NFL Linebacker arrested for battery
Shawne Merriman, Outside Linebacker for the San Diego Chargers, was arrested by the local authorities after being accused of alleged battery and false imprisonment of television star Tila Tequila.
The player will soon be formally accused of battery and could face charges.
Shawne Merriman was arrested after a call made by Tila Tequila in which she affirmed that Merriman had tried to strangle her and was restraining her against her will in his home. Police responded to the complaint at 3:45 in the morning after being called by a woman who had declared she was being beaten by the player and thrown to the ground while she attempted to leave his residence.
Merriman was taken into custody, processed in the San Diego Central Jail at 8:30 on Saturday and was released at 11:00 the same day, though it remains unclear whether or not he had to post bail for his release. Tila Tequila was taken to a hospital and recently released.
Both Merriman and his lawyer deny the claims made by Tila Tequila, claiming she was heavily under the influence of alcohol and Merriman was simply trying to keep her from leaving the house until safe transportation arrived. Nguyen denies this claim, saying she is allergic to alcohol.
“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,” Merriman told FoxSports, a popular source for NFL betting news.
His lawyer also said, “We don’t want to comment on her conduct. The bottom line is, he did everything in his power to ensure her safety. He hopes she comes forth and tells the truth.”
Sheriff’s Department spokesman Jan Caldwell said deputies determined Tequila had been drinking. You be the judge. Will the ruling be in favor of Merriman or Tequila? If Merriman loses, the Chargers could suffer in NFL betting.
