You holiday weekend is now being interrupted by some Jerry Springer shiz. Word that Shawne Merriman choked his girlfriend, Tila Tequila, has ran rampant through rumor mill. The linebacker for the San Diego Chargers was said to have assaulted the reality starlet after she tried to leave his house.
Merriman was arrested and taken into custody under a citizen’s arrest with charges of battery and false imprisonment. Around 3:45 am, Tila said she tried to leave Shawne’s home, but he chocked her and threw her to the ground as she attempted to leave. He was released around 11 am Sunday morning as Tila was taken to the hospital.
Now he is denying he laid a hand on her. Merriman released this statement basically calling her a crazy drunk bitch. His story states that she had been drinking and didn’t want her to drive while intoxicated.
“On September 6, 2009 the San Diego Sheriff’s 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. I in no way caused any harm to Ms. Nguyen, however, paramedics were called and she was examined but no injuries were reported. She was released and has since returned to Los Angeles, California.
“There have been no charges filed against me. I want to thank the San Diego Sheriff’s Department for their professionalism. I will continue to cooperate fully with the Department, and I look forward to clearing my name regarding these false allegations. I want to put this behind me so I can continue to focus on a successful season for the San Diego Chargers.”
The couple had been spotted at Stingaree, a club in San Diego, practically dry humping in the VIP area. She was photographed giving him lap dances while celebrating a friend’s birthday. Deputies did note that is was apparent that Tila had been drinking.
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Images Via: TMZ
