Shawn Merriman is going 2 play on a knee that has 2 torn joints. Is this guy NUTS? Why would his coach even allow such nonsense? This guy will be out of the NFL in 2 years if he does this.

he's nuts. You depend so much on your knees -- with planting, twisting and running -- he's crazy to try to play with that injury. Five specialists have told him to stay out this season.

ThreadBare said:

It shows u what the organization thinks of it's players. A REAL team would make this guy sit out.

ThreadBare said:

I fear for him when he plays in stadiums that use astroturf. Dude's playing russian roulette and the team is letting him.

Graycap23 said:

The NFL seems like a player mill, a lot of times.

S.M. better take a look at the condition of old greats' knees today. I'm thinking Earl Campbell, for instance. But, then again, he could take a look at more recent dudes, such as Mike McCrary .

It's the 'roids talkin'.

ThreadBare said:

I sat behind Earl Campbell at a high school football game last year and watching him walk up those stadium stairs was one of the saddest things I've ever seen.

SCNDLS said:

Must be.

Graycap23 said:

Dudes think they're invincible when they're on the juice, til their hearts stop beating.

SCNDLS said:

Lyle Alzado comes 2 mind.

That is my team too!! No Sean, nooooo

Graycap23 said:

Didn't four doctors all say get it fixed now?

The team's position is that if he gets hurt, they have insurance to pay for his salary. They can't make him not play, although I guess they could bench him every game until he gets operated on.

But really, it's Merriman's choice 100%.

RodeoSchro said:

Bad choice on both parties.

RodeoSchro said:

Sure they can prevent him from playing they do it all the time when they put players on IR. What's the difference?

I like the guy more after this. He has heart and loves to play the game. They have a legit superbowl contending team.

No words.

SCNDLS said:

Yeah, good point.

RodeoSchro said:

So, basically, he's stupid, and management is desperate for a championship they ain't gon' get as long as the 'boys stay healthy.

weused2luvhim said:

Heart and love for the game is one thing, but this is plain stupid.

uPtoWnNY said:

And career threatening.....

Graycap23 said:

He doesn't have two torn joints. He has two torn ligaments in his knee joint.
Who says he won't be out of the NFL in two years anyway?
If he's not effective he's not going to be on the field, and he and the coaches know that.

Shawne Merriman (torn LCL, PCL) told FOXSports.com that he will go against the advice of four knee specialists and play football in 2008.
Merriman made his decision despite each doctor recommending reconstructive surgery. The commitment is admirable, but Lights Out could've saved himself some airfare. Further damage to the knee could end his career. Merriman is unlikely to see a full complement of snaps in 2008 and is a poor bet to play 16 games. This helps to stabilize the fantasy value of the Chargers team defense.
Source: FOXSports.com

Graycap23 said:

Lol, and how is that different from any play in any game?

He doesn't plan to play until he's an AARP member or collecting Social Security.

SUPRMAN said:

Simple.
Who is MORE likely 2 get hurt in a given play?
A. Person with no injury
B. Person playing with an injury and the opposing team KNOWS about it?

Graycap23 said:

Actually, he said he was misquoted about it being career threatening. It's not. But still, why play at less than 100%? Does he think he's THAT damn good?

Graycap23 said:

Injury lists are published weekly. There isn't a greater increase in injuries to other players such as Tom Brady, Ocho Cinco, or others.
Statistically, I'd guess you're right, there is a greater likelihood because the injury will be targeted but you also can't go after a players knees. That's illegal.

SUPRMAN said:

But it happens all the time often it's unintentional like in a pile up or something. Plus he'll be less mobile and less able to protect himself. He's gonna be a big ass sitting duck if the Chargers let that fool play. This has dumb ass move written all over it. Oh, well, anything that gives the 'boys an advantage is a-ok.

SUPRMAN said:

Well, it's official, he needs TOTAL reconstructive knee surgery and is out for the season now. He shoulda done this when he got injured back in December instead of delaying it.
[Edited 9/9/08 15:39pm]

SCNDLS said:

Fool.....that should be posted on his forehead.

Graycap23 said:

I vote for DUMBASS! He coulda been ready for THIS season if he'd done the surgery 9 months ago instead of opting to play with pain. I really think that fool is on some mo' shit.