I made no secret that I liked Merriman with the Cowboys first pick, although I understand why they needed to go with Ware. Now, the move seems brilliant. These boys really cause their share of trouble. Where's Jerry McGuire when you need him? POSTONS AND MERRIMAN The San Diego Chargers used the 12th pick in the first round to draft pass-rushing linebacker Shawne Merriman to help their defense, but the team feels as though it was blindsided by his first NFL act. Merriman notified the Chargers he will not participate in the team's mini-camp and offseason program because of "language problems" in an insurance policy in case the Maryland linebacker is injured before reaching a contract agreement. This news came to the Chargers Thursday when they learned Merriman fired his agent, Gary Wichard, and hired Kevin and Carl Poston. Chargers general manager A.J. Smith planned to issue a statement Thursday about the disappointment of the organization about Merriman's stance. The team's offseason training program for rookies goes from May 6 through July 1 and Smith won't change the language of the protection policy. "We're disappointed he isn't going to be here," Smith said. "Kevin Poston is uncomfortable with the language [which] is standard with what all players receive in the NFL. We haven't had a problem with our other draft choices in past drafts." Draft choices sign an injury protection agreement just in case they suffer a serious injury during a mini-camp. Most of those contracts are standard throughout the league. Merriman is the only draft choice to take this position this spring. Last week, 26 mini-camps didn't have any draft choices out because of an insurance issue.
