San Diego Held Hostage: Day 16

As Charger Nation nervously awaits word on Shawne Merriman's status, we haven't seen this much anxiety in San Diego since News 8 parted ways with anchor babe Kathleen Bade nearly a year ago.

Merriman hasn't played or practiced since the Bolts' preseason opener Aug. 9, and since then he has embarked on the Shawne Across America Tour, visiting medical professionals in seemingly every state except Alaska and Hawaii. Aside from an OB/GYN in Kentucky, we think every other licensed doctor in the continental United States has looked at Merriman's left knee in the past 16 days.

But still no decision from Merriman, as he weighs his options, which seem to number in the dozens. He could try to play despite the injury; he could have surgery immediately and be done for the year; he could put off surgery until his astrologist deems it just right; he could join the cast of the new "90210" as a cool, yet no-nonsense P.E. teacher ... so what's he going to do?

Who knows?

Meanwhile, a nervous Nation twists in the wind.

As for Kathleen Bade [pictured at left], she just recently resurfaced on the new Fox 5 News, 10 months after her departure from News 8. 

And if Merriman is sidelined as long as Kathleen Bade was off the air, well ... hold onto your lightning bolts, Charger fans.