Chargers LB Merriman Arrested in Domestic Call

[Rambos]

San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman was arrested Sunday and accused of choking and restraining his girlfriend, reality TV star Tila Tequila, as she tried to leave his Southern California home.

Tequila, 27, signed a citizen's arrest warrant, charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment, San Diego County Sheriff's Lt. Gary Steadman said.

Deputies responded about 3:45 a.m. to Merriman's house in Poway, north of San Diego, after a woman called to say she was choked by the player and physically restrained when she had tried to leave, according to a Sheriff's Department statement.

Merriman, 25, was taken into custody. Authorities declined to say whether he had posted bail or been released, pending an afternoon news conference.

Tequila was taken to a hospital. Her condition was not immediately available.

Tequila, whose real name is Tila Nguyen, is best known for "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila," which ran for two seasons on MTV. The bisexual dating show featured men and women vying for Tequila's affections. She has also modeled for Playboy and other men's magazines.


Scott E. Leemon, an attorney for Tequila, said in a statement that neither she nor her representatives would comment publicly on the incident.

Merriman's agent, Tom Condon, said he hadn't heard about the arrest when contacted by The Associated Press.

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.

Merriman was the 12th overall pick out of the University of Maryland in the 2005 draft, and had 39.5 sacks in his first three years. The three-time Pro Bowl selection was getting back into shape after missing nearly all of last season with a knee injury. He played little during pre-season games. The Chargers' season begins a week from Monday night at Oakland.

Smith often speaks of signing "character" players, yet the Chargers have had their share of off-field problems in recent seasons.

Nice too see this guys is off the roids

[jkramsfan]

San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman was arrested Sunday and accused of choking and restraining his girlfriend, reality TV star Tila Tequila, as she tried to leave his Southern California home.

Tequila, 27, signed a citizen's arrest warrant, charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment, San Diego County Sheriff's Lt. Gary Steadman said.

Deputies responded about 3:45 a.m. to Merriman's house in Poway, north of San Diego, after a woman called to say she was choked by the player and physically restrained when she had tried to leave, according to a Sheriff's Department statement.

Merriman, 25, was taken into custody. Authorities declined to say whether he had posted bail or been released, pending an afternoon news conference.

Tequila was taken to a hospital. Her condition was not immediately available.

Tequila, whose real name is Tila Nguyen, is best known for "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila," which ran for two seasons on MTV. The bisexual dating show featured men and women vying for Tequila's affections. She has also modeled for Playboy and other men's magazines.


Scott E. Leemon, an attorney for Tequila, said in a statement that neither she nor her representatives would comment publicly on the incident.

Merriman's agent, Tom Condon, said he hadn't heard about the arrest when contacted by The Associated Press.

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.

Merriman was the 12th overall pick out of the University of Maryland in the 2005 draft, and had 39.5 sacks in his first three years. The three-time Pro Bowl selection was getting back into shape after missing nearly all of last season with a knee injury. He played little during pre-season games. The Chargers' season begins a week from Monday night at Oakland.

Smith often speaks of signing "character" players, yet the Chargers have had their share of off-field problems in recent seasons.

Nice too see this guys is off the roids

what the hell is he doing with that tramp,doesn't mean he should choke her because he should be arrested for that,but c'mon dude you can do better than her.

[rams#1]

I see mr merriman is still a tough guy.

[eldfan]

One thing NFL players should have learn by now is the Commissioner is not playing he don't have to wait for courts to rule.

[rams#1]

One thing NFL players should have learn by now is the Commissioner is not playing he don't have to wait for courts to rule.

maybe the NFL needs a lockout to show the players that the NFL is not something that you are given, you have to earn the right to play. and when players doe these things it's like they are going by their own rules.

[tomahawk247]

Merriman is saying that he restrained her and locked her in the house to prevent her from drink driving.

How true that is we wont know, but it certainly makes you think a bit differently about the situation if its true. Still, this is just another in a long line of domestic violence calls involving NFL players

[general counsel]

I heard the incident happened after a double date with claude wroten and his girlfriend. If true, immediate suspension is appropriate, and when i say investigation, i mean by the commissioner.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

[r8rh8rmike]

Merriman is saying that he restrained her and locked her in the house to prevent her from drink driving.

Stopping her from drinking and driving is one thing, but putting his hands around her throat and choking her is another. Any bruises or cuts on her neck should make things more clear.

Anytime the police have to become involved, the league is not going to like it. Pushing Roger Goodell's buttons these days is not a wise thing to do, and Merriman already has a history of doing just that.