Is Merriman on way out in San Diego this year or next? Would Wade look at him?

[mperfection]

Yes sir.

Jerry wants to win. I have always defended him on that front. No one wants to win more. But Jerry wants to win his way. That I do find fault for.

When the Gailey and Campo experiments blew up in his face he did the best thing he has done as the GM. He hired a legend. Parcells fell way below my expectations, but I cannot fault Jerry for Parcells failures here.

When Parcells showed a yellow streak up his back after the Seattle loss Jerry went through the most extensive Coaching search of his tenure as Cowboys owner. I applaud him for that.

Wade was the best choice at that point.

I cannot with a straight face say Wade is the best option right now. Not with proven winners like Shanahan, Cowher, Holmgren, Dungy, and Gruden unemployed. Now I doubt all of those guys would work for Jerry, but I'd bet 3 of them would and give us a better chance to win.

I also look at the Dan Reeves debacle which I took very hard. If winning is the aim and money is not an object, then why wasn't Dan Reeves retained? Over a time clock type clause? That's Campo-like stupid.

I would not have hesitated to hire Holmgren or Shanahan and fired Wade. Not even one second if I knew I could 100% sure have one of those guys.

Thoughtful post. I disagree with letting Wade go - we need him as DC when Shanny arrives as HC/OC.

And since this is a Merriman thread, I'll just weigh in and say that he could/would be a phenomenal addition to this team.

1) It appears that his alleged "assault" on his girlfriend was nothing more than him trying to save her from herself. He alleges that she was drunk and was wanting to leave his home, and he was afraid that she would injure herself (I'm assuming that she intended to drive herself away from his home). I fully expect that all charges will be dropped - very soon. I think he will be exonerated in this.

2) I really don't get why people think Merriman is a thug. He may have had childish ways in college (didn't we all to a certain degree?), but I haven't heard of any news of him getting into fights in local bars or threatening other people's lives. His use of banned substances has already been addressed. I think many of us forget that Merriman was raised homeless - at times literally living on the streets. His upbringing was humble, to say the least.

3) I heard on ESPNews this morning that it appears that the Chargers have zero interest in trying to re-sign Merriman and will let him walk at the end of the season. Someone else, however, will sign him - and quickly. My thoughts: why not trade him now and try to get something for him instead of nothing at the end of the season?

4) I would consider giving next year's 2nd rounder (which I think the Chargers would take) and perhaps another late round pick and Bobby Carpenter in exchange for Merriman this year. Since he's already under contract, he would not need to be immediately re-signed and we could put this off into next year, which will be an uncapped year. Also, he is coming off of a serious knee injury which was said to have been possibly career-threatening. This would factor into salary negotiations as well.

5) I think Merriman would find a good home here in Dallas, and would be excited at the prospect of being on a SB contender and having the likes of Ware opposite him. I won't even go into the prospects having those two bookends at OLB.

This probably won't happen, but I wouldn't completely dismiss the prospect of Merriman being a Cowboy, even if wouldn't take place until next year.

 

[rkell87]

Thoughtful post. I disagree with letting Wade go - we need him as DC when Shanny arrives as HC/OC.

And since this is a Merriman thread, I'll just weigh in and say that he could/would be a phenomenal addition to this team.

1) It appears that his alleged "assault" on his girlfriend was nothing more than him trying to save her from herself. He alleges that she was drunk and was wanting to leave his home, and he was afraid that she would injure herself (I'm assuming that she intended to drive herself away from his home). I fully expect that all charges will be dropped - very soon. I think he will be exonerated in this.

2) I really don't get why people think Merriman is a thug. He may have had childish ways in college (didn't we all to a certain degree?), but I haven't heard of any news of him getting into fights in local bars or threatening other people's lives. His use of banned substances has already been addressed. I think many of us forget that Merriman was raised homeless - at times literally living on the streets. His upbringing was humble, to say the least.

3) I heard on ESPNews this morning that it appears that the Chargers have zero interest in trying to re-sign Merriman and will let him walk at the end of the season. Someone else, however, will sign him - and quickly. My thoughts: why not trade him now and try to get something for him instead of nothing at the end of the season?

4) I would consider giving next year's 2nd rounder (which I think the Chargers would take) and perhaps another late round pick and Bobby Carpenter in exchange for Merriman this year. Since he's already under contract, he would not need to be immediately re-signed and we could put this off into next year, which will be an uncapped year. Also, he is coming off of a serious knee injury which was said to have been possibly career-threatening. This would factor into salary negotiations as well.

5) I think Merriman would find a good home here in Dallas, and would be excited at the prospect of being on a SB contender and having the likes of Ware opposite him. I won't even go into the prospects having those two bookends at OLB.

This probably won't happen, but I wouldn't completely dismiss the prospect of Merriman being a Cowboy, even if wouldn't take place until next year.

agree with just about everything in this post

 

[DeaconBlues]

Thoughtful post. I disagree with letting Wade go - we need him as DC when Shanny arrives as HC/OC.

And since this is a Merriman thread, I'll just weigh in and say that he could/would be a phenomenal addition to this team.

1) It appears that his alleged "assault" on his girlfriend was nothing more than him trying to save her from herself. He alleges that she was drunk and was wanting to leave his home, and he was afraid that she would injure herself (I'm assuming that she intended to drive herself away from his home). I fully expect that all charges will be dropped - very soon. I think he will be exonerated in this.

Here's the problem I have with this. Merriman has gone to great lengths to state (if you really believe the statement came from him - sounds more like agent speak to me) that he did not harm GF, that the paramedics arrived and did not find her injured.

If I was accused of choking my GF, and I did not do it, I wouldn't try to make such a fine distinction. I would simply state that I didn't touch her, or didn't choke her. Merriman isn't stating either of these. Just that he didn' hurt her. Last I checked, in California, choking your GF, without inflicting injury, is still domestic abuse and a crime.

Secondly, I've taken car keys from several friends if I believed they drank too much. Somehow, it's never escalated to the point where someone called the police on my actions.

 

[Hostile]

Thoughtful post. I disagree with letting Wade go - we need him as DC when Shanny arrives as HC/OC.

If you think I'd disagree with that you don't know my agendas.

And since this is a Merriman thread, I'll just weigh in and say that he could/would be a phenomenal addition to this team.

1) It appears that his alleged "assault" on his girlfriend was nothing more than him trying to save her from herself. He alleges that she was drunk and was wanting to leave his home, and he was afraid that she would injure herself (I'm assuming that she intended to drive herself away from his home). I fully expect that all charges will be dropped - very soon. I think he will be exonerated in this.

That's fine and good. Did you know that the Chargers GM has a file on every player for every red flag they raise and Merriman's is getting so big that they will not retain him?

Please don't take my word for this.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4452416

Watch the video, listen to the audio on that file page. After the report by Colleen Dominguez there is a commercial and then another segment. There's a report by Kevin Acee from the San Diego Tribune.

2) I really don't get why people think Merriman is a thug. He may have had childish ways in college (didn't we all to a certain degree?), but I haven't heard of any news of him getting into fights in local bars or threatening other people's lives. His use of banned substances has already been addressed. I think many of us forget that Merriman was raised homeless - at times literally living on the streets. His upbringing was humble, to say the least.

I didn't. I'm a prude.

3) I heard on ESPNews this morning that it appears that the Chargers have zero interest in trying to re-sign Merriman and will let him walk at the end of the season. Someone else, however, will sign him - and quickly. My thoughts: why not trade him now and try to get something for him instead of nothing at the end of the season?

They will trade him and it is directly related to his attitude problems that the team is keeping track of.

Why should we ignore that the Chargers have had enough and assume there's nothing to the reports he is a thug? That doesn't make sense to me. Nor doe sit make sense to me that someone who reported to this forum that he was ever drafted described him as a thug is discounted. That man knew him personally and predicted he would be suspended for steroids and have off the field issues.

I have never forgotten that. Nor will I.

4) I would consider giving next year's 2nd rounder (which I think the Chargers would take) and perhaps another late round pick and Bobby Carpenter in exchange for Merriman this year. Since he's already under contract, he would not need to be immediately re-signed and we could put this off into next year, which will be an uncapped year. Also, he is coming off of a serious knee injury which was said to have been possibly career-threatening. This would factor into salary negotiations as well.

I can't see Jerry doing it. They took a chance on Spencer and I don't see them going backwards now.

5) I think Merriman would find a good home here in Dallas, and would be excited at the prospect of being on a SB contender and having the likes of Ware opposite him. I won't even go into the prospects having those two bookends at OLB.

The Chargers are a Super Bowl contender now. He has Shaun Phillips opposite him. That isn't chopped liver he plays for.

This probably won't happen, but I wouldn't completely dismiss the prospect of Merriman being a Cowboy, even if wouldn't take place until next year.

I'm going to and will eat crow if I am wrong. I don't see it at all.

 

[Everlastingxxx]

If I was accused of choking my GF, and I did not do it, I wouldn't try to make such a fine distinction. I would simply state that I didn't touch her, or didn't choke her. Merriman isn't stating either of these. Just that he didn' hurt her. Last I checked, in California, choking your GF, without inflicting injury, is still domestic abuse and a crime.

Secondly, I've taken car keys from several friends if I believed they drank too much. Somehow, it's never escalated to the point where someone called the police on my actions.

If Merriman choked a 93 lb girl, not only would she have bruises she would probably be dead.

Also, taking keys away from a drunk person is not without a great confrontation. At least in my experience...maybe in your neck of the woods you have well behaved drunks.

 

[rkell87]

If Merriman choked a 93 lb girl, not only would she have bruises she would probably be dead.

Also, taking keys away from a drunk person is not without a great confrontation. At least in my experience...maybe in your neck of the woods you have well behaved drunks.

that just makes too much sense it is much more fun to believe the drunk girl and make the guy to be a monster.

if this actually went to court, shawne should just say he just saw what happened to stalworth and didnt want that to happen to her then she got belligerent.

case closed

 

[DeaconBlues]

If Merriman choked a 93 lb girl, not only would she have bruises she would probably be dead.

Also, taking keys away from a drunk person is not without a great confrontation. At least in my experience...maybe in your neck of the woods you have well behaved drunks.

Actually, no. Unless Merriman was attempting serious harm, it may or may not leave bruises. Would leave redness, that depending on the person, may blend with the skin tone, especially if they were already drunk or excited.

Regarding keys, again, my experience is with friends, not strangers, and at homes. Difficult, yes. But I've never had to resort to physical violence, unless not letting them out the front door is considered violence.

 

[DeaconBlues]

that just makes too much sense it is much more fun to believe the drunk girl and make the guy to be a monster.

if this actually went to court, shawne should just say he just saw what happened to stalworth and didnt want that to happen to her then she got belligerent.

case closed

That defense might work in Florida. California laws are much more strict and lenient to the victim. Merriman didn't have to intend or actually cause harm, just intend to strike or come in contact with the victim. Short of her being armed, he's in trouble.

 

[mperfection]

If you think I'd disagree with that you don't know my agendas.

That's fine and good. Did you know that the Chargers GM has a file on every player for every red flag they raise and Merriman's is getting so big that they will not retain him?

Please don't take my word for this.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4452416

Watch the video, listen to the audio on that file page. After the report by Colleen Dominguez there is a commercial and then another segment. There's a report by Kevin Acee from the San Diego Tribune.

I didn't. I'm a prude.

They will trade him and it is directly related to his attitude problems that the team is keeping track of.

Why should we ignore that the Chargers have had enough and assume there's nothing to the reports he is a thug? That doesn't make sense to me. Nor doe sit make sense to me that someone who reported to this forum that he was ever drafted described him as a thug is discounted. That man knew him personally and predicted he would be suspended for steroids and have off the field issues.

I have never forgotten that. Nor will I.

I can't see Jerry doing it. They took a chance on Spencer and I don't see them going backwards now.

The Chargers are a Super Bowl contender now. He has Shaun Phillips opposite him. That isn't chopped liver he plays for.

I'm going to and will eat crow if I am wrong. I don't see it at all.

Wow! Taking into consideration this diatribe against Merriman, I guess Charles Haley was an absolute angel when we traded for him!

Please - you may not want to have Merriman here, but don't give me this stuff about his so-called "file" with the Chargers GM. At least he didn't urinate on the owner's carpet, nor on another player's car, nor wag his private parts in front of a female reporter. Please, I could go on and on and on about Haley. And I truly believe that Haley was THE missing link for our SB run in '92. I will gladly take some guff for that comment! And no, I'm NOT saying that Merriman would be THE missing link to our SB run. I think you get my point.

And please, don't even try to give a nod to Shaun Phillips being anywhere in the same galaxy as Ware. You and I and everybody with a pint-sized amount of football knowledge know there is absolutely NO comparison. In fact, I think it's safe to say that Merriman wouldn't find a better compliment opposite him than Ware in all of the NFL.

Lastly, if a workable trade could be made for Merriman but we opted out of it SOLELY because we have Spencer, then it would be all but certifiable that Jerry has lost it as a GM.

I would have had more respect for your post if you had simply said that you didn't like Merriman and didn't think he would be a good fit here. But the minute you delved into his "file" you lost all basis for your argument -especially when you look at some of the other high-profile players the Cowboys have acquired since Jerry arrived.

 

[mperfection]

If Merriman choked a 93 lb girl, not only would she have bruises she would probably be dead.

Also, taking keys away from a drunk person is not without a great confrontation. At least in my experience...maybe in your neck of the woods you have well behaved drunks.

 

[Big Dakota]

That defense might work in Florida. California laws are much more strict and lenient to the victim. Merriman didn't have to intend or actually cause harm, just intend to strike or come in contact with the victim. Short of her being armed, he's in trouble.[/quote]
Actually, you know jack **** about the case, like the rest of us.

 

[DeaconBlues]

That defense might work in Florida. California laws are much more strict and lenient to the victim. Merriman didn't have to intend or actually cause harm, just intend to strike or come in contact with the victim. Short of her being armed, he's in trouble.[/quote]
Actually, you know jack **** about the case, like the rest of us.

Actually, read the post I responded to. We were not talking about Merriman specifically, but his using Stallworth as an example.

Learn to read. Drugs are bad.

 

[ScipioCowboy]

Wow! Taking into consideration this diatribe against Merriman, I guess Charles Haley was an absolute angel when we traded for him!

Please - you may not want to have Merriman here, but don't give me this stuff about his so-called "file" with the Chargers GM. At least he didn't urinate on the owner's carpet, nor on another player's car, nor wag his private parts in front of a female reporter. Please, I could go on and on and on about Haley. And I truly believe that Haley was THE missing link for our SB run in '92. I will gladly take some guff for that comment! And no, I'm NOT saying that Merriman would be THE missing link to our SB run. I think you get my point.

And please, don't even try to give a nod to Shaun Phillips being anywhere in the same galaxy as Ware. You and I and everybody with a pint-sized amount of football knowledge know there is absolutely NO comparison. In fact, I think it's safe to say that Merriman wouldn't find a better compliment opposite him than Ware in all of the NFL.

Lastly, if a workable trade could be made for Merriman but we opted out of it SOLELY because we have Spencer, then it would be all but certifiable that Jerry has lost it as a GM.

I would have had more respect for your post if you had simply said that you didn't like Merriman and didn't think he would be a good fit here. But the minute you delved into his "file" you lost all basis for your argument -especially when you look at some of the other high-profile players the Cowboys have acquired since Jerry arrived.

The difference between Haley and Merriman is thus:

Haley's brand of antisocial behavior -- namely, his tendency to urinate on inappropriate objects and "wag his private parts" -- never earned him a suspension from the league.

On the other hand, Merriman's brand of antisocial behavior -- namely, steroid use -- will and has earned him a suspension.

Haley could always be relied upon to be on the field on Sunday. Merriman cannot be relied upon.

 

[dogunwo]

I don't like things about the guy, and i don't think we need him or can afford him, but dude, you don't know anything about football if you think he hasn't played well. Dude was hurt all of 2008 and had no stats, but his first 3 years were great. You need to be informed before making yourself look bad.

First 3 years

Ware Tkls 166 Sacks 33.2 Ints 1 Forced F 12
Merriman Tkls 146 Sacks 39.5 Ints 1 Forced F 8

Because you declared it, I guess that means I know nothing about football. . I am sorry if steroid boy hasnt been able to prove anything since he was "outed". Doesnt have that boost to recover from injuries faster anymore huh? Merriman issues go all the way back to his days at Maryland when TEAMMATES then suspected him of roiding up, and had violent episodes of "roid rage". Yeah, he has had a nice three year run, my exaggeration of my point is that, he really hasnt proven he is good without the boost, and a guy who stays in the headlines negatively.
No thanks.

 

[dogunwo]

If you think I'd disagree with that you don't know my agendas.

That's fine and good. Did you know that the Chargers GM has a file on every player for every red flag they raise and Merriman's is getting so big that they will not retain him?

Please don't take my word for this.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4452416

Watch the video, listen to the audio on that file page. After the report by Colleen Dominguez there is a commercial and then another segment. There's a report by Kevin Acee from the San Diego Tribune.

I didn't. I'm a prude.

They will trade him and it is directly related to his attitude problems that the team is keeping track of.

Why should we ignore that the Chargers have had enough and assume there's nothing to the reports he is a thug? That doesn't make sense to me. Nor doe sit make sense to me that someone who reported to this forum that he was ever drafted described him as a thug is discounted. That man knew him personally and predicted he would be suspended for steroids and have off the field issues.

I have never forgotten that. Nor will I.

I can't see Jerry doing it. They took a chance on Spencer and I don't see them going backwards now.

The Chargers are a Super Bowl contender now. He has Shaun Phillips opposite him. That isn't chopped liver he plays for.

I'm going to and will eat crow if I am wrong. I don't see it at all.

I don't want this guy anywhere near the team. I think he is extremely overrated, and more trouble than he is worth.

 

[Hostile]

Wow! Taking into consideration this diatribe against Merriman, I guess Charles Haley was an absolute angel when we traded for him!

Please - you may not want to have Merriman here, but don't give me this stuff about his so-called "file" with the Chargers GM. At least he didn't urinate on the owner's carpet, nor on another player's car, nor wag his private parts in front of a female reporter. Please, I could go on and on and on about Haley. And I truly believe that Haley was THE missing link for our SB run in '92. I will gladly take some guff for that comment! And no, I'm NOT saying that Merriman would be THE missing link to our SB run. I think you get my point.

And please, don't even try to give a nod to Shaun Phillips being anywhere in the same galaxy as Ware. You and I and everybody with a pint-sized amount of football knowledge know there is absolutely NO comparison. In fact, I think it's safe to say that Merriman wouldn't find a better compliment opposite him than Ware in all of the NFL.

Lastly, if a workable trade could be made for Merriman but we opted out of it SOLELY because we have Spencer, then it would be all but certifiable that Jerry has lost it as a GM.

I would have had more respect for your post if you had simply said that you didn't like Merriman and didn't think he would be a good fit here. But the minute you delved into his "file" you lost all basis for your argument -especially when you look at some of the other high-profile players the Cowboys have acquired since Jerry arrived.

If there is a missing piece here, I don't believe it to be an OLB opposite Ware.

If you look closely I didn't compare Shaun Phillips to Ware. I said that he in not chopped liver. You're reading something into nothing.

If you want to turn a blind eye to Merriman's red flags, that is your business. I would rather not. I'll stand by that.

Steroids, injuries, poor character, are not the same as Haley's problems. Haley was just nuts.

 

[mperfection]

The difference between Haley and Merriman is thus:

Haley's brand of antisocial behavior -- namely, his tendency to urinate on inappropriate objects and "wag his private parts" -- never earned him a suspension from the league.

On the other hand, Merriman's brand of antisocial behavior -- namely, steroid use -- will and has earned him a suspension.

Haley could always be relied upon to be on the field on Sunday. Merriman cannot be relied upon.

Merriman is young. He still has time to learn from his past indiscretions and continue his path to having a very respectable--if not HOF-ish--NFL career.

And I think that Merriman CAN be relied upon to be on the field on Sundays. If you don't think so, I think the Eagles or Commanders would!

 

[mperfection]

If there is a misisng peice here, I don't believe it to be an OLB opposite Ware.

If you look closely I didn't compare Shaun Phillips to Ware. I said that he in not chopped liver. You're reading something into nothing.

If you want to turn a blind eye to Merriman's red flags, that is your business. I would rather not. I'll stand by that.

Steroids, injuries, poor character, are not the same as Haley's problems. Haley was just nuts.

C'mon Hostile, we are both veteran fans when it comes to the Cowboys, and I genuinely respect your knowledge of the game in general and history of the Cowboys in particular. But if you don't think that Haley's problems were as bad if not worse than Merriman's, then I just don't think you're being objective. Haley was/is a mental case and came here with a rather LARGE "file" as you mentioned about Merriman's, larger, I believe, than Shawn's.

I guess we just agree to disagree. Fair enough my man.

 

[EPL0c0]

Heck NO to Hollyroid Merriman!

 

[Hostile]

C'mon Hostile, we are both veteran fans when it comes to the Cowboys, and I genuinely respect your knowledge of the game in general and history of the Cowboys in particular. But if you don't think that Haley's problems were as bad if not worse than Merriman's, then I just don't think you're being objective. Haley was/is a mental case and came here with a rather LARGE "file" as you mentioned about Merriman's, larger, I believe, than Shawn's.

I guess we just agree to disagree. Fair enough my man.

Let me ask you this. Did anyone know this stuff about Haley when we acquired him? I didn't until Pearlman's book. I suspect most are in the same boat.

I'm sorry, but it changes my perspective to know ahead of time about issues guys are having. I don't think Merriman's knee is right. I think he is still on juice and going to be suspended long term, and he has other questionable issues.

Haley's crap is eye opening, but was it ever going to cause him to be unavailable on Sunday? Injury issues and suspensions do.

I don't see the situations as apples to apples. Again, we needed pass rush when we acquired Haley. I don't see that as a need right now. I would rather get a top notch WR opposite Roy than an OLB, and I mean any OLB. I don't see it as a need.

If I had known ahead of time about Haley's dementia, as opposed to in retrospect; I probably would not have wanted him. I am honest enough to admit that. You can disagree. I'll respect your right to do so. I respect the heck out of both guy's efforts on the football field. But I lost respect for Haley after reading those stories. If anything you have further cemented my desire to stay away from Merriman by making them similar.