Alright, I have to admit that since my last post where I essentially begged Merriman to heal quick and get on the field, my energy towards him has changed. Don't get me wrong; I most certainly want him on the field on Sept. 7th against the Panthers and for the entire season for that matter. What I'm not so sure about, though, is Shawne's dedication to the Chargers organization.

Now before you jump all over me let me state my opinion that when Shawne is on the field he is one of the most committed, fiercest competitors in The League. Regardless, I still don't think he plays hard for the team so much as he does for his own benefit. I don't think there are many people out there that would argue that Mr. Merriman has one of the more sizable egos in professional sports, and there are times when I watch him talk that I just get a gut feeling that when his contract is up in 2009 he will suddenly become "committed" to the team that throws the most money on the table. I don't know. I just don't feel that Shawne Merriman and the word "loyalty" are synonymous.

This isn't intended to be a I-hate-Shawne-Merriman-rant? I'm just saying that even though Shawne keeps saying that he "wants to play" and will keep searching for 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc. opinions in hopes that one will tell him he can play this season, he'll ultimately do what's best for Shawne Merriman, not the San Diego Chargers. I have yet to "turn" on Shawne, but I'll be damned if that guy uses company funds to get surgery and go through rehab only to come out stronger and then sign with someone else as soon as he can. Maybe I'm being too cynical, but I've been burned by the modern athlete so many times in their quest to "get paid" that it's hard not to expect the worst at this point. So I'm going to continue to support Shawne and hope for the best, but deep down inside I'm expecting the worst (i.e., he'll be out for the season and leave the Bolts at first chance). I honestly and truly hope that I'm wrong.


Mahalo,
TWF