"Lights Out" Steps in

Chargers LB Shawne Merriman, who spent the season on IR with a knee injury has emerged to discuss the public Tomlinson/Smith fued. Particularly, he expressed his concern over General Manager A.J. Smith's comments in which he was interpreted as mocking the star running back

“That (stuff) doesn't help bring a Super Bowl to San Diego,” linebacker Shawne Merriman said. “And that (stuff) needs to stop, period. It needs to stop now.”

Although no one else has stepped up publicly Merriman's sentiments seemed to be shared by many of the players players, and one other important member of the organization. Sources say that team president Dean Spanos is "very upset" that this issue has been brought into the public eye, and is particulary bothered by the fact that most of this is based on speculation.

Smith has not spoken publicly since Wednesday, but sources indicated he maintains a deep respect for Tomlinson.