Shawne Merriman suspended by NFL for violating steroids policy, Chargers linebacker to miss four games

The NFL has suspended San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman four games after a drug test came back positive for steroid abuse.

Last Year’s Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl starter originally tested positive last week, but the announcement wasn’t made public because Merriman had a right to appeal his suspension.

For the Chargers, this is yet another blow to their defense that has suffered several losses already this year. Steve Foley has been on injured reserve since being shot in the leg by an off-duty police officer on September 3. The man who came in to fill his linebacker position, Shaun Phillips, just injured his right calf on Sunday in the Chargers 30-27 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chargers are also without the services of defensive end Igor Olshansky who will miss at least a month after having arthroscopic knee surgery.