Retired NFL Linebacker Shawne Merriman Hospitalized

Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman was taken to a Los Angeles hospital Sunday night for a “medical emergency.”

Merriman was transported to Cedars-Sinai by the Los Angeles Fire Department, according to Officer Mark Ro.

The L.A. Times was the first to break the news of Merriman’s hospitalization, and said that the 29-year-old was taken from the The Colony, a club in Hollywood, to Cedars-Sinai around 9:30 pm. Law enforcement would not say exactly what had prompted the call.

The Times later posted an update saying that Merriman had overdosed “after ingesting an unspecified combination of alcohol and drug.” The sources would not say what condition Merriman was in, but said that he would survive.

Shawne Merriman played in the NFL from 2006 to 2012. He played with the San Diego Chargers for six seasons, and finished his NFL career after two seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He was cut by the Bills in August 2012 after one season, and then signed a contract to return to the team in October.

On March 5, 2013, Merriman announced his retirement from the NFL after an eight-year career.

“My retirement from the game I love so much and from the game that has brought me so many opportunities on and off the field has been decided with great thought for my future on and off of the field,” Merriman wrote on his website.

“I retire today not because I don’t feel I can go out there and still play the game at a very high level. I am retiring because I want to retire on my own terms and leave while I know I can still physically play the game. I am stepping back to pursue other great opportunities that have been afforded me,” he added.

We here at The Inquisitr wish Shawne Merriman a speedy recovery.

[Photo credit: Scott Gould / Flickr]