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Taylor v Merriman

In the first recorded episode of campaign smearing in the NFL (I surely
hope so) Jason Taylor has released statements in attempt to blemish
Shawne Merriman's name in hopes of winning the NFL's Defensive MVP of
the year award. Showing the finger-pointing ability of Kobe Bryant in a
police interrogation room in Colorado, Jason Taylor is clearly using
Shawne's indiscretions with his positive steroid test as a ladder to
climb all the way to the winner's circle. (So unnecessary)

Let's remind all that both have played some helluva football this year.
15.5 sacks and 13.5 sacks respectively is "gettin' it". (Put it this
way, I have Krispy Kreme--Donut, Zero, Zilch!!!) So the question is
asked, "Is Shawne Merriman deserving of the award?"

Well, I took my own little "ghetto poll" in the locker room and came up
with a surprising conclusion. Most guys thought that Shawne was
deserving of the award because he did miss four games and returned to
the field and played at a high level or "Lights Out" as he would prefer.
Certainly, he is now clean of whatever "dirty vitamins" he was using
before. I know he is being tested daily and the NFL is seeing his urine
more than the tidy bowl man is. (What happened to him and his commercials?)

I personally thought that this poll would swing the other way with most
guys in favor of Jason's opinions. Of course, a few guys thought that
since Shawne "cheated", he shouldn't be allowed to win. But those
sentiments were few and far. The only issue that everyone was in
agreement on, surprisingly enough, is that Jason should not have said
those comments at all. Even if he is right he should've been mute on the
subject, and especially if he actually does win the award.

In a melodramatic fashion, Jason has basically pulled his best Tonya
Harding vs. Nancy Kerrigan imitation. He has taken his best "image"
swing at his stiffest competition in hopes that they wouldn't be able to
compete at their best. Jason surely would argue that Shawne had stepped
over the line in his quest to be the greatest player by going to the
back room of the GNC. But, that deals with way too many variables and
moral issues that won't get solved in our lifetime. Doesn't he watch
what's happening to Barry Bonds and Baseball? Hall of famer one day, no
hall of fame the next. Sad, but true.

With these statements, Jason Taylor maybe has secured his top spot at
the podium when the awards are given this year. I'm sure some morally
defined writers are going to be convincingly swayed in agreement with
the South Beach Sack master. But, somewhere in Jason's ascent to the box
that has #1 on it (envision the Olympic medal ceremony), he will realize
that most of the joy of being at that top square is the sight and
realization that others are STANDING (not kneeling or bent over wounded)
right beneath you in boxes #2 through #8. In attempt of making this a
one-man race, he may have taken away the pure satisfaction and
accomplishment of winning this award that he so seeks. That inner voice
that whispers, "You are the Best." What emptiness he may feel when he
realizes that no one is on the podium because of his "competition comments".

Shawne may have performed to a higher level because of his tainted
urine. I won't dispute that whole-heartedly. But, if Jason wins this
award, not only is he deserving, but it's also the right message to send
to all. (Heads or tails, you flip the coin.) What irony this situation
has created for the fans now, regardless of winner.

"Your 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is Jason Taylor" (applause)

Now, whose accomplishments are tainted, I wonder?

Wow!!!

Posted by Marcellus Wiley at 11:54 PM

Jaguars defensive lineman Marcellus Wiley blogs weekly for NBCSports.com.