Shawne Merriman Arrested After Dispute With Girlfriend Tila Tequila

NFL News - September 7th, 2009 - Written by Scott

Shawne Merriman, the star line backer for the San Diego Chargers, was arrested early Sunday morning.  Deputies responded to a call from a woman, Tila Tequila, who said she was choked and thrown to the ground after attempting to leave Merriman's home.  Tequila signed a citizen's arrest warrant, charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment (both felonies) according to the San Diego County's Sheriffs Dept. Merriman was arrested and booked, but was later released around 11:00 am Sunday Morning. Todd Macaluso, Merriman's attorney, expects that he will not be charged by the District Attorney's Office and has disputed the incident reported my Tequila.

"There was absolutely no wrongdoing on the part of Mr. Merriman," Macaluso told The Associated Press by phone. "He essentially was doing what was appropriate under the circumstances in trying to protect the safety of Miss Tequila. There were numerous eyewitnesses that will support his version of the events that transpired at his home."

It appears as though alcohol was a key factor in the arrest.  Merriman issued a statement saying that he was attempting to keep her form leaving his house due to her intoxiacation level.

"The San Diego Sheriffs Department responded to a citizen's complaint that was initiated by Tila Nguyen [aka Tila Tequila]. I was taken into custody based upon that complaint. At the time, I was concerned about her welfare given the intoxicated state she appeared to be in and I encouraged her to stay until safe transportation could be provided. We would all do our best to help a friend if we considered their actions to be detrimental to their personal safety."

It was not clear if Merriman had been drinking though.  Macaluso was asked if he had in fact been drinking and issued this statement: "We don't want to comment on her conduct. The bottom line is, he did everything in his power to ensure her safety. He hopes she comes forth and tells the truth."

Tequila, a former Playboy model,  is best known for her bisexual reality TV show "A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila" on MTV. This dating show had both men and women trying to earn the attention of Tequila.

The three-time pro bowl linebacker was the 12th pick in the 2005 NFL draft.  In his first three seasons, he accumulated 39 1/2 sacks, but missed most of last season following knee surgery.  The team is due back at practice Monday after their final preseason game last Friday night.  They open the season next Monday night at Oakland.

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