As Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman continues to deal with the aftermath of a Labor Day weekend arrest for allegedly battering and falsely imprisoning reality star/D-list celebrity Tila Tequila Nguyen, the man who determines the composition of the team’s roster has offered up a lukewarm assessment of Merriman’s future with the team.
“I’ve already addressed the Shawne Merriman situation,” Smith recently told Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. “I’m sure when the legal process runs its course, Shawne will update you. As far as his future with the Chargers, which appears to be an ongoing debate, we will let you know right away if his status should change.”
Smith has a reputation for making statements that reflect something other than unequivocal support for key players on the team. Earlier this year, he arguably mocked running back LaDainian Tomlinson at a time when the Chargers and its franchise tailback were mired in a contract dispute that might have ended his tenure with the team.
Of course, Merriman has far generated far less goodwill among folks in San Diego than L.T. Indeed, many fans arguably would shed no tears if the Chargers were to turn the lights out (I couldn’t resist) on Merriman.
Merriman possibly is a product of the system, like the string of linebackers who have become stars in the Steelers’ 3-4 system. If so, the Jyles Tucker and/or Larry English might be able to do just as well.
Or, possibly, they’ll come close enough to justify dumping from the franchise the headaches that Merriman periodically will provide.
Meanwhile, Nguyen promised via a series of now-deleted Tweets that Tuesday would be “judgment day.” Apparently, she opted to exercise good judgment by not talking.