by B. B. James

Created on: February 10, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

First, the people who are criticizing Shawne Merriman on their postings should at least figure out how to spell his name correctly. It's not "Shawn."

Second, they should consider that he was a dominant college player and dominant NFL player while passing numerous drug tests in the past. There is no evidence that he reached his current level of skill through drug use. Yet he was good enough to leave college football after his junior year and to immediately become one of the best pass rushers in the NFL.

Third, most users of performance-enhancing drugs in sports are guys on the margin of making it or guys on the downsides of their careers. Neither situation describes Merriman. It just doesn't seem likely that he would use the drugs, since he's a great player anyway and still in the early part of his career.

Fourth, Merriman is a good guy. Among his good deeds is leading a drive to collect coats and warm clothes for the homeless each winter. He began this as a FRESHMAN in college at the Univ. of Maryland, and he continues to return each year to keep the program alive. This isn't a rich guy who's writing a check; this is a guy who's showing up, and putting in his time and his heart.

And fifth - and you will have to take this for whatever it's worth - I know people who know Shawne Merriman. His football coach from youth and pee-wee leagues is one of my neighbors. My friends say that Merriman has incredible character and integrity, and that he turned down any number of under-the-table deals and offers during his amateur career. These were deals to entice him to transfer high schools, or deals to get him to attend a particular college. And he said no. So these guys, who've known him since he was like 8 years old, say it's impossible to think that he would knowingly take banned substances.

So anyway, enjoy Shawne Merriman's career. He has the potential (I emphasize potential, not performance) to be the best pass-rushing linebacker since Lawrence Taylor.

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