Shawne Merriman Will Play.

[BrownsFan]

I'm not one to typically call a player an idiot.. but I really believe Shawne Merriman is being an idiot.

It appears the Chargers will have their main defensive lightning bolt after all.

Pro Bowl defensive end Shawne Merriman has informed the team that he will play this season despite having two torn knee ligaments, Merriman told FOXSports.com.

"I know what's at stake," Merriman said Wednesday. "But I had a goal with the team before the season started, and I'm sticking to it."

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8495712...-torn-ligaments

[theFRANCHISE]

I understand that he has passion for the game and he doesn't want to stay away, but there's a fine line between bravery and stupidity. At least three licensed medical professionals told him to have surgery and miss one season so he can play many more in the future.

Instead, he wants to risk suffering a career-ending injury, and also risk his ability to walk properly for the rest of his life.

Reconstructive knee surgery may be difficult to come back from, but if he were to suffer more damage to those ligaments, he may not be able to come back at all, period.

[MyNameIsEarl]

This is possibly the worst decision of the offseason. Not only has the guy torn 2 ligaments in the knee, but he couldn't play a position that does more damage to the knees on defense. Especially if he rushes from standup linebacker, which he does on most plays. That way he has to run on it aswell as fight the blocker. To make matters worse, he plays in the same division as Denver, and they use a cut blocking scheme. That's not pleasant for defenders at the best of times. But with two torn ligaments, it's career suicide. I would seriously question any coach that would put their star Pass rusher on the field against a cut blocking scheme with a knee injured to such a degree.

[BrownsFan]

One of the things I was thinking about when I read this is how can Norv Turner let this guy go out and play? Granted Merriman is the one making the choice but if I were Norv I'd feel a bit guilty if he went out and DID ruin his knee to the degree of never being able to play again.

[Moderator 2]

I understand his passion and I also understand screwing up your knee so bad you have trouble walking at 40, he is nuts.

[FerrariFan87]

Merriman has totally lost his marbles! The Chargers should be ashamed for even considering letting him play, let alone welcoming him back with open arms HOPING he doesn't suffer career-ending damage to his already TWO torn ligaments! FOUR Doctors said to get the surgery, yet somehow he knows better than they do...

[Passepartout]

He is risking his career over this

If he falls down, then his career might be over.

[theFRANCHISE]

The worst part about this is, according to the NFL Network's Adam Schefter, part of his reasoning for playing hurt is an escalator clause in his contract as well as incentives to be added to his base salary.

In other words, he's risking the quality of his life in order to add to his job security and to increase his financial security.

Frankly, a new contract should be the least of his concerns right now. I'm not saying that money is the main factor in this decision (especially since he shouldn't be strapped for cash with his rookie contract and endorsements), but it still bothers me that it's even a fraction of his motivation to forego surgery.

Sometimes, the money's just not worth it, no matter how good it is. And I know he's a passionate player and loves the game, but there's a time where you swallow your pride and do what's necessary to keep yourself playing in the future.

I won't go so far as to call him selfish for making this choice just yet, but you have to believe that his team is concerned for his well-being, and you know they'll have all eyes on him after every defensive play, to make sure he gets back up alright.

[Ravens_Pwn12]

Very Very bad move by him and his staff. And all my money does say that he will get more hurt than he already is.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' post='61120' date='Aug 27 2008, 10:54 PM']The worst part about this is, according to the NFL Network's Adam Schefter, part of his reasoning for playing hurt is an escalator clause in his contract as well as incentives to be added to his base salary.

In other words, he's risking the quality of his life in order to add to his job security and to increase his financial security.

Frankly, a new contract should be the least of his concerns right now. I'm not saying that money is the main factor in this decision (especially since he shouldn't be strapped for cash with his rookie contract and endorsements), but it still bothers me that it's even a fraction of his motivation to forego surgery.

Sometimes, the money's just not worth it, no matter how good it is. And I know he's a passionate player and loves the game, but there's a time where you swallow your pride and do what's necessary to keep yourself playing in the future.

I won't go so far as to call him selfish for making this choice just yet, but you have to believe that his team is concerned for his well-being, and you know they'll have all eyes on him after every defensive play, to make sure he gets back up alright.[/quote]

I don't see how he can justify playing because of some escalators that COULD bump his salary by $1.5M-$2M when he is risking somewhere between $25M-$30M in guaranteed money after 2009 when he becomes a Free Agent. Oh and the escalators only kick in if he registers 12.5 sacks or more, which seems highly unlikely in his current physical (and mental) state; By mental state, I am referring to how he will be psychologically on the field, where I am sure he will be constantly be worrying about guys going after his knee