2010 NFL Training Camp: Chargers Linebacker Shawne Merriman Holds Out

Alright, so first it was Vincent Jackson willing to hold out ten games. And pretty much the same went for Marcus McNeill.

Now more concerns are coming up as the San Diego Chargers have a new disgruntled star on their team.

Actually, we all know linebacker Shawne Merriman was upset over his contract, but now he is willing to hold out for this year's training camp.

"I need to know I'm not going to be on the trade block every three weeks," Merriman told the San Diego Union Tribune. "This is literally day to day how things progress, how things move. I don't want this to be a distraction to my teammates. I don't want this to be a distraction to me. I just want to get something resolved soon and go from there. The bottom line is when I get back on the field I plan on doing what I do best, and that is playing."

Merriman, a Pro-Bowl linebacker, declined an offer that was worth over $3 million.

"It's not about me wanting more money," Merriman said. "I will show what I deserve. I don't have to ask for it. I feel like I've proved what I'm worth, and I will still prove it. To me, it really comes down to, 'Am I on the trading block this week? The third week of the season, am I on the block?' Where is that comfortability for me?"

If Merriman chooses to hold out longer, A.J. Smith shouldn't be worried. He is taking care of all the plans.

For Jackson, he has Malcolm Floyd, Legudu Nanee, Antonio Gates, and Josh Reed to look forward to.

For McNeill, he has Tra Thomas.

What would be there for Shawne Merriman if he chooses to hold out longer? That's easy. A no-brainer.

Larry English.

Shawn Dhani is a California-based beat writer. You can see more of his work at footbasket.com