlier this season, Merriman tested positive for steroids and, though he denied the charge, the league ordered him to serve a four-game suspension.
Merriman's supreme athletic skills and steroid allegations collided into controversy later this season when, despite his suspension, he became mentioned as a defensive player of the year candidate. Miami's Jason Taylor, who eventually received the award, and later Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey said they thought honoring a player charged with taking steroids would be sending a terrible message.
Roger Goodell agrees, and there were reports last week the NFL commissioner will prohibit any player who tests positive for performance-enhancing drugs from individual postseason awards, including the Pro Bowl.
The rule likely will be formalized in the offseason - to the overwhelming support of the league's top players. Including Merriman.
"I think it's a good rule for the NFL," Merriman said. "That way you make sure every player got here on their own merits."
Said Broncos safety John Lynch: "I like the kid. He's a very respectful person and obviously a great player. But we've got rules and I applaud the league for always being ahead of the curve."
Many players were impressed by Merriman's presence here this week, when so many other stars would have come up with a mysterious injury to avoid embarrassment or scrutiny.
"He's not that way," Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson said. "He's not going to duck it. He wants to do the right thing."
Merriman, Taylor and Bailey are all here this week, preparing for Saturday's Pro Bowl.
"It's not awkward for me," Taylor said. "I would love for him to be on our team. And we'll talk and have a couple mai tai's."
