And so, as it seems, the Chargers have turned the lights off completely to the player, known as his nickname "Lights Out." Merriman was one of the most feared hitters in the game, and his energy-filled performance on the gridiron gave him the nickname he received.
The Chargers do have an option to re-sign him, however, with A.J. Smith as general manager, it now just seems unlikely.
Merriman had about 40 sacks in his first three seasons in the league, but went down to only four in his next three games due to many injury-filled season. Merriman only played 18 games that time, while playing 42 in his first three seasons.
Merriman has a lot of off-the-field issues, which made Smith dislike him. It first started out with Merriman being tested positive for steroids in 2006, but was trying to claim that there was something tainted in the substance he was using. He would be suspended for four games, but however, he still managed to have a Pro Bowl-caliber year, recording 17 sacks.
Merriman was also accused of abusing his then-girlfriend, Tila Tequila, last year.
Merriman so far has only six tackles, along with surprisingly no sacks, this season.
"I am approaching this situation as an opportunity to grow as a player and to bring my leadership and talents to a new organization. I am ready for the next chapter in my career and I am excited about the opportunity to continue my journey with a new team," Merriman said.
With Merriman gone, Larry English will have to step it up this season and replace Merriman. English was mainly drafted for this season, as the San Diego would be worried after seeing Merriman out for the season. It's good they took this pre-caution, as they are now in the process of releasing Merriman, as you read already. I think English will fill in well for "Lights Out."
This is a short farewell for to a short, overrated era.
You might be baffled by that statement, but however, there is truth to it.
Merriman took steroids in his 17-sack year, with a four-game suspension. He had ten sacks the year before, which was by the way his rookie season. Who knows what Merriman could have done? He probably could have taken steroids that whole time all the way up until he got busted and caught for the illegal and banned substance of the National Football League.
It was a pretty overrated era with Merriman. He only had three good seasons, and that's it. Injuries took him over.
Can he ever return to that form? Who knows?
But the team that is thinking of signing him needs to take a lot of precaution and better know who they are picking up from free agency. Merriman ruined this for himself. He already had a bunch of off-the-field issues, but getting a bunch of injuries is a whole lot worse.
Now he is out of a job. Hope all goes the best to Merriman. When he looks back on this, he hopes it doesn't happen again.
It's time to turn the lights on for Merriman, as he needs to act from this.
But right now for Shawne Merriman, the lights will be out.
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