I wonder if Shawne Merriman happened to read Jemele Hill's column yesterday.  If Merriman did, he's probably questioning his decision to play this season...

**Warning** - The next picture is very graphic and not for the squeamish 

This is the right knee of former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Reggie Williams referenced in Jemele Hill's column.  Obviously, it's not a very pretty sight.  Shawne Merriman has been blasted by everyone this past week for deciding to postpone knee surgery despite two torn ligaments.  He's been called a crazy idiot by nearly 100% of media members and football fans across the country.  While I understand where the critics are coming from, I can't say that I agree with them.  Sure, I'm somewhat surprised by Merriman's unconventional decision.  As a Chargers fan I wish he had both ligaments repaired immediately after the team was beaten by New England last year so that he would be available late in the season to help the Bolts advance to the playoffs.  However, Merriman opted to go another route. 

Ultimately, it's the player's call and I frankly admire Merriman's conviction.  He believes that the Chargers have a strong chance to win a Super Bowl and wants to be a part of the team's success.  Props to Merriman for his dedication.  Is this a case of hubris getting in the way of logic?  Perhaps.  Although he has already made a great deal of money both on and off the field, Merriman has a lot to lose.  He's only 24 years old and potentially could be costing himself tens of millions of dollars over the next decade.   I certainly hope Merriman doesn't end up like Reggie Williams.  However, a lot of players could learn a thing or two from Merriman's earnest desire to win by sacrificing his own health versus playing it safe in order to get another big contract... 









"Semi-Pro" can be described in two words:  absolutely awful.  Sometimes there are movies that are so bad they become good.  This isn't one of them.  I think New Line just gave Will Ferrell $40 million and didn't even bother to read the screenplay (if there actually was one).  There are a number of very funny people in the movie, but nothing they did or said made me laugh even once.  I may have smiled a grand total of three times in ninety minutes.  On a scale of one to five, I'm giving the movie one t-shirt.  However, it's really more like a t-shirt with the sleeves cut off.  Simply horrible.  If you want to see a bad basketball movie that is actually good, check out "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh" instead...







It appears as though I may be getting a little soft.  While I was somewhat critical of a few people during the past five days, nobody really emerged as a clearcut winner for the Bonehead of the Week award.  John McCain's surprise selection of Sarah Palin could eventually backfire on him.  However, I can't in good conscience give the award to Grandpa John because I truly think he showed brass balls in making the Palin pick.  So, there is no winner this week.  I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the holiday weekend...