More details regarding the incident between San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman and Tila Tequila were revealed Monday (September 7), following the alleged domestic spat that took place early Sunday morning (September 6) at the NFL player’s home in San Diego County.
Despite being arrested on suspicion of battery and false imprisonment, the NFL player, through his attorney, denies the claims. Merriman claims he tried to get the MTV reality star to leave his home because she was “extremely intoxicated and inebriated”.
Here’s his full statement, according to local paper, the San Diego Union-Tribune:
On September 6, 2009 the San Diego Sheriffs Department responded to a citizens 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 Sheriffs 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 is an avid user of Twitter (@OfficialTila), usually posting numerous updates through each day. After a Twitter silence through Sunday, she finally updated her profile later that evening.
“I have just gotten back home safely to Los Angeles. Thank you for all of your love and prayers, and I appreciate everyone’s support,” she wrote.
Then later, she refuted claims that she was drunk. “I am allergic to alcohol,” Tila tweeted. “It has been publicly known for years. That is how I got the name Tila ‘Tequila’ cuz the irony. I cant drink.”
Merriman has not addressed the incident on his Twitter page (@ShawneMerriman).
