I’m a stubborn fellow who hates to admit when I’m beaten. Case in point: I once tried to continue my long-distance running regimin even though my leg swelled to twice its size and I limped everywhere I went. As it turned out, I had injured my Achilles’ tendon. I still wanted to run, but I grudgingly listened to the doctor when he told me in a nice way not to be stupid.

I think I have a good idea of what NFL All-Pro San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman is feeling. Merriman has a tear in his lateral collateral ligament as well as a tear in his posterior collateral ligament. He needs surgery. If he elects to do so immediately, he’s out of commission for 2008. If he tries to play, he could be sidelined for good.
Merriman, who told a reporter from the San Diego Union-Tribune he’s “stubborn as hell,” wants to play. Shawne, take it from me: Sometimes it’s better to admit defeat and let yourself heal.

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