joelbolt
11-02-2006, 09:25 AM
Merriman insists he's 'not a cheater' (http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20061102/news_1s2chnotes.html)
By Kevin Acee
STAFF WRITER
November 2, 2006
It was time to look ahead yesterday, as the Chargers try to figure out what to do for four games without Shawne Merriman.
Merriman spoke to the media in the morning, addressed his teammates afterward and then walked away from the Chargers' facility, the last time he will be there until Nov. 27.
I'm not a cheater, said Merriman, who tested positive for the steroid nandrolone in August and dropped the appeal of his suspension Tuesday. I don't believe in cheating the game, I don't condone cheating the game and I have no reason to cheat the game. I'm about playing football, and I'm a great football player. I will continue to go out and prove that. Maybe over time people will see I'm a terrific football player and a terrific person, that I don't condone cheating. I will go out and be the best player possible and be known as one of the best to ever play.
Merriman reiterated yesterday that nandrolone got in his body because of his taking a tainted over-the-counter supplement. He said he had taken the supplement for 18 months and tested clean numerous times.
He has not identified the manufacturer, but said the FDA is investigating the company. Merriman's advisers also have been in contact with several lawmakers who are pushing for stricter regulation of the supplement industry.
The Chargers will try to replace Merriman, who is tied for the NFL lead with 8½ sacks, primarily with Carlos Polk. However, the rotation at outside linebacker largely depends on the health of Shaun Phillips.
Phillips, who strained his calf Oct. 22, did not practice yesterday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. Marques Harris played in his place last week and would start there again if Phillips is unable to go.
Also listed as questionable and missing practice yesterday was defensive end Igor Olshansky, who has missed the past two games after knee surgery.
Reverence and a rip
Browns tight end Kellen Winslow II said yesterday he is eager to play in the same stadium where his father did as a member of the Chargers from 1979 through 1987.
But he is also looking forward to something else.
I hope they go in man coverage, so I can go one-on-one with Terrence Kiel and get him, Winslow said.
Kiel said he doesn't know Winslow, but they have mutual acquaintances. He pointed out that Winslow likes to talk.
Before challenging the Chargers' strong safety, Winslow was reverential about his return home.
I've always wanted to play in that stadium, said Winslow, who played at Scripps Ranch High. I've always dreamed of being in that stadium.
Just 4 years old when his father retired, Winslow does not remember his dad's career. But he now plays the same position and wears the same number (80) as his father, who is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
I didn't know he played football when I was little, but everyone knew who he was, the younger Winslow said. He was my hero. When I found out, that's all I wanted to do.
Nuts 'n' Bolts
The Chargers are not immediately filling the roster spot temporarily vacated by Merriman.
The equipment crew said it now has tackle Marcus McNeill's last name spelled correctly on his throwback jersey. It was McNeill's father who noticed the misspelling, with one 'l' missing, on the television broadcast of the Oct. 8 game against Pittsburgh.
Safeties Bhawoh Jue (knee) and Clinton Hart (hip) did not participate in practice yesterday but are probable for Sunday.
By Kevin Acee
STAFF WRITER
November 2, 2006
It was time to look ahead yesterday, as the Chargers try to figure out what to do for four games without Shawne Merriman.
Merriman spoke to the media in the morning, addressed his teammates afterward and then walked away from the Chargers' facility, the last time he will be there until Nov. 27.
I'm not a cheater, said Merriman, who tested positive for the steroid nandrolone in August and dropped the appeal of his suspension Tuesday. I don't believe in cheating the game, I don't condone cheating the game and I have no reason to cheat the game. I'm about playing football, and I'm a great football player. I will continue to go out and prove that. Maybe over time people will see I'm a terrific football player and a terrific person, that I don't condone cheating. I will go out and be the best player possible and be known as one of the best to ever play.
Merriman reiterated yesterday that nandrolone got in his body because of his taking a tainted over-the-counter supplement. He said he had taken the supplement for 18 months and tested clean numerous times.
He has not identified the manufacturer, but said the FDA is investigating the company. Merriman's advisers also have been in contact with several lawmakers who are pushing for stricter regulation of the supplement industry.
The Chargers will try to replace Merriman, who is tied for the NFL lead with 8½ sacks, primarily with Carlos Polk. However, the rotation at outside linebacker largely depends on the health of Shaun Phillips.
Phillips, who strained his calf Oct. 22, did not practice yesterday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. Marques Harris played in his place last week and would start there again if Phillips is unable to go.
Also listed as questionable and missing practice yesterday was defensive end Igor Olshansky, who has missed the past two games after knee surgery.
Reverence and a rip
Browns tight end Kellen Winslow II said yesterday he is eager to play in the same stadium where his father did as a member of the Chargers from 1979 through 1987.
But he is also looking forward to something else.
I hope they go in man coverage, so I can go one-on-one with Terrence Kiel and get him, Winslow said.
Kiel said he doesn't know Winslow, but they have mutual acquaintances. He pointed out that Winslow likes to talk.
Before challenging the Chargers' strong safety, Winslow was reverential about his return home.
I've always wanted to play in that stadium, said Winslow, who played at Scripps Ranch High. I've always dreamed of being in that stadium.
Just 4 years old when his father retired, Winslow does not remember his dad's career. But he now plays the same position and wears the same number (80) as his father, who is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
I didn't know he played football when I was little, but everyone knew who he was, the younger Winslow said. He was my hero. When I found out, that's all I wanted to do.
Nuts 'n' Bolts
The Chargers are not immediately filling the roster spot temporarily vacated by Merriman.
The equipment crew said it now has tackle Marcus McNeill's last name spelled correctly on his throwback jersey. It was McNeill's father who noticed the misspelling, with one 'l' missing, on the television broadcast of the Oct. 8 game against Pittsburgh.
Safeties Bhawoh Jue (knee) and Clinton Hart (hip) did not participate in practice yesterday but are probable for Sunday.