Merriman disputes results of drug test

SAN DIEGO -- Shawne Merriman's attorney said the Chargers' star linebacker failed a drug test because of a tainted supplement and will continue to play while appealing his four-game suspension.

Attorney David Cornwell said he believed Merriman tested positive for the steroid nandrolone, which is prohibited under the NFL's substance abuse policy. Cornwell said the substance was in a supplement Merriman has been taking.

Merriman said he spoke with his teammates and coaches earlier in the day, and "apologized to them for this being a distraction, especially the critical time we're going through as a team."

The 22-year-old Merriman was last year's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and started in the Pro Bowl after leading the Chargers with 10 sacks. Merriman is second on the team with 5 1/2 sacks.

Arrington tears tendon

• New York Giants linebacker LaVar Arrington likely is out for the season after tearing his left Achilles' tendon in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night.

The Giants also lost defensive end Osi Umenyiora for the game with a strained hip. He went down late in the second quarter, returned for the start of the third but lasted only one play. He was helped back to the locker room, with the team saying he wouldn't return.

Arrington was hurt chasing down Dallas' Julius Jones on a running play.

-- The Associated Press