San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman arrested for allegedly choking Tila Tequila Photo: AP Photo/Dave Martin

Shawne Merriman arrested for choking Tila Tequila (video)

San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman was arrested for allegedly choking Tila Tequila. Merriman tried to choke Tila as she tried to leave his home in Southern California, the AP reported. Police arrived at Merriman's house at 3:45 a.m. and had Tequila sign a citizen's arrest warrant. Merriman was charged with false imprisonment and battery, San Diego County Sheriff's Lt. Gary Steadman said

Photos of Tequila Tequila and Shawn Merriman show them enjoying each other before the fight

Tequila Tequila, who's real name is Tila Nguyen, was reportedly dating Shawne Merriman at the time of the assault. Tequila and Merriman had spent the evening together at Stingaree nightclub in San Diego. Photos show Tequilla giving Merriman lap dances. You can view the photos here at TMZ.

Shawn Merriman's lawyer denies the assault took place

Shawn Merriman's lawyer has denied that he tried to choke her. According to the lawyer Tila was "extremely inebriated" and Merriman was simply trying to stop her from leaving because he didn't feel it was safe for her to leave, TMZ  reported.

The San Diego Chargers general manager, A.J. Smith released a statement  "It's disappointing to hear about the issue involving Shawne Merriman. We'll continue to monitor the situation and let the legal process run its course."

Tila Tequila was taken to the hospital and has been released. Further details of her condition have not yet been released. 

This story is still developing, we will update as more information becomes available