Chiefs TE Michael Merritt Arrested: 'All this for a little bit of weed?'

by Joel Thorman on Feb 5, 2009 3:08 PM CST in 2009 Offseason Comment 74 comments

Excuse me, officer? I'm ready for my PB&J sandwich now.

The doldrums of the NFL offseason have already caught up to one Kansas City Chiefs player. Tight end Michael Merritt, the Chiefs last selection in 2008 NFL draft, was arrested early Thursday morning for possessin' the dope.

Marijuana possession, that is. Per KMBC.com the incident occurred in a silver Dodge station wagon in downtown Orlando, FL.

According to police, officers spotted Merritt rolling a marijuana cigarette in the car at 1 a.m.

The officer reported that he saw Merritt put a cigar-shaped object into his mouth. He ordered Merritt to get out of the car and spit it out.

So, for a guy like Merritt who was the 239th overall selection in the 2008 draft with no playing time his rookie season due to injuries this probably isn't the best time to be smokin' the dope.

The money quote comes from the police report which can be viewed here.

At this time I observed the defendant in the front passenger seat make eye contact with uniformed police officers, then take a cigar shaped object and shove it quickly into his mouth. I quickly approached the passenger side of the vehicle and told the defendant to get out of the car. As the defendant got out I said, "Spit it out!" The defendant complied and spit out a brown cigar like object on the ground. The defendant then spontaneously stated, "All this for a little bit of weed?"

Yes, Mr. Merritt, your 3 grams of weed will cost you $250, public embarrassment and quite possibly your job.

According to the NFL's substance abuse policy, the Chiefs can't discipline and/or release Merritt based on this incident. Any discipline will come from the NFL offices.

H/T oldchiefsfan in the FanShots

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Axed?

Think Pioli gives him the axe b/c of this? Maybe a early way to set an example of how to build a team?

by Jason Shore on Feb 5, 2009 3:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Chiefs can't release him because of this

It’s gotta come from the league per the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

by Joel Thorman on Feb 5, 2009 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

True, But

They can release him because he’s a blocking tight end who can be easily replaced by a lot of guys on the waiver wire.

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

Neither will Mike Shanahan.

by UCrawford on Feb 5, 2009 4:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

Then he’ll file a grievance.

Which likely won’t do much anyway.

by Joel Thorman on Feb 5, 2009 4:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pretty Much

If the Bengals can get away with openly violating the rules when they cut Ahmad Brooks (for not showing up for a voluntary workout) and admitting that’s what they were doing then there’s not much Merritt’s going to be able to do.

By the way, did anyone see that story about the grievance that three Houston players (including former Chief tackle Jordan Black) filed against the Texans were they were forced to run full contact drills without pads (knocking three players out for the season with injuries in one session)? What in the hell is going on down there? Is Kubiak just a fucking moron or what?

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

Neither will Mike Shanahan.

by UCrawford on Feb 5, 2009 4:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I figured that happens all the time

Are you talking about that Outside The Lines report? I haven’t watched the video yet.

by Joel Thorman on Feb 5, 2009 4:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yup

I don’t think it happens all the time. My impression from the article was that it’s a safety rule, not a suggestion. You don’t generally see players getting knocked out for the season with serious injuries in minicamps, which is what would happen if you run players in full contact drills with helmets and no pads.

Hell, why would a team even want to do that? There’s absolutely no upside to it…those players are an investment and when they get injured that investment is wasted.

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

Neither will Mike Shanahan.

by UCrawford on Feb 5, 2009 6:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

saw it, forgot to fanshot it

We need a future defensive leader, his name is James Laurinaitis and he can be selected in round 1 of the upcoming Draft.

Ok already, if you don't agree with what I am saying, just don't email my mom again. She beat the crap out of me with my keyboard!

"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Feb 5, 2009 4:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think the saddest thing about this story is STATION WAGON ???

by sexassassin on Feb 5, 2009 4:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's probably

The Dodge Magnum.

"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" -Homer J. Simpson

by Whitebacon on Feb 5, 2009 8:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dude, Volvo wagons are totally boss.

by HIV 2 Elway on Feb 5, 2009 9:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

which is completely absurd

NFL’s policy to not allow teams to choose their own punishments in situations like this is as insane as the federal government not allowing states to choose their own drug policies.

A team (let’s say the Raiders or Bengals) can choose to hire ALL potheads and smoke the hippie lettuce together before games if they want. Then the free market will decide whether it affects W/L.

OUR FUTURE: Bam Morris, Bill Romanowski, and John Rocker with Pete Rose as OC

On average, a professional team should win the championship about 1 time in 30 years.

by nayjevin on Feb 5, 2009 11:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Let LJ drive him to jail = carpooling

We need a future defensive leader, his name is James Laurinaitis and he can be selected in round 1 of the upcoming Draft.

Ok already, if you don't agree with what I am saying, just don't email my mom again. She beat the crap out of me with my keyboard!

"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Feb 5, 2009 3:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I don't think that is Pioli's idea of the Chiefs going "Green"

by oldchiefsfan on Feb 5, 2009 3:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This isn't going to sit well with ArrowDread...

Babylon holding a player down…

by HIV 2 Elway on Feb 5, 2009 3:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You damn right!!!

What a bunch of BS! Getting hastled for 3 grams of herbs. Give me a break! Im now a huge Micheal Phelps fan, and Im glad he brought the marijuana discussion to the forefront. The general sentiment is “who cares?” which is just right. Who does care? You can drink your ass off on tequila, smoke carton after carton of cigarettes, but it is still illegal to enjoy a nice doobie or spliff. Get real. Its time to end all the the anticuated, outdated marijuana prohibition laws, and start using some common sense. Legalize marijuana, and industrial hemp, redirect funds used to prosecute the herb to more worthy causes and tax the herb just like booze or cigarettes. How much money would be saved and or earned for our struggling economy. Obama needs to step up and make it happen. It is ridiculus a man could lose his job over a little bit of the weed

by ArrowDread on Feb 5, 2009 3:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Arrowdread

Relax, bro. I’ll pack the next one for you.

I’m totally in agreement on the need for decriminalization/legalization. Though I’ll admit that I am opposed to the vice taxation of ganja, booze, or cigs. It is all so horribly regressive.

by Sudden on Feb 5, 2009 3:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yup

Taxation in general is regressive. Its continued existence and expansion is simply a continuation of the flawed idea that people are too stupid to do things to take care of themselves if the government’s not creating a program for them first.

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

Neither will Mike Shanahan.

by UCrawford on Feb 5, 2009 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Im just saying

I wouldnt mind paying a small tax on the ganj if I can buy it from a reputable dealer and now have to deal with the stigma that weed=bad

by ArrowDread on Feb 5, 2009 4:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I don’t smoke myself, but I see no reason to criminalize people who do. Pot’s no worse than cigarettes or alcohol. In fact, it could be argued that it’s much less destructive (and addictive) than either of those…both of which are legal.

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

Neither will Mike Shanahan.

by UCrawford on Feb 5, 2009 6:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And As Long As We're Stuck With Taxes

I’d rather see the drug market taxed rather than the government jacking up the bill on my house or income some more. At least that tax would be semi-voluntary.

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

Neither will Mike Shanahan.

by UCrawford on Feb 5, 2009 6:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe he should've said he was out of milk?

by Official Arrowhead Pride Parade on Feb 5, 2009 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You know

I think most would agree with you 100% or at least those that post, but I’m always surprised by poll results. I would like to see what the majority of visitors thoughts on whether Merritt should lose his job based on this arrest alone.

Often in these threads the mainstream/predominant opinion among the “regulars” isn’t neccessarily a reflection of what majority of Chiefs fans believe

And by the way, Phelps could become the spokesman for NORML and I still wouldn’t like him. He’s the epitomy of douchebag

by KansasCityShuffle on Feb 5, 2009 4:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Also...

No link to marijuana (only) and lung cancer:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070417193338.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/05/060526083353.htm

Projected Tax Revenue (tax only):
California: $105.4 Million http://money.cnn.com/pf/features/lists/taxes_marijuana/table.html

Projected Income:
http://money.cnn.com/2005/06/07/commentary/wastler/wastler/

May Prevents Alzheimer’s:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15145917/

Just some fun facts…

by Dustin SLO,CA on Feb 5, 2009 4:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Body Integrity

Its our bodies and we should be able to do what we want with them. If people are too stupid to make choices for themselves, then its time to make soda, fast food, anything unhealthy illegal. I pro-marijuana- not pro-drugs. Some will argue all drugs should be legal. I believe cocaine, heroin, meth, should continue to be illegal. They mess up your head and steal your soul. Im a just a marijuana advocate. There is no logical reason for it to be illegal. Its all about money, power, and control. Babylon wants it all for themselves. The cant control a ‘weed’ I can grow in my back yard.

by ArrowDread on Feb 5, 2009 4:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

"can"

right……. ; )

by Dustin SLO,CA on Feb 5, 2009 4:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm For Legalizing All Drugs

If you suddenly make heroin or cocaine legal, it’s not like everyone’s going to go out and start using them. I certainly wouldn’t…because I know that there’s a major downside to them beside the illegality (addiction, overdose, death, etc.). It’s pure panic-mongering to assume that if the government didn’t tell us what our best interests were that we’d be unable to figure them out for ourselves.

Plus, whenever heroin or cocaine are illegal the demand for them doesn’t go away. All the illegality does is shift the extremely lucrative drug market over to the control of criminal entities (gangs, terrorists, mafia) and frankly I’m not really interested in the trade off of making violent criminals (who engage in plenty of other activities besides drugs) exponentially wealthier in order to save a bunch of morons who can’t figure out that it’s a bad idea to shoot yourself full of smack. Given a choice between making violent groups more powerful and protecting people from screwing themselves over through self-inflicted idiocy, I’m going to write off the idiots every time.

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

Neither will Mike Shanahan.

by UCrawford on Feb 5, 2009 6:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

uphill argument

but i’m with you. GOVERNMENT DOES NOT EVER WORK. the drug war is an utter failure, with more recreational drug use occurring now than when it began. it makes all drug money black market money that trickles up to guys like Noriega, the Bin Laden’s, and the Bush’s. I have done years of research, and few will believe it without doing it themselves, but ya’all can start by clicking on my name and going to my website.

OUR FUTURE: Bam Morris, Bill Romanowski, and John Rocker with Pete Rose as OC

On average, a professional team should win the championship about 1 time in 30 years.

by nayjevin on Feb 5, 2009 10:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Prime, you might want to consider moving the John Wooten article up here also

I looked into who he is, and he pretty much was behind the whole Rooney Rule thing

We need a future defensive leader, his name is James Laurinaitis and he can be selected in round 1 of the upcoming Draft.

Ok already, if you don't agree with what I am saying, just don't email my mom again. She beat the crap out of me with my keyboard!

"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Feb 5, 2009 3:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yep

oldchiefsfan slammed us with content! We’re on it.

by Joel Thorman on Feb 5, 2009 3:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't want you to fall in to the "Guppy" zone

by oldchiefsfan on Feb 5, 2009 3:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's about the Chiefs complying with the Rooney Rule

but they haven’t interviewed a black candidate right?

Arrowhead Pride

by Chris Thorman on Feb 5, 2009 3:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

apparently a few have

We need a future defensive leader, his name is James Laurinaitis and he can be selected in round 1 of the upcoming Draft.

Ok already, if you don't agree with what I am saying, just don't email my mom again. She beat the crap out of me with my keyboard!

"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Feb 5, 2009 3:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

should there be a rooney rule with a team that had a black coach ?? and a pretty damn bad one at that

by sexassassin on Feb 5, 2009 4:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So much

for being the next Jason Dunn. I will say that anyone getting arrested for any amount of herb is ridiculous. It’s unfair that the fact if he was in California this would never seen the light of day, but since he was in Florida (his homestate) he now will lose his job.

At least he can fall back on that firefighter career of his

by KansasCityShuffle on Feb 5, 2009 3:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'll Say This

I agree with Merritt…the law may be the law, but it’s a completely bullshit law created for the sole purpose of allowing a bunch of “pro-morals” assholes to stick their noses into other people’s private lives. If someone wants to smoke weed, they should be able to do so without the state sticking their noses in.

That said, yes it was pretty stupid of Merritt to get caught with weed because guys like him are only one questionable choice from losing their roster spot anyway and breaking even bullshit laws has consequences.

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

Neither will Mike Shanahan.

by UCrawford on Feb 5, 2009 3:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

"nothing good happens after 12 O'clock!"

We need a future defensive leader, his name is James Laurinaitis and he can be selected in round 1 of the upcoming Draft.

Ok already, if you don't agree with what I am saying, just don't email my mom again. She beat the crap out of me with my keyboard!

"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Feb 5, 2009 3:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's About Right

I spent most of my young adult life stupidly trying to disprove that…only to realize that it’s about as true as any adage gets. There’s pretty much nothing that’s happened to me out on the town after midnight that I’ve ever cared to remember or felt was a great experience.

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

Neither will Mike Shanahan.

by UCrawford on Feb 5, 2009 3:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I've

gotten booty and have been eyewittness to boob action post-midnight. Something good does happen after 12:00am, but only in private :)

The Day Herm Edwards didn't get his team ready to beat the Raiders at Arrowhead is the day he kissed his job goodbye.

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehn GOODBYYYEE!

by IISaiNtII on Feb 5, 2009 3:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nope, Not Even Then

I can’t recall a single girl I’ve picked up after midnight that was a smart decision in retrospect. Of course that had as much to do with the alcohol and the pressure of last call as the actual time. :)

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

Neither will Mike Shanahan.

by UCrawford on Feb 5, 2009 3:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Great Moments in Hook-Up History

by Dustin SLO,CA on Feb 5, 2009 4:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I Loved Thos Sketches

“”http://nerdnirvana.org/2007/07/05/great-moments-in-hookup-history-penis-in-the-popcorn/" target="new">Penis in the popcorn"…a brilliant manuever.

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

Neither will Mike Shanahan.

by UCrawford on Feb 5, 2009 4:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

GODDAMN IT!!!

Here’s the link again. What the fuck is going on with the hyperlink function…it fucks up half the time.

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

Neither will Mike Shanahan.

by UCrawford on Feb 5, 2009 4:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Plenty good

happens after midnight. You can’t blanket generalize and say nobody has fun or does anything good after 12 o’clock. In fact very few good parties happen BEFORE midnight. Believe it

by KansasCityShuffle on Feb 5, 2009 4:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I Didn't Say Nobody Has Fun

I said that nothing good happens after midnight. I had plenty of fun after midnight…it’s just that most of the time it ended up being fun I later regretted. :)

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

Neither will Mike Shanahan.

by UCrawford on Feb 5, 2009 4:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Amen, brother

Still driving around blazing is pretty dumb. Keep that stuff at home and avoid any trouble.

by HIV 2 Elway on Feb 5, 2009 3:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Definitely

Although even that doesn’t guarantee your safety these days.

I wonder when the anti-drug crowd is going to get it through their thick heads that a lot of the biggest problems we face in the U.S. today (terrorism, prison overcrowding, border violence, violent crime) is actually a direct result of drugs being illegal, not a problem inherent to the drugs themselves? But then I’ve always found that people who think that the rest of the population is too stupid to make smart choices unless the law tells them what to do (and forces them to do it) are themselves pretty stupid people…so I’m not holding my breath that they’ll ever figure it out.

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

Neither will Mike Shanahan.

by UCrawford on Feb 5, 2009 3:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

sounds

like liberals…

by paratrooper on Feb 5, 2009 5:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I don’t like those guys either when it comes to economics. That’s why I’ve voted Republican more often than Democrat. Of course now that the Republicans have basically turned into Democrats on economic policy I vote Libertarian (assuming the candidates aren’t insane).

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

Neither will Mike Shanahan.

by UCrawford on Feb 5, 2009 6:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Big assumption

by Joel Thorman on Feb 5, 2009 7:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My Litmus Test For Acceptable Libertarian Candidate

Anyone who sympathizes with the 9/11 “truthers” is automatically grouped into the “nutjob” category and earns my immediate contempt.

Unfortunately, that’s about half of the party, but fortunately they’re usually too stupid and/or insane to be able to hide their mental defects so they’re pretty easy to pick out.

Oh, and anyone who drinks crap that turns their skin blue…I pretty much write them off too. :)

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

Neither will Mike Shanahan.

by UCrawford on Feb 5, 2009 8:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

http://www.wanttoknow.info/911information

there are enough questions to warrant a new investigation at minimum.

OUR FUTURE: Bam Morris, Bill Romanowski, and John Rocker with Pete Rose as OC

On average, a professional team should win the championship about 1 time in 30 years.

by nayjevin on Feb 5, 2009 10:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

but it's a topic that turns me off when people yap about it, too

OUR FUTURE: Bam Morris, Bill Romanowski, and John Rocker with Pete Rose as OC

On average, a professional team should win the championship about 1 time in 30 years.

by nayjevin on Feb 5, 2009 10:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I wonder when the anti-drug crowd is going to get it through their thick heads that a lot of the biggest problems we face in the U.S. today (terrorism, prison overcrowding, border violence, violent crime) is actually a direct result of drugs being illegal, not a problem inherent to the drugs themselves? But then I’ve always found that people who think that the rest of the population is too stupid to make smart choices unless the law tells them what to do (and forces them to do it) are themselves pretty stupid people…so I’m not holding my breath that they’ll ever figure it out.

well said

OUR FUTURE: Bam Morris, Bill Romanowski, and John Rocker with Pete Rose as OC

On average, a professional team should win the championship about 1 time in 30 years.

by nayjevin on Feb 5, 2009 11:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bring Back

Michael Allan

by Chief Seattle on Feb 5, 2009 3:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Moron

was he thinking, “hey, I barely played at all last year, my job is probably secure”? This guy is one of the most expendable players on one of the worst-performing teams in the league, he should probably try not to be an idiot as well.

by Chiefs4Life on Feb 5, 2009 3:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

More on the arrest

The police detail, called “First Wednesdays” patrols the downtown district’s parking garages, which are typically filled with club goers, Sgt. Barbara Jones said. Eleven people were arrested during last night’s efforts, and police recovered 27.8 grams of marijuana.

Orlando Sentinel

by Joel Thorman on Feb 5, 2009 3:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I wonder if the other 25 grams belonged to Ricky Williams?

We need a future defensive leader, his name is James Laurinaitis and he can be selected in round 1 of the upcoming Draft.

Ok already, if you don't agree with what I am saying, just don't email my mom again. She beat the crap out of me with my keyboard!

"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Feb 5, 2009 3:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Now LJ isn't the only won scoring turd watch points

LJ was the only Chiefs that scored on the Turd Watch, But Merritt will bring us up to 9.

http://www.profootballtalk.com/turd-watch/standings/

by Dustin SLO,CA on Feb 5, 2009 3:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Dammit Mike

You were such a valuable (hehe) player to this team. You are truly an impact player (snicker snicker). Why would you ruin your chances to be on such an amazing team? HAHAHAHAHAHA sorry I couldn’t help myself.

Let's call him...Trogdor the Burninator!

by mistamic on Feb 5, 2009 4:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Good Whitlock article

on drugs & legalization. Check your 401k’s folks…

http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/9183470/Quit-crying-double-standard-over-Phelps?MSNHPHMA

by KansasCityShuffle on Feb 5, 2009 4:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It Was A Good Piece

And he’s completely right…there’s nothing legit about the war on drugs. It’s just bullshit lie upon bullshit lie meant to advance the agenda of people who benefit from drugs being illegal at the expense of everyone else by pretending that they’re trying to advance “moral” behavior.

There’s nothing moral about the government telling you what you can and can’t put into your own body as long as you’re not forcing your choices on anyone else.

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

Neither will Mike Shanahan.

by UCrawford on Feb 5, 2009 4:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

One of the few times I agree with Whitlock

War on Drugs is complete BS. All laws should be based on common sense. Why would babylon legalize the herb when they can just sell you Prozac or Zoloft or some other pharmaceutical?

by ArrowDread on Feb 5, 2009 4:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs