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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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17

I Didn't Choke Tila Tequila: Merriman

Chargers linebacker says reality-show star was too drunk to leave safely

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(Newser) – Shawne Merriman denies choking Tila Tequila and says he was trying to keep her from leaving his home because she was so drunk he was worried she would hurt herself, the Los Angeles Times reports. The San Diego Chargers linebacker released a statement after being arrested yesterday when the reality-TV star, aka Tila Nguyen, called 911 from his house and said he choked and restrained her.

"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," Merriman said in his statement. "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."

FILE - In this Dec. 31, 2007 file photo, TV Personality Tila Tequila makes an appearance at MTV Studios in New York.
FILE - In this Dec. 31, 2007 file photo, TV Personality Tila Tequila makes an appearance at MTV Studios in New York.   (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman runs during the Chargers NFL football practice held in San Diego Monday, Sept. 7, 2009.
San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman runs during the Chargers NFL football practice held in San Diego Monday, Sept. 7, 2009.   (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
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17 comments
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Reader60610265
Sep 7, 09 4:14 PM CDT
It's hard to stop someone who doesn't want to listen. Reply
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+3
Nwambe
Sep 7, 09 4:46 PM CDT
You know, his account actually seems quite plausible. Nguyen's a pretty hard drinking girl, and I betcha she's used to doing stupid things once drunk for publicity's sake. Chances are this is one of the few rare occasions where an NFLer in a violent incident might've done the right thing. Are you listening, Plaxico? :P Reply
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+6
IN RESPONSE:
DJM420
Sep 7, 09 7:45 PM CDT
he's not... =(
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0
blusky09
Sep 7, 09 5:03 PM CDT
i agree. she has a repuatation of drinking hard. I was reading her bio and she was drinking and going to clubs or whatever at 16. Merriam has to do some serious damage control. (I do not know if he did, it's a he said she said) But one thing is for sure is that I would not be around someone unpredictable like that. Reply
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+1
offspringdude235
Sep 7, 09 5:33 PM CDT
Let's keep it real. If Merriman choked her, even a little bit, that girl would be in a hospital. Seriously. The size differential is insane. I gotta go with Shawne on this one. Reply
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+5

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