Report: Merriman suspended for steroids

October 23, 2006

Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman will be suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, according to a report posted Sunday night on ESPN.com.

Merriman's positive test was "definitely for steroids . . . not one of those supplement deals" a source told ESPN.

Merriman, 22, was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year last season and started in the Pro Bowl. He is second on the Chargers with 5 1/2 sacks.