LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman was arrested early Sunday morning on suspicion of choking and restraining his girlfriend, Tila Tequila.

Tila claims the Chargers player tried to stop her from leaving his San Diego home after a night out together. Cops responded to a disturbance call at 3:45 am, where Tequila signed a citizens arrest warrant charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment.

Merriman was arrested and released later in the day, while Tequila was taken to a hospital.

In a statement posted on his Twitter, Merriman says:

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.

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