FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 10/8/2009 10:23am et

Aaron Wilson, of the National Football Post, reports San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman was not pleased with comments general manager A.J. Smith made. Smith accused the team of being dazed, confused and soft. Merriman said, "That's an opinion of a person, and it's not needed. We know that we have to play better. We met for an extra hour and a half as a defense as a whole to discuss what we need to do and things we need to do to get better. And we're going to make adjustments in this locker room as far as players and our attitudes and getting after people a little more. But all that extra is not needed at all. The only opinions that matter to me are the ones in this locker room. Anything else, it doesn't matter."

The Huddle Take: Hate to break it to ya, Shawne, but the GM's opinion actually does carry a little bit of weight. Maybe the best response would be to shake off these nagging little injuries, get on the field, and live up to the hype. Smith is accurate in his assessment that the Chargers have underachieved thus far, and if his comments light a fire under the team then he's done his job.

Posted: 10/6/2009 2:06pm et

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman (knee) is expected to be sufficiently healed by Oct. 19 for him to start and play significantly more than a handful of snaps, as he has the past two games.

The Huddle Take: After the way Pittsburgh carved them up by air and by the running game, it's evident the Charger defense needs all the help it can get.

Posted: 9/28/2009 12:31pm et

The Associated Press reports San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman had to leave the team's Week 3 game early because of a groin injury he sustained Week 2.

The Huddle Take: Merriman continues to be plagued by injuries, severely limiting his productivity as a pass rusher.

Posted: 9/11/2009 10:32pm et

Updating a previous item, the San Diego Union-Tribune, reports the San Diego District Attorney's Office decided not to file charges against San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman in an alleged domestic dispute with Tila "Tequila" Nguyen. District attorney Bonnie Dumanis said, "After a thorough review of the investigation into the Sept. 6, 2009 incident at the Poway (Calif.) home of Shawne Merriman, our office has determined there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that any crime was committed." Dumanis said the case has been closed.

The Huddle Take: Great news for the Chargers who definitely got an upgrade to their defense with this news. Fantasy owners can slightly upgrade the Chargers defensive unit now that "Lights Out" appears likely to have been given his chance to return to the field in the near future.

Posted: 9/10/2009 11:23am et

10News' Juliette Vara reports Tila "Tequila" Nguyen was unhappy that she was not the only woman getting attention from San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman, and jealousy played a role in the altercation between the two Sunday, Sept. 6, according to sources close to the story. Sources claim that witnesses at Merriman's home said Merriman went to his bedroom with two women. Tequila walked into the room and Merriman asked her to join them, but she reacted angrily. Tequila was intoxicated, and she got naked and attempted to leave the house, according to sources. Merriman tried stopping Tequila from leaving, and that is when she called police. Sources told Vara that Tequila faked a neck injury, and when paramedics arrived they determined that she was OK. However, Tequila insisted on going to the hospital.

The Huddle Take: Um... looks like Lights Out is back?

Posted: 9/7/2009 11:13am et

FOXSports.com reports San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman said he did not assault Tila "Tequila" Nguyen, and that he was trying to prevent her from leaving his home in an intoxicated state. Merriman said, "On September 6, 2009 the San Diego Sheriff's Department responded to a citizen's complaint that was initiated by Tila Nguyen (aka Tila Tequila). I was taken into custody based upon that complaint. At the time, I was concerned about her welfare given the intoxicated state she appeared to be in and I encouraged her to stay until safe transportation could be provided." Merriman added, "I in no way caused any harm to Ms. Nguyen, however, paramedics were called and she was examined but no injuries were reported. She was released and has since returned to Los Angeles, California. There have been no charges filed against me." Merriman is planning to cooperate fully with police.

The Huddle Take: Interesting turn of events. If his story holds up he could be on the field all year after all. It would also be a bit of an interesting ruling, one we don't see very often...use of 'force' of some kind to keep someone from driving while intoxicated. Stay tuned...this soap may be captivating to monitor.

Posted: 9/6/2009 2:48pm et

NBCSanDiego.com reports San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman was arrested early Sunday, Sept. 6, on suspicion of choking and restraining television reality show hostess and model Tila "Tequila" Nguyen, according to deputies. Police got a call at 3:45 a.m. Sunday from a woman who claimed to have been choked and restrained by a male at a home in Poway, Calif. Public Information Officer Jan Caldwell said, "Nguyen told deputies she had been choked and physically restrained by Merriman when she attempted to leave his residence." Nguyen signed a citizen's arrest at the scene, charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment.

The Huddle Take: Again, a likely blow for IDP owners, as this will likely cause some kind of a suspension. Merriman was still one of the better linebacker options in most scoring formats, but it's hard to imagine him playing much this season now.

Posted: 8/24/2009 11:27am et

Kevin Acee, of the San Diego Union-Tribune, reports San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman said his knee was a little sore Sunday, Aug. 23, after he played into the second quarter of the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 22. Merriman played 22 snaps in all.

The Huddle Take: Merriman has indicated he doesn't expect to be 100 percent until the regular season, so a little soreness is to be expected.

Posted: 8/20/2009 11:41am et

Kevin Acee, of the San Diego Union-Tribune, reports Chargers LB Shawne Merriman said he does not believe his knee will be 100 percent until the middle of September or possibly a little longer.

The Huddle Take: Merriman appeared tentative in the Chargers' preseason opener, so it's no surprise that he doesn't consider himself all the way back. As a result of not having a full-go Merriman for the entire 16 games, you should dial back your Bolts expectations slightly.

Posted: 7/7/2009 5:02pm et

Yahoo! Sports, reports San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman said he is not worried about his contract status even though he is entering the last year of his contract. 'I just feel like all my work will pay off one day and somebody is going to realize what I bring and give me what I want,' Merriman said via email.

The Huddle Take: A healthy and recharged Merriman would elevate the Charger D several notches, not only on the field but in Fantasy rankings as well. When it comes time to choose your defense, don't forget about San Diego. It's likely a lot of your fellow owners will, and you could get a great value at the end of your draft.