Shawne Merriman, 2nd year linebacker for the San Diego Chargers has tested positive for nandrolone, aka deca. The former defensive rookie of the year will face a 4 game suspension pending his appeal...
React:This brings up many questions in my mind including the following...
1)How stupid can you be to get caught taking traditional steroids during this witch hunt? you have resources that most of us do not, and also much more to lose than. Use a portion of the millions you make to ENSURE you don't get caught!
2)Deca (nandrolone) has a detection time of 18 months. This leaves possibilities. Its possible Merriman used while in the NCAA and is still testing positive. Of course he may have recently used as well, but 18 months is a hell of a window. His lawyer is sure to have a field day coming up with a defense, certainly a number of things can happen over the course of 18 months.
3)Because of the long detection time of nandrolone, how do they plan future tests? If Merriman says, "yeah i used deca since the season started..." that mean he will test positive for the next 18 months or so. Will he face additional punishment from the NFL for future postive tests, although he may have discontinued use?
4)Knowing what we do about Deca, PCT, and recovery, and assuming Merriman is in mid cycle, will the NFL force him to discontinue use and not allow him to being PCT? Most PCT and acilleries are banned as well. This could put Merriman at a considerable disadvantage. Not to mention he may have all sorts of emotional issues as well. Going to the extreme, lets say Merriman falls into depression and takes his life (I hope that doesn't happen, but play along...) as a result of the preceding scenario. Is there any recourse for Merriman's family against the NFL?
Does anyone have any details on the NFL's substance abuse program? Are there provisions in the policy for steroids to allow the athlete recovery?