Linebacker Shawne Merriman: I did not choke Tila Tequila -- she was drunk, I was trying to help her

September 7, 12:59 PMCelebrity News ExaminerLiz Barrett

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Shawne Merriman vs Tila Tequila (AP Photos)

After his Saturday arrest for allegedly choking Tila Tequila (Tila Nguyen), San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman sent a statement to Fox Sports saying he didn't assault star of MTV's series "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila." He said she appeared to be intoxicated and he was trying to prevent her from driving away from his home in that state.

Here is his statement:

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."

Tila Tequila called police and said Merriman choked her and threw her to the ground when she tried to leave his house. She then signed a citizen's arrest charging the linebacker with battery and false imprisonment, both of which are felonies, according to authorities. 

Merriman's attorney, Todd Macaluso, told the Associated Press that numerous eyewitnesses supported the linebacker's story. 

Tila Tequila tweeted that she was not drinking:

I am allergic to alcohol. It has been publicly known for years. That is how I got the name Tila "Tequila' cuz the irony. I can't drink"

But Sheriff's Department spokesman Jan Caldwell said at a news conference that said deputies determined Tequila had been drinking.