"Do the right thing"

Shawne Merriman’s invitation to the Pro Bowl in February should be rescinded. No ifs, ands or buts.

The San Diego Chargers linebacker might be the top defensive player in the NFL. He's recorded an incredible 16 sacks in just 11 games this season. You'd have to do some digging to find a player who has put up similar numbers.

But he cheated. No, check that. He got caught cheating. Merriman was suspended earlier this season for four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Yet pundits are saying he still deserves his spot in the Pro Bowl and possibly the defensive player of the year award. On the TV show "Quite Frankly," Rob Parker of the "Detroit News" said he believes several NFL players use performance enhancing drugs, so, therefore, Merriman shouldn't be left out of the conversation about postseason awards just because he got caught.

While Parker may be right about several players using, he's wrong about Merriman. He broke a rule, was punished and should have to stay home whenever San Diego's playoff run concludes. What kind of message would the NFL be sending if it named Merriman the league's top defensive player?

That if you cheat to become a great player then you can make it to the top and soak up all the honors while clean players busting their butts only make the back page.

That ain't right.

There are so many issues in today's sports world involving athletes cheating or getting arrested or jousting with their teammates and coaches. This situation provides an opportunity for the NFL to step in and say it isn't going to reward players who haven't played and/or acted by the rules.

Strip Merriman of his Pro Bowl spot. Give the defensive player of the year to Miami's Jason Taylor, who shouldn't have been the one to speak out against Merriman, but I can't really blame him. No one else was doing it. Taylor has had a great season. His numbers don't match Merriman's, but by no means would it be wrong to give him the award.

Like it would be to hand it to Merriman.

Even if it was a simple mistake, one of those "how did that get in my morning smoothie?" occurrences, a message needs to be sent here. No, it likely won't stop others from taking whatever their taking. Yes, Rob Parker, there will still be drug use in the NFL. But the players will know that if they are caught, any chance they have of being recognized for their play on the field with a piece of hardware will be gone.

Their name will not be added to the record books. Only their numbers will be recognized. Do it before it's too late. We all know what steroids have done to baseball and how awkward it will be if and when Barry Bonds breaks Hank Aaron's hallowed home run record.

The NFL can take a baby step toward cleaning up its game in the coming month. While NFL fans will likely enjoy watching Merriman in the playoffs, the only honor he should be able to celebrate this season is being a Super Bowl champion.