"A week before the Chargers are set to open what they hope is a Super Bowl season, the team faces an off-the-field distraction as one of its star players stands accused of domestic violence.
Sheriff's deputies arrested linebacker Shawne Merriman early Sunday morning for allegedly choking, restraining and throwing MTV star Tila Tequila to the ground as she tried to leave his Poway home.
The Sheriff's Department said Tila Nguyen, who is known professionally as Tila Tequila, signed a citizen's arrest complaint charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment. Both are felonies.
Merriman and his lawyer said the player was trying to keep Nguyen from driving while intoxicated. Merriman said in an interview Sunday night that he is confident he will cleared of any wrongdoing.
"I was trying to help her, not hurt her," Merriman said. "I'm still glad I did what I did." "
