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Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports today that there's a rumor making the rounds that Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman failed a drug test.

So Acee followed up on the rumor and asked Merriman whether it's true. Merriman says it isn't.

"I would know, if anybody," Merriman said. "If I failed a drug test or steroids test I'd be the first one to know about it. And after it being leaked the first time, I don't think someone would be holding back the results this time."

When Merriman says "the last time," he's referring to 2006, when he tested positive for steroids and was suspended four games.

This time, however, Acee asked Merriman if there was any chance the rumor Acee heard would turn out to be true, and Merriman answered, "Zero. None."

Hat tip: Pro Football Talk.