SAN DIEGO — San Diego Chargers star Shawne Merriman was arrested early Sunday after a domestic dispute with his girlfriend, reality TV star Tila Tequila.
Police were called to Merriman's home in Poway, Calif. around 3:45 a.m. after Tequila dialed for help, a spokeswoman for the San Diego County Sheriff's Department revealed Sunday.
Tequila told authorities that Merriman choked her and threw her to the ground when she tried to leave his home, located just north of San Diego.
"She said she was in the home and tried to leave and Merriman stopped her, threw her to the ground and choked her," said Jan Caldwell of the Sheriff's Department.
Tequila, 27, signed a citizen's arrest warrant, charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment.
Merriman, 25, was taken into custody and booked into the Central Jail around 8:30 a.m. He was released shortly after 11 a.m. It was unclear whether the linebacker posted bail or was released on his own recognizance.
Tequila was taken to Pomerado Hospital, but did not appear to be seriously injured.
"From what I understand, she was not seriously hurt. She was able to talk, able to walk," said Caldwell.
Merriman and Tequila spent most of Saturday night at local hotspot Stingaree in San Diego's Gaslamp District.
Tequila told authorities that she had been drinking, but authorities had yet to determine whether Merriman was also under the influence.
Caldwell said there were several people at the home when the incident took place, all of whom will be interviewed as part of the investigation.
Merriman's attorney, Todd Macaluso, said Tequila was "extremely intoxicated" and that his client tried to arrange transportation for her to leave his home.
"At no time did Mr. Merriman assault her; at no time did Mr. Merriman keep her against her will," said Macaluso.
Merriman has denied that Tequila is his girlfriend, instead referring to her as an "acquaintance."
The Pro Bowl standout missed nearly the entire 2008 season after undergoing major knee surgery.
"It's disappointing to hear about the issue involving Shawne Merriman," said Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith in a statement. "We'll continue to monitor the situation and let the legal process run its course."
Tequila, whose real name is Thien Thanh Thi Nguyen, rose to fame on MySpace before starring in her own MTV reality show, "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila."
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