“TOUGH LOVE …”
Sources familiar with the recent arrest of former Clemson University football star/ radio commentator Will Merritt are shedding some light on the situation. According to several who spoke with us confidentially regarding the situation, Merritt’s arrest is a case of “tough love” aimed at helping him get his life back on track.
Merritt, 38, was arrested last week in Anderson County, South Carolina and charged with grand larceny.
According to our sources, the incident was part of an ongoing effort by Merritt’s family members to get him to come to grips with an alleged addiction to alcohol.
“It’s tough love,” one source told us. “It’s a difficult family situation. So sad it’s playing out so publicly.”
Sources familiar with the circumstances surrounding Merritt’s arrest tell us he took a truck owned by his brother, Tom Merritt, without permission while allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
The vehicle was then reported stolen and Merritt was arrested.
Merritt played parts of four seasons at Clemson under head coaches Tommy West and Tommy Bowden – starting at guard in 2000 and 2001. During his final season in Tigertown, he was a second-team all-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) performer.
After his playing career ended, Merritt was hired as Clemson’s color analyst for radio broadcasts – serving in that capacity alongside play-by-play announcer Pete Yanity for twelve seasons. He stepped down in 2014 shortly after Yanity was replaced by Don Munson.
Merritt’s replacement? Former Clemson quarterback Rodney Williams.
Sources close to Merritt tell us he has struggled for years with excessive alcohol use – and that things have worsened considerably since he left the broadcast booth. A few weeks ago, Merritt’s family members reportedly took his drivers’ license away from him after they discovered him “passed out in his truck.”
“He’s lost everything,” another source familiar with the situation told us. “It’s pretty damn sad.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Merritt – and to his family. Alcohol addition is an extremely difficult demon to shake, as our founding editor Will Folks can attest.
Hopefully this situation will work out for the best for all involved …
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