Shawne Merriman Demands Job Security from Chargers or He’ll Holdout
There have been lots and lots of holdout threats this offseason and the San Diego Chargers may be experiencing some very soon. However, it appears wide receiver (WR) Vincent Jackson and offensive tackle (OT) Marcus McNeill have decided to holdout as they refused to sign their restricted free agent (RFA) tenders.
The two will likely sit out the first ten games of the season.
Now, one of the Chargers spirited leaders in linebacker (LB) Shawne Merriman has threatened to holdout as well, but not over money. So, what’s he after? Merriman has stated to the team that he wants some sort of job security from the team management or he won’t report for the start of training camp.
Meanwhile, Merriman has not signed his restricted free agent tender either. The Chargers offered the linebacker $3.3 million for the upcoming season, which Merriman did not sign. However, he insisted his holdout wasn’t due to him seeking a new contract.
"It's not about me wanting more money," Merriman said. "I will show what I deserve. I don’t have to ask for it. I feel like I've proved what I'm worth, and I will still prove it. To me, it really comes down to, 'Am I on the trading block this week? The third week of the season, am I on the block?' Where is that comfort ability for me?”
Merriman sat out the 2008 season after knee surgery and has suffered his share of injuries. When he does play, there’s no denying the leadership he brings to the Chargers, but he feels insecure right now about his role in San Diego. With Ladainian Tomlinson already released this offseason, Merriman can’t be feeling too secure in his job.
"I'm only coming back to be the guy on the defence. I'm not coming back to be a guy. I want to be on a team where someone is going to be building a defence around me."
The Chargers first full squad workout has already started and Merriman is not with the team, along with McNeill and Jackson.
The only player who the Chargers gave a long-term contract to was tight end (TE) Antonio Gates, who is a tight end that acts like a receiver. It was the right move to keep Gates around for a long time. Now several other Chargers are seeking new deals and the season may be getting put in jeopardy from the ongoing war between these players and management.
"This is literally day to day how things progress, how things move," Merriman said. "I don't want this to be a distraction to my teammates. I don't want this to be a distraction to me. I just want to get something resolved soon and go from there. The bottom line is when I get back on the field I plan on doing what I do best, and that is playing."
The Chargers may be heading for an early season slump if the team is too distracted from the war between their colleagues and their bosses. So many question marks surround this team. They’re beginning the post Ladainian Tomlinson era, they’re looking to get over their playoff woes, and players are looking for a big payday. Management has also insisted that they’re not willing to trade any players. You have to wonder what the team can do though.
This isn’t exactly the way you want to start training camp with so many distractions surrounding the organization. Norv Turner will need his second-string players to do the job while the stars sit out and wait for new deals. If the spark can’t come from the bench, it could be another disappointing season for the Chargers.
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