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. |
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- San Diego Chargers star outside linebacker Shawne Merriman says he didn't harm a reality TV star who has accused him of choking and restraining her.
Merriman says in a statement late Sunday that he was worried for the safety of Tila Tequila because she appeared to be intoxicated and he didn't want her to drive.
He also says paramedics who were called to his home in Poway, north of San Diego, reported no injuries to Tequila, best known for "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila," which ran for two seasons on MTV.
San Diego County Sheriff's Lt. Gary Steadman says Merriman was arrested early Sunday when the 27-year-old Tequila signed a citizen's arrest warrant charging him with battery and false imprisonment. Both are felonies.
Merriman says the allegations are false.