Merriman Begins Suspension For Steroids

The San Diego Chargers must play their next four games without outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, one of the NFL's top young stars.

Merriman decided Tuesday not to appeal his suspension for testing positive for steroids. His suspension is another blow to one of the league's toughest defenses, which has been hit by injuries and off-field trouble since before the season started.

Nicknamed "Lights Out" because of his punishing hits, Merriman will miss games at home against Cleveland, at Cincinnati, at Denver and at home against the Oakland Raiders.

Merriman has blamed a tainted supplement for the player's positive test for the steroid nandrolone.

"We're proud of the standup way Shawne has taken responsibility for the mistake he made," the Chargers organization said in a written statement.

Merriman's suspension will begin Wednesday morning after he talks to his teammates, NBC 7/39 reported. He will not be paid during his suspension, and he is not allowed at Chargers headquarters until Nov. 27.