SAN DIEGO — San Diego Chargers star Shawne Merriman has denied any wrongdoing after being arrested Sunday following an early morning dispute with reality TV star Tila Tequila.
Tequila, 27, called police around 3:45 a.m. after Merriman allegedly refused to let her leave his home in Poway, Calif., located just north of San Diego. Tequila alleged that the Pro Bowl star choked her and threw her to the ground. She later 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.
Officials later revealed that it would be up to the District Attorney's office to determine if charges will be filed in the case.
After practicing with the team on Monday, the linebacker told reporters that he fully expected to have his name cleared.
"I think when it all surfaces, it will be a different situation. Period," said Merriman.
Merriman and Tequila spent most of Saturday night at local hotspot Stingaree in San Diego's Gaslamp District. In a statement released through his attorney on Sunday, the former Maryland star said he was simply trying to help someone that he described as an acquaintance.
"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," he said. "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," the statement continued.
When asked Monday by the Associated Press if he would have done anything differently, Merriman said probably not.
"It's kind of a tough situation where you think you're doing the right thing," he said. "I'm glad that everyone was safe at the end of the day. I don't think I will regret that part."
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