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.
More From TMZ: Photos of Couple at Nightclub
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 support. In addition, she disputed reports that she was drinking.
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.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.
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....
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.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
Tila Tequila Photos
FILE - In this Dec. 31, 2007 file photo, TV Personality Tila Tequila makes an appearance at MTV Studios in New York. Authorities say San Diego Chargers star linebacker Shawne Merriman has been arrested on suspicion of choking and restraining his girlfriend, a reality TV star, as she tried to leave his Southern California home. San Diego County Sheriff's Lt. Gary Steadman says 27-year-old Tila Tequila signed a citizen's arrest warrant early Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009, charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
AP
FILE - In this Aug. 15, 2009 file photo, San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman stands on the sidelines before an NFL pre-season football game against the Seattle Seahawks in San Diego. Authorities say San Diego Chargers star linebacker Shawne Merriman has been arrested on suspicion of choking and restraining his girlfriend, a reality TV star, as she tried to leave his Southern California home. San Diego County Sheriff's Lt. Gary Steadman says 27-year-old Tila Tequila signed a citizen's arrest warrant early Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009, charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
AP
©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM The Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation's 10th Anniversary Art For Life Benefit at the SimmonsÕ East Hampton Estate. Pictured: Tila "Tequila" Nguyen www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com NON-EXCLUSIVE July 18, 2009 Job: 90720NB2 East Hampton, New York www.bauergriffiffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com
MTR/bauergriffinonline.com
©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM The Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation's 10th Anniversary Art For Life Benefit at the SimmonsÕ East Hampton Estate. Pictured: Tila "Tequila" Nguyen www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com NON-EXCLUSIVE July 18, 2009 Job: 90720NB2 East Hampton, New York www.bauergriffiffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com
MTR/bauergriffinonline.com
EAST HAMPTON, NY - JULY 18: Tila Tequila, Kevin Saer and Rajiah Williams attend Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation's 10th Anniversary Art For Life Benefit at Russell Simmons' East Hampton Estate on July 18, 2009 in East Hampton, New York. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tila Tequila;Kevin Saer;Rajiah Williams
Getty Images
EAST HAMPTON, NY - JULY 18: Tila "Tequila" Nguyen attends Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation's 10th Anniversary Art For Life Benefit at Russell Simmons' East Hampton Estate on July 18, 2009 in East Hampton, New York. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tila Tequila
Getty Images
EAST HAMPTON, NY - JULY 18: Tila "Tequila" Nguyen attends Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation's 10th Anniversary Art For Life Benefit at Russell Simmons' East Hampton Estate on July 18, 2009 in East Hampton, New York. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tila Tequila
Getty Images
EAST HAMPTON, NY - JULY 18: Tila "Tequila" Nguyen attends Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation's 10th Anniversary Art For Life Benefit at Russell Simmons' East Hampton Estate on July 18, 2009 in East Hampton, New York. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tila Tequila
Getty Images
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JULY 04: TV personality Tila Tequila at the White Party hosted by Sean "Diddy" Combs and Ashton Kutcher to help raise awareness for Malaria No More held at a Private Residence on July 4, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kristian Dowling/Getty Images for Blueflame) *** Local Caption *** Tila Tequila
Getty Images for Blueflame
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JULY 04: TV personality Tila Tequila at the White Party hosted by Sean "Diddy" Combs and Ashton Kutcher to help raise awareness for Malaria No More held at a Private Residence on July 4, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kristian Dowling/Getty Images for Blueflame) *** Local Caption *** Tila Tequila
Getty Images for Blueflame
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 17)
9-06-2009 @ 2:08PM
Havok said...
I think it's time for the NFL to invest and buy a prison.
Reply
9-06-2009 @ 2:12PM
Stevo said...
haha
9-06-2009 @ 2:48PM
mobildj50 said...
I'm with you on this one. We could even have an all pro team representing the NFL (National Felony League). I nominate Michael Vick and Plaxico Burress as the nucleus of the Shoot the Dog Offense.
9-06-2009 @ 5:22PM
RarAmoy said...
LOL. Definitely
9-06-2009 @ 5:22PM
suavechicjg said...
LOL Seriously!!
9-06-2009 @ 6:41PM
poggieii said...
A prison for NFL, I think in some cases a regular prison,but in some cases they should have a supermax they couuld call it MVP super max Michael Vick Prison MVP lol I make my self laugh.
9-06-2009 @ 6:42PM
jkcloud24 said...
finally!!! someone has a great idea for the thugs that "play" football. i use to support the nfl but in the past few years it has become so apparent that they are nothing but a bunch of little boyz that the nfl taught how to be THUGS!
9-06-2009 @ 7:31PM
crainqueen said...
very good....
9-06-2009 @ 9:01PM
Jason V. said...
I agree with all of the above comments. It's really getting bad when the WWF has more dignity and class than the NFL does anymore. Pro football (and in some cases, now, even College Football) has really gone into the toilet. Why don't the powers that be wake up and start cleaning house for a change? I don't watch football to see a bunch of idiot thugs running amok. Just once, I would like to see a normal football game played again!
9-06-2009 @ 9:37PM
Riverrat47 said...
great idea!! will there be union scale jobs for the guards?
9-07-2009 @ 9:57AM
hondaqt96 said...
Havok: excellent idea!!!
9-06-2009 @ 2:14PM
YouFaceTheTick said...
Bahahahahah. Do I believe it? well she's a psycho little thing and he's a psycho big thing so they both could be lying. Point is, don't put yourself in those situations. What a tool Say hello to a 4 game suspension you 'roid-rager.
Reply
9-06-2009 @ 8:32PM
Albert S. said...
Ha Ha Ha , Its about time Al Davis did something right . He finaly got Tila to sell her soul to him for the live forever juice . Now we just need to get Alba to get Brady and we can get some momentum going . G o Raiders =)
9-06-2009 @ 2:32PM
Lakergregg said...
I was shocked at the headline and then I read who the alleged victim is...
I'm not going to blame the alleged victim but c'mon just look at her tv show.
Reply
9-06-2009 @ 6:57PM
sendslpmail said...
I agree. Young men -- and women -- must be careful about who they let into their lives.
9-06-2009 @ 2:33PM
birchibaldbarlow said...
Oh, well. Choking a trashy reality whore...killing dogs...they both result in suspensions of a few games. Now that Goodell has voluntarily removed his testicles, it will be interesting to see what sort of punishment the steroid-user gets (if proven guilty).
Reply
9-06-2009 @ 5:21PM
lovely day said...
Birch - you are a moron. Michael Vick was dealt with by the criminal justice system - it is not the job of the NFL Commissioner to add insult to injury. He served his time.
9-06-2009 @ 6:31PM
Lita said...
lovely day--YOU are the one that is a moron. If you worked for any other franchise than a sports franchise and committed the same kind of crimes these idiots, are you so stupid as to think that any other operation under that franchise would take them back. The answer is, hell no. It is long past time that they crack down on these adults who act like over-indulged children but whose bodies' can do a hell of a lot more damage. Play a kid's game and get paid millions. Then mess up and pay the price that mere mortal men and women must pay when they do the same things.
9-06-2009 @ 2:37PM
mills134 said...
The more things change, the more they stay the same! The government, entertainers, jocks, all of them have lost touch with reality and think they are above the law or rules that govern us all. The hell with them all, change is coming and alot of folks are not going to like it.
Reply
9-06-2009 @ 2:45PM
bashie said...
millions of dollars paid to these guys and they cant keep thier pecker or hands to themselves its always someone in the media, personally this should be a claus in the contract if something like this happens they are done for the team they play on and are NOT entitled to the money they signed for ... these idiots represent OUR teams and seems they dont give a rats ass.. lets see if they do when they aren't getting paid anymore..
Reply