Should steroid use disqualify NFL players from postseason honors?, By: Jay Paris
February 11, 2007
YES -- The Chargers' Shawne Merriman always said he was going to rule. Soon, he'll likely have one named for him.
The Pro Bowl linebacker generated a tsunami a backlash while contending for the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award. It seems many didn't take kindly to Merriman taking steroids, being suspended, then landing smack dab in the running for the prestigious honor.
Miami's Jason Taylor, who finished first in the balloting, raised a stink about Merriman's candidacy.
I think it smells, too.
So does NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. He said last week in Miami Beach that he and players association executive director Gene Upshaw have discussed introducing a rule that would disqualify players from the Pro Bowl and other honors in the same season they produce a failed drug test.
Merriman claims he ingested the banned substance by accident. If so, he's incredibly naïve or stupid, or both. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt.
But Merriman's alibi ---- which, outside of San Diego, generated so many rolling eyes a man could get seasick ---- didn't wash with most NFL types. Their premise is: Why should someone getting an illegal advantage off the field enjoy the accolades that come from dominating on the field?
Others bark that what happens away from the game isn't applicable, that Merriman ---- by serving his four-game suspension ---- paid the price.
Sorry, but that doesn't add up.
Steroids ain't smart. The drugs filling Merriman's chiseled chassis don't know when his cleats have crossed the sideline. They don't realize when the game's on or off.
By filling his veins with a banned substance ---- however it got there ---- Merriman forfeits his stance that he didn't receive an edge. He can't say, with a straight face, that his absorption of drugs didn't possibly aid him in leading the NFL with 17 sacks.
It's a shame, in some ways, because Merriman is among the most personable Chargers to arrive of late. He seems genuine with his apologies, always has time for the media, and is involved in numerous community endeavors.
But a stain on one's reputation isn't easily removed.
Plus, his "Lights Out" dance rubs many people the wrong way ---- hello, New England ---- and they were ecstatic to pile on when his urine was anything but clean.
Hence, the Merriman Rule fills the horizon. And it's as clear as a sunset on a cloudless day that it's the right thing to do.
