Merriman continues to prove that he's an idiot, will play with 2 torn ligaments

That's a gutty move...but a dumb one

He couldn't be more of a dumbass if that's true! his contract expires after the 09 season, and if he suffers a big injury chargers would just release him and if he plays without a problem and his stats drop, the chargers would offer him a downgraded contract.

He's gotta think of himself, not the team. Teams will drop you faster than anything if you're of no more use to them, even if you have given them everything.

It's a tough choice. The Chargers are primed for a SB run, since both the Colts and the Patriots aren't invincible anymore.

As much as I think it's dumb, it's his decision and this is one of the gutsiest moves I've seen in a while. I doubt he will last the season, but if he does, this man is not human. Gotta respect his will to play and will to win

DUMB !

he is man beast it ,shows he has heart, is tough, and wants to win.

bonehead move...ppl may think its courageous now, but if that knee gives way and his career is over they'll realize how much of a stupid move this is...what i said may not happen, but for a guy in his early 20s that has his whole career ahead of him, it's not worth the risk

Hes so Dumb...how many doctors opinions did he request and then reject....too many for me to count. but with the stubborness on his part, I wouldnt be surprised when he has a press conference and says he wont play for the whole season (around week 2 or 3)....

trust the doctors man (who should b getting more dough than these athughletes), your making a fool out of yourself....MArcellus Wiley kept it real and said go for the surgery and relax.....

even on a cut, then a tweak, Toast...kinda selfish if he turns out to be sub-par...one thing; he can't be doing that Sack Dance

The NFL is a business and they don't care if you play with a broke leg... If your Stats drop you're done!!!!! People might respect him more, and admire how courageous he is, the team doesn't care for his health all they see are stats they don't see a person. And if those numbers drop either because he gets injured mid-season or because his numbers drop the team will have no problem in releasing him.

It's nothing personal but the NFL has always been that way, If you no longer produce for your team you are no longer welcomed and get the door.

I have a feeling he knows something we don't. I bet it's not as serious as everyone is making it out to be, then when he makes it through the season everyone will praise him as the toughest player ever, further eliminating the memory of his suspension. When in actuality it wasn't even close to as serious as originally reported.

that would make sense.

what an idiot

I am not even sure why I reply. This is not a DUMBASS MAN, as the headline stated. He is an intelligent, well liked guy who has gone to 4 people to be sure his decision is the correct one. I am so sick of idiotic fans who pretend they know all because they read some biased reporte's opinin. I wish him the best and am thrilled he feels he is able to play this season.

All 4 people told him 2 NOT play.

I think Shawn Merriman has a right to decide whether he will play or not. And he has so just respect his decision. He has to live with those knees. Not anyone of us with an opinion. If he were cut today it would still be his problem. An and after thought to all those with such a strong opiinion. Let the man play ball. If he feels good about his caliber of play and the SANDIEGO CHARGERS are satisfied with his play then thats all that matters. Do Your Thing Shawn Merriman! I'll support your decision.

this just proves that taking steroids can effect your decision making. kids please do not take steroids or else you become a complete idiot. And how come the chargers are letting him get away with this, does winning a football game take precedence over someone's long term health?

I know he wants to play and all, but damn, what a dumb move. Not only can this be a season ending injury, it can be a complete career ending injury if not properly taken care of. I love the Chargers and all, and their stacked up Defense, but if they were smare, they'd step in and take the option away from Shawne in playing.

The Chargers front office, maybe even Norv Turner, needs to say something. This moron is taking the chance of doing even more damage. Then what? No more football. Just have the surgery and come back next year. It's going to hard sacking quarterbacks this season.

maybe if he wasn't such a steroid-addled freak, he would listen to reason/logic, amd maybe he wouldn't have had weak ligaments to tear in the first place...oh irony

Damn fool!

This shows he's an incredible team player and that he would do anything to win. He said that the injury is not career threatening, so why not play. He doesn't care about the money obviously, so good for him.

It would be one thing if he were super old & this was likely his last season...but he has many good years ahead of him.
I just don't understand his reasoning.

And good point phillyfannaz - he is probably feeling fine now - but doing irreparable damage.

yea and stuff like this isnt a matter of heart or playing through pain because im sure it doesnt really bother him now but this is the dude's health were talking about and to risk ur health uneccessarly is tetarded i understand him wanting to play and win but if ur hurt you are hurt get healed then come back and play.

dude is an idiot risking his career a couple of years ago i wrecked my tractor trailer and tore me pcl and lcl and the two doctors i saw said guess what i needed surgery it took me close to a year to rehab but they said without the surgery i would be fine for a lil while but with my ligments not supporting my joints i would wear out all my cartilage which is the same thing thts gonna happen to merriman. An if they were telling me this imagine how bad it would wear on a professional player. Obviously he is in great shape but other than if u are overweight it doesnt matter how far or fast you can run if ur knee doesnt have support or cartilage the only place merriman is running to is early retirement.

I'm guessing your not a professional athlete, because they heal better, they are rehabbed better and they are paid to pay through pain and that is what he is doing.

He'll either be hurt by week 1 or play 16 games.