Merriman will appeal his steroid suspension, will play next two games

Shawne Merriman has decided to appeal his pending suspension for his alleged positive test for steroids. By appealing this he will be able to play until his hearing which is set for November 7th, meaning he will play in the Chargers next two games against St. Louis and then Cleveland. Both of these games are at home.

Depending on how long the league deliberates following the Nov. 7 hearing, and how long it takes for commissioner Roger Goodell to render a decision, Merriman could play past the two games. The earliest the suspension could take effect is November 12th, when San Diego go into Cincy to play my Bengals.

Shawne Merriman and his attorney, David Cornwell, have said the positive test is the result of a supplement that was tainted and included nandrolone. Nandrolone is one of the many on the NFL's list of banned supplements.