The New York Times reported Tuesday that Shawne Merriman has elected to drop the appeal of his four-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. Merriman said the positive drug test stems from a tainted supplement, and not many people give him a chance of avoiding a four-game suspension. If he dropped his appeal, Merriman would miss the Chargers' next four games, against the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders. He would be eligible return against the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 3.

The San Diego Chargers re-signed linebacker Akbar Gbaja-Biamila to a two-year deal, the team announced today. The 6-5, 260-pound former San Diego State linebacker originally signed with the team in January before being released on September 2. To make room on the roster for Gbaja-Biamila, the team waived linebacker Nick Speegle.

Shawne Merriman's lawyer said on Monday that his positive drug test was because of a tainted supplement and will continue to play while appealing his four-game suspension. Attorney David Cornwell said he believed Merriman tested positive for the steroid nandrolone, which is prohibited under the NFL's substance abuse policy. Cornwell said the substance was in a supplement Merriman has been taking. "He did not go into the back alley somewhere and put a needle in his butt for steroids," Cornwell said at a news conference Monday, nearly two hours after Merriman practiced with the Chargers following Sunday's 30-27 loss at Kansas City.

The NFL apparently will be turning out the lights on the league's reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year. ESPN.com reported Sunday night that San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman will be suspended for four games for violating the NFL's steroids policy.

Quarterback Damon Huard of the Kansas City Chiefs, defensive tackle Jamal Williams of the San Diego Chargers and kicker Lawrence Tynes of the Kansas City Chiefs are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the fifth week of the 2006 season (October 8-9), the NFL announced today.