[Chargers] Chargers LB Shawne Merriman Wants To Stay In San Diego

Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman has been answering (deflecting) questions for months about what will happen to him after the 2009 season and now that the season has ended he has decided to be proactive - all along stressing that he is being lighthearted and would prefer to remain a Charger. "I feel like I'm in the worst possible situation," he said yesterday. "I don't know if my team wants me there. So I'm going to have fun with the situation." Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith has expressed displeasure with some of Merriman's off-field pursuits, and the team was not pleased he waited several months to have surgery last year. In a phone interview, Merriman was respectful of the Chargers' right to do whatever they wish. "Of course I'd like to be here," Merriman said. "I've said that a billion times. I was 20 years old when I got drafted and came to San Diego. But I want to feel comfortable playing football. And not knowing whether you're wanted or not is not a comfortable feeling."

Source: San Diego Union Tribune