Shawne Merriman Fumes Over Antonio Gates’ HOF Snub, Demands Explanation

Shawne Merriman is livid his good pal and former teammate Antonio Gates did not make the lower for the Corridor of Fame on Thursday … and now, he is demanding a proof from the committee.

Lights Out did not maintain again when TMZ Sports activities spoke with him concerning the Chargers legend’s HOF snub … saying level clean, “This is pretty much an embarrassment, man.”

“This one needs an explanation,” he mentioned. “Because if you watch football, in the last two decades, there’s no way in the world that Antonio Gates is not a first-ballot Hall of Famer.”

As an alternative of Gates, the committee selected to place in Dwight Freeney, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Julius Peppers and Patrick Willis.

Clearly, Merriman thinks Gates acquired robbed … including, “I was shocked just like every other football fan was.”

The unhappy half … Merriman — who performed with Gates from 2005 via 2010 — mentioned he is aware of Gates is feeling down about all of it.

“I know this has to bother him some,” Merriman mentioned.

In fact, Shawne is assured Gates will get his gold jacket sooner moderately than later … however within the meantime, he actually desires to know why it did not occur this week.