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http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2644175
Updated: Oct. 31, 2006, 5:31 PM ET
Merriman drops appeal, will serve suspension
ESPN.com news services
Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman of the San Diego Chargers has dropped his appeal of a four-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
The New York Times reported Tuesday that Merriman had sought a deal with the league that would allow him to address his teammates on Wednesday before his suspension took effect, and the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that request was granted. Under NFL rules, suspended players are banned from their team facilities.
Merriman's attorney, David Cornwall, announced at a news conference last week that he believes Merriman tested positive for the steroid nandrolone and claimed the banned substance was in a supplement the star linebacker had been taking.
Merriman had virtually no chance of having his suspension reduced. The league sends out a comprehensive list of banned substances that could be found in supplements or medication. It's up to the player to study that list and make sure he does not take those supplements.
The reigning NFL defensive rookie of the year, Merriman will miss San Diego's four games in November against Cleveland, Cincinnati, Denver and Oakland. He is eligible to return for a December 3 game at Buffalo.
The Chargers (5-2) are tied with Denver for first place in the AFC West.
Merriman is tied for the league lead with 8½ sacks. Last week, Merriman had three sacks in the Chargers' 38-24 win over St. Louis.
Selected 12th overall in 2005 out of Maryland, the 6-4, 272-pound Merriman was a major force during his rookie campaign, when he collected 10 sacks and 57 tackles in 15 games.
SportsTicker contributed to this story.
Updated: Oct. 31, 2006, 5:31 PM ET
Merriman drops appeal, will serve suspension
ESPN.com news services
Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman of the San Diego Chargers has dropped his appeal of a four-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
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The NFL officially announced Merriman's four-game suspension on Tuesday after the appeal was dropped. An appeal hearing had been scheduled for November 7.
The New York Times reported Tuesday that Merriman had sought a deal with the league that would allow him to address his teammates on Wednesday before his suspension took effect, and the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that request was granted. Under NFL rules, suspended players are banned from their team facilities.
Merriman's attorney, David Cornwall, announced at a news conference last week that he believes Merriman tested positive for the steroid nandrolone and claimed the banned substance was in a supplement the star linebacker had been taking.
Merriman had virtually no chance of having his suspension reduced. The league sends out a comprehensive list of banned substances that could be found in supplements or medication. It's up to the player to study that list and make sure he does not take those supplements.
The reigning NFL defensive rookie of the year, Merriman will miss San Diego's four games in November against Cleveland, Cincinnati, Denver and Oakland. He is eligible to return for a December 3 game at Buffalo.
The Chargers (5-2) are tied with Denver for first place in the AFC West.
Merriman is tied for the league lead with 8½ sacks. Last week, Merriman had three sacks in the Chargers' 38-24 win over St. Louis.
Selected 12th overall in 2005 out of Maryland, the 6-4, 272-pound Merriman was a major force during his rookie campaign, when he collected 10 sacks and 57 tackles in 15 games.
SportsTicker contributed to this story.
