Chargers' Merriman will forgo surgery, play with knee injury

[saden1]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

I agree. If I am AJ Smith (shoot me now by the way in this case) I IR him in a heart beat.

Perhaps the Commissioner should get involved?

[skinsfan_nn]

Might just be a fry or two short of a happy meal! Not a very wise decision.

If he was thinking about his future and prolonging his career in this league, it would only seem logical to have the repair work done now. Instead of taking the chance of further damage.

But, it's his body and everyone has choices to make....carry on!

[vaoutlaws2006]

he is going to regret this decision later. impact linebackers with bum knees....not a good combination....i am curious he saw 4 doctors....i guess the last one gave him the green light. Did he keep seeking opinions until he got the one he wanted? Wow....now this is neccessary...what a MORON!

[MPNRedskins]

Apparently, all 4 doctors told him he needs to have the surgery. I think he will regret this decision, especially if he blows out his knee in the first few games. If I was Merriman, I'd get the surgery and come back bigger, faster, and stronger next year.

[NYCskinfan82]

Idiot!

[Riggo44]

You would think his buddy Lavar would tell him how much fun it is to play football when your knees aren't healthy.
S.D is probably thinking they need him to reach the S.B. and they wouldn't be able to resign him after next season any ways. So if he really hurts his knee and can't play again there actually only losing him for the 2009 season. It's pretty obvious to me by letting him play this year that the Chargers don't care about his carrier long term.
Merriman is a fool for letting the Chargers use him like this.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by Riggo44

You would think his buddy Lavar would tell him how much fun it is to play football when your knees aren't healthy.
S.D is probably thinking they need him to reach the S.B. and they wouldn't be able to resign him after next season any ways. So if he really hurts his knee and can't play again there actually only losing him for the 2009 season. It's pretty obvious to me by letting him play this year that the Chargers don't care about his carrier long term.
Merriman is a fool for letting the Chargers use him like this.

The Chargers won't reach the SB if he blows out his knees and ends his career.

[GMScud]

I just can't get over how foolish and shortsighted this decision is. Total meathead. He's still got a lot of mileage left- IF he shuts it down, has the surgery NOW, and rehabs for next year. What poor, ill-advised short term thinking this is. Now he'll play maybe half the season at 75%, then hurt himself to the point he has no choice but to have the surgery. At that point he'll be well behind where he'd be if he just got it done now. And that's best case. Worst case he ends his career, and misses out on tens of millions of dollars and a possible shot at the Hall of Fame. Unreal.

[Daseal]

He's going to blow out his knee doing his ridiculous dance. If you're ignorant enough to ignore the advice of four doctors, including the world renowned Dr. James Andrews -- you deserve whatever comes to you. I won't feel an ounce of pity for him. NFL radio said if he gets (I believe it was) 12.5 sacks, he gets an extra 1.5 million. Play for the 2nd contract.

[onlydarksets]

Can we have a poll?

Shawne Merriman is:
1. A dummy
2. An idiot
3. High
4. All of the above

I vote for #4.

[SmootSmack]

Where is the requisite "The Redskins are idiots for passing on Shawne Merriman" comment?

[NM Redskin]

What doctor would say go play and open them selves up to a huge lawsuit if turns out he ruins his carreer. So to me its hard to really know what the docs said behind close doors to him.

[BleedBurgundy]

C l o w n a s s

[djnemo65]

I'm reminded of what TO said after he played in the Superbowl against New England, in which he suggested, had it been Brett Favre playing hurt refusing to sit out instead of TO, he would have been hailed as a warrior.

Well I generally agree in following the advice of one's doctors, I think you guys are being a little hard on a guy who refuses to stay off the field, perhaps at the expense of his career. Usually when someone puts playing above money and anything else we as fans appreciate this. But I guess it depends on the guy.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by djnemo65

I'm reminded of what TO said after he played in the Superbowl against New England, in which he suggested, had it been Brett Favre playing hurt refusing to sit out instead of TO, he would have been hailed as a warrior.

Well I generally agree in following the advice of one's doctors, I think you guys are being a little hard on a guy who refuses to stay off the field, perhaps at the expense of his career. Usually when someone puts playing above money and anything else we as fans appreciate this. But I guess it depends on the guy.

I hear ya, to an extent. Hey, if you play through a broken pinky and it needs to be cut off (Ronnie Lott), or play with a broken leg or ankle (Jack Youngblood and Donovan McNabb), then hell yeah, you're a warrior. But if you play with torn knee ligaments that could end your career, what's better for both you and the Chargers? Being balsy and "tough" and playing a few more games until your career ends, or getting your knee taken care of and being great for several more seasons? This is no-brainer IMO.

Also, TO was just doing what was necessary to be effective for one game, and that game just happened to be the biggest of all. I don't think TO was at risk of ending his career with that ankle injury either.

EDIT:
On a side note, I just heard on ESPN that Merriman was advised to have corrective surgery after last season and decided against it. Look where that's left him.