Shawne Merriman will play in 2008
Shawne Merriman has two torn ligaments in his knee. He has visited four separate doctors looking for the response that he wanted to hear. While they all recommended surgery, Merriman has decided to play in 2008.
First, I completely understand his desire to play the game of football and be an integral contributor to a team that has legitimate Super Bowl hopes. In fact, I admire him for it.
But the possibility of a career-ending injury looms. I don't think it's worth the risk for Merriman and the Chargers to take. I realize if Merriman injures his knee to the point that he never plays again, the Chargers will obviously not re-sign him to another contract.
But it is Shawne Merriman's body. He's been visiting top doctors across the country so I'm sure he fully understands the risks involved. It's his decision to make. It would be a mistake if he were caving under pressure from the Chargers management, coaches and players. But it appears that he is not.
However, what kind of precedent is Shawne Merriman setting for other players dealing with injuries?
Merriman said all four doctors he saw said he needed surgery, but there "just wasn't a time frame on that. My knee still looks pretty good. The decision was left up to me to play. If you give a football player a decision to play, you know, I'm going to play."Is he making a mistake? I personally feel that he is making a mistake. However, I believe that he's doing the right thing. In other words, I disagree with the decision in the general sense. I wouldn't do it if it were me and I think it's a bad risk-reward decision. But I also feel that everyone has to do what they feel is most appropriate for them.
First, I completely understand his desire to play the game of football and be an integral contributor to a team that has legitimate Super Bowl hopes. In fact, I admire him for it.
But the possibility of a career-ending injury looms. I don't think it's worth the risk for Merriman and the Chargers to take. I realize if Merriman injures his knee to the point that he never plays again, the Chargers will obviously not re-sign him to another contract.
But it is Shawne Merriman's body. He's been visiting top doctors across the country so I'm sure he fully understands the risks involved. It's his decision to make. It would be a mistake if he were caving under pressure from the Chargers management, coaches and players. But it appears that he is not.
However, what kind of precedent is Shawne Merriman setting for other players dealing with injuries?
“Don’t think the next player that has a pull or tear won’t be reminded by his coaches that if Shawne Merriman is still producing for his team with two torn knee ligaments, you should be able to play through [it],” the source opined.Hindsight is always 20-20. For Merriman's sake, hopefully we'll look back at this some day and feel that he made the right decision.
It’s a great point. Usually, it’s the player who’s being cautious and the team cajoling him into playing. Now that Merriman has made his high-profile decision to ignore his long-term health and well-being, the other teams will be able to press the buttons of their own players by merely mentioning Merriman’s name.
