SAN DIEGO, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- San Diego linebacker Shawne Merriman reportedly will play for the next two weeks while awaiting appeal of a four-game suspension for substance abuse.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Merriman has his hearing scheduled for Nov. 7. The 2005 NFL defensive rookie of the year reportedly tested positive for a banned substance earlier this month.
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Merriman's attorney, David Cornwell, believes the substance the linebacker tested positive for was the anabolic steroid nandrolone, contained in a nutritional supplement Merriman takes regularly.
Merriman, who had 10 sacks last season, started Sunday's 30-27 loss at Kansas City and finished with eight tackles, second-most on the club. He has 5 1/2 sacks this season.
