San Diego ? The San Diego Chargers must play their next four games without outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, one of the NFL’s top young stars who decided Tuesday not to appeal his suspension for testing positive for steroids.

Merriman’s suspension is another blow to one of the NFL’s toughest defenses, which has been hit by injuries and off-field trouble since before the season started. Nicknamed “Lights Out” because of his punishing hits, he’ll be shut down for games at home against Cleveland, at Cincinnati, at Denver and at home against the Oakland Raiders.

Merriman, who’s tied for the NFL lead with 81â2 sacks, and his attorney have blamed a tainted supplement for the player’s positive test for the steroid nandrolone. Merriman couldn’t be reached for comment.

The suspension won’t officially begin until after Merriman addresses his teammates today. After that, he’ll be barred from the team’s headquarters until he’s eligible to return on Nov. 27.