Chargers LB Merriman drops appeal, out four games

NEW YORK (Ticker) - “Lights Out” will be out for November.

Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman of the San Diego Chargers has dropped his appeal of a four-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

The NFL officially announced Merriman’s four-game suspension on Tuesday after the appeal was dropped. An appeal hearing had been scheduled for November 7.

Merriman’s attorney, David Cornwall, announced at a news conference last week that he believes Merriman tested positive for the steroid nandrolone and claimed the banned substance was in a supplement the star linebacker had been taking.

Merriman had virtually no chance of having his suspension reduced. The league sends out a comprehensive list of banned substances that could be found in supplements or medication. It’s up to the player to study that list and make sure he does not take those supplements.

The reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Merriman will miss San Diego’s four games in November against Cleveland, Cincinnati, Denver and Oakland. He is eligible to return for a December 3 game at Buffalo.

The Chargers (5-2) are tied with Denver for first place in the AFC West.

Nicknamed “Lights Out” for his propensity to deliver big hits, Merriman plays with a non-stop motor. He is tied for the league lead with 8 1/2 sacks.

Last week, Merriman had three sacks in the Chargers’ 38-24 win over St. Louis.

Selected 12th overall in 2005 out of Maryland, the 6-4, 272-pound Merriman was a major force during his rookie campaign, when he collected 10 sacks and 57 tackles in 15 games.