Champ Speaks Out

As I mentioned below, I do not believe that Shawne Merriman should be eligible for any post-season awards due to his suspension earlier this year for steroids.

We know that Jason Taylor shares that viewpoint, and in today's Denver Post, as much as Champ Bailey likes Merriman personally, he ultimately agrees with Jason Taylor (and me).

"After testing positive, I don't think he should be given anything this year," Bailey said. "I hope he didn't do it. I hope he took it unknowingly. I don't want to throw him under the bus any more than he already has been. I think he's a great player and I love talking to him.

"But I don't think guys who tested positive should win anything the year they test positive."

Those who would defend Merriman will call Bailey's comments as self-serving as Taylor's, and in doing so, they are avoiding the truth.

Cheaters shouldn't prosper. This year, Merriman has cheated. His excuse that he "accidentally" took a tainted supplement simply isn't believable and even if it was an accident, the bottom line is that the players are 100% responsible for what substances enter their body. In other words, accidents aren't tolerated.

Whoever votes for this award needs to send a message, and the NFL needs to address this issue in the off-season. You test positive for steroids, you don't get a free trip to Hawaii and/or any post-season hardware.