April Foolin': Rich Eisen Pranks Shawne Merriman

Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman was in the NFL Network's Total Access studio this week. It's not unusual for players to stop by during the offseason, and Merriman had some extra time on his hands since he hasn't yet signed his one-year tender.

As they prepped for the show, host Rich Eisen used the occasion to prank Merriman. And unlike every other April Fools' joke that was perpetrated yesterday, this one was actually funny. A quick setup: Eisen shows Merriman an official-looking letter from the NFL head offices that will prohibit celebrations of any kind next season. Punishments include a 15-yard penalty, fines and even suspensions for repeat offenders.

Good times ensue.

The best part: Merriman suggesting that players mocking his "Lights Out" dance should be the ones getting fined.

Merriman: That's ridiculous, man. They gettin' too serious with that.

Eisen: Have they ever said anything to you...

Merriman: No, I never even been flagged for it. I never even been flagged for it one time. I don't even do it close to the quarterback or the players or whatever. I mean, they should be fining other players for doing my dance. That's what they should be -- like when the Patriots did it, they should get fined.

And everybody laughed and laughed and laughed. Then Merriman made this promise: "Payback. Everybody on this set, I'm telling you, pay back. ... Okay. That was good."

via Shutdown Corner