SAN DIEGO -- Star outside linebacker Shawne Merriman pulled the plug on his 2008 season on Tuesday when he told the San Diego Chargers he'll have surgery on the two torn ligaments in his left knee.
The loss of Merriman, whose hard hits earned him the nickname "Lights Out," is a big one for a team that has Super Bowl expectations.
Merriman's decision came two days after he barely resembled the player who had an NFL-high 39½ sacks in the past three seasons and played in three straight Pro Bowls.
Merriman, known for his spasmodic sack dance, didn't immediately return e-mails and telephone calls seeking comment. His agent, Tom Condon, declined to comment.
"Shawne informed me he did not feel right and thought it best to shut it down," Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said in a statement. "The road to winning the AFC West just got more difficult, but not impossible. Nothing is impossible. Shawne is a great player and an inspirational leader. He will be missed. We wish him a successful surgery and a speedy recovery."
The loss of Merriman, whose hard hits earned him the nickname "Lights Out," is a big one for a team that has Super Bowl expectations.
Merriman's decision came two days after he barely resembled the player who had an NFL-high 39½ sacks in the past three seasons and played in three straight Pro Bowls.
Merriman, known for his spasmodic sack dance, didn't immediately return e-mails and telephone calls seeking comment. His agent, Tom Condon, declined to comment.
"Shawne informed me he did not feel right and thought it best to shut it down," Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said in a statement. "The road to winning the AFC West just got more difficult, but not impossible. Nothing is impossible. Shawne is a great player and an inspirational leader. He will be missed. We wish him a successful surgery and a speedy recovery."
I love the " The road to winning the AFC West just got more difficult, but not impossible."..we did just lose a great player, however Chargers can still win and go to the playoffs, and hope the superbowl?? I think so!
That would be awesome!!
I am just wondering who will do the "pep talk" motivation speeches for the team now?? We will miss Shawn!! I am hoping they win the next game, but the game is in Denver, so maybe not?
Sean and I will be on a cruise so we are hoping to catch the game on Sunday! GO CHARGERS!
anyone have thoughts on Chargers?
1 comment:
I think the Chargers will definitely be in the playoffs, it'd be hard to imagine them not making it. However with Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and still New England with awesome teams the Super Bowl may not happen this year.
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