Merriman: Tainted Supplements

What's your excuse when you got caught cheating? Blame something/someone else...

Shawne Merriman's reason for having tested positive for steroids is that he had taken some tainted supplements. Yes, the old tainted supplement excuse.

It sounds like he can play for the next 2 games while he continues to appeal the 4 game suspension but I don't think his excuse is going to save him from the eventual 4 game suspension.

This is just an attempt to try and change public perception as done by most high-profile steroid users (see Barry Bonds, Floyd Landis, etc) and I think it would be very surprising if the NFL reversed their decision. I think the delay is done to help the team in the short term and hopefully when Merriman is serving his suspension some of the injured defensive players will return.