Early Sunday morning, Shawne Merriman was arrested on suspicion of physically assaulting Tila Tequila, a model and television personality. He was taken into San Diego County Jail.Tequila, whose real name is Tila Nguyen, placed a call at 3:45 a.m., accusing Merriman of choking and physically restraining her. She claims Merriman prevented her from being able to leave his house, and signed a citizen's arrest warrant at the scene, charging him with battery and false imprisonment.
Tequila was taken to a hospital following the alleged incident. San Diego County Sheriff's Department spokesman Jan Caldwell stated at a news conference that deputies determined she had been drinking, but she wasn't sure about Merriman. Caldwell also said there were other people at the house.
On her Twitter account Sunday evening, Tequila said she had arrived back home safely in Los Angeles and thanked fans for all their love and support. In addition, she disputed reports that she was drinking, saying "I am allergic to alcohol. It has been publicly known for years. That is how I got the name Tila "Tequila" cuz the irony. I cant drink."
I have just gotten back home safely to Los Angeles. Thank you for all of your love and prayers, and I appreciate everyone's support....
After winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2005, Merriman was suspended for four games in 2006 for a positive steroid test. In 2008, reconstructive knee surgery forced Merriman to miss almost the entire season after conflicting information floated around training camp and preseason about whether or not he'd be able to play. The Chargers' defense fell to 25th in the league in total defense in '08 after finishing 14th in 2007.
It's far too early to begin discussing possible legal or occupational repercussions (if any) for Merriman; there will surely be more details to emerge from this story before the dust settles.
General manager A.J. Smith, however, quickly issued a statement on Sunday that implied the Chargers will not take immediate disciplinary action against Merriman.
"It's disappointing to hear about the issue involving Shawne Merriman," Smith said in the statement. "We'll continue to monitor the situation and let the legal process run its course."
The Chargers drafted outside linebacker Larry English in the first round of this year's draft to improve depth and talent at the position, but Merriman's healthy return had many people viewing the Chargers as a possible Super Bowl team.
San Diego opens the regular season next Monday night at Oakland, and Chargers players have been off since Friday's exhibition finale against the San Francisco 49ers
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