Chargers LB Merriman arrested *Merge*
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Report: Nguyen was intoxicated, not seriously hurt
Posted by Mike Florio on September 6, 2009 5:05 PM ET
Information continues to surface regarding the arrest of Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman for allegedly committing battery and false imprisonment against Tila Tequila Nguyen, and we'll be posting new stuff of interest as it emerges.
This latest updates comes courtesy of the San Diego Union-Tribune, which reports that the injuries allegedly suffered by Nguyen were not serious, according to San Diego Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Jan Caldwell.
"She was not seriously hurt," Caldwell said of Nguyen. "She was able to talk. She was able to walk. She was mobile. She did not have any serious injuries that our deputies saw."
Caldwell also said that Nguyen appeared to be intoxicated when the authorities arrived at the scene.
Also, several people were at Merriman's home at the time of the incident, and they have been questioned. Presumably, one of more of them witnessed whatever happened between Merriman and Nguyen.
One commenter posted a theory earlier that seems to make sense -- Merriman might have been trying to keep Nguyen from driving drunk.
Though there's a line that shouldn't be crossed when attempting to secure possession of someone's keys, it's possible that Nguyen had consumed enough of her namesake to misperceive and/or overreact.
Stay tuned.
[UPDATE: In a prior version of this post, I spelled Nguyen's name three different ways. I blame it on the schnapps.]
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Chargers issue statement regading Merriman arrest
Posted by Mike Florio on September 6, 2009 4:34 PM ET
The San Diego Chargers have issued a statement regarding the Sunday morning arrest of star linebacker Shawne Merriman, who allegedly committed battery and false imprisonment against Tila Tequila Nguyen.
"It's disappointing to hear about the issue involving Shawne Merriman," G.M. A.J. Smith said. "We'll continue to monitor the situation and let the legal process run its course."
Though this implies that the Chargers will be taking no action until the legal process has concluded, the expression of disappointment makes the statement a little stronger than the typical wagon-circling that teams perform when a key player faces allegations of criminal misconduct.
Some of you already have questioned whether Merriman is the victim of the same kind of scam as the one possibly being perpetrated on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. In this case, however, there's a big difference. The alleged victim called police as the event was occurring -- Roethlisberger's alleged victim to this day still hasn't filed criminal charges.
That said, Merriman is entitled to the presumption of innocence in a court of law. In the court of public opinion, however, he can be questioned and/or criticized for putting himself in a compromising situation one week before the regular season begins.
Posted by Mike Florio on September 6, 2009 5:05 PM ET
Information continues to surface regarding the arrest of Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman for allegedly committing battery and false imprisonment against Tila Tequila Nguyen, and we'll be posting new stuff of interest as it emerges.
This latest updates comes courtesy of the San Diego Union-Tribune, which reports that the injuries allegedly suffered by Nguyen were not serious, according to San Diego Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Jan Caldwell.
"She was not seriously hurt," Caldwell said of Nguyen. "She was able to talk. She was able to walk. She was mobile. She did not have any serious injuries that our deputies saw."
Caldwell also said that Nguyen appeared to be intoxicated when the authorities arrived at the scene.
Also, several people were at Merriman's home at the time of the incident, and they have been questioned. Presumably, one of more of them witnessed whatever happened between Merriman and Nguyen.
One commenter posted a theory earlier that seems to make sense -- Merriman might have been trying to keep Nguyen from driving drunk.
Though there's a line that shouldn't be crossed when attempting to secure possession of someone's keys, it's possible that Nguyen had consumed enough of her namesake to misperceive and/or overreact.
Stay tuned.
[UPDATE: In a prior version of this post, I spelled Nguyen's name three different ways. I blame it on the schnapps.]
Permalink 14 Comments Back to Top
Chargers issue statement regading Merriman arrest
Posted by Mike Florio on September 6, 2009 4:34 PM ET
The San Diego Chargers have issued a statement regarding the Sunday morning arrest of star linebacker Shawne Merriman, who allegedly committed battery and false imprisonment against Tila Tequila Nguyen.
"It's disappointing to hear about the issue involving Shawne Merriman," G.M. A.J. Smith said. "We'll continue to monitor the situation and let the legal process run its course."
Though this implies that the Chargers will be taking no action until the legal process has concluded, the expression of disappointment makes the statement a little stronger than the typical wagon-circling that teams perform when a key player faces allegations of criminal misconduct.
Some of you already have questioned whether Merriman is the victim of the same kind of scam as the one possibly being perpetrated on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. In this case, however, there's a big difference. The alleged victim called police as the event was occurring -- Roethlisberger's alleged victim to this day still hasn't filed criminal charges.
That said, Merriman is entitled to the presumption of innocence in a court of law. In the court of public opinion, however, he can be questioned and/or criticized for putting himself in a compromising situation one week before the regular season begins.
fredp22
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Chargers LB Merriman arrested in domestic call
By BERNIE WILSON, AP Sports Writer
1 hour, 43 minutes ago
Buzz up! 318 PrintSAN DIEGO (AP)—San Diego Chargers star outside linebacker Shawne Merriman(notes) was arrested Sunday and accused of choking and restraining his girlfriend, reality TV star Tila Tequila, as she tried to leave his suburban home.
Tequila, 27, signed a citizen’s arrest warrant, charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment, San Diego County Sheriff’s Lt. Gary Steadman said.
Deputies responded about 3:45 a.m. to Merriman’s house in Poway, north of San Diego, after a woman called to say she was choked by the player and thrown to the ground when she tried to leave, Sheriff’s Department spokesman Jan Caldwell said at a news conference.
Merriman, 25, was taken into custody and booked into the central jail at about 8:30 a.m. He was released shortly after 11 a.m. Caldwell said she didn’t know if he posted bail or was released on his own recognizance.
Tequila was taken to a hospital. Her condition was not immediately available.
Tequila, whose real name is Tila Nguyen, is best known for “A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila,” which ran for two seasons on MTV. The bisexual dating show featured men and women vying for Tequila’s affections. She has also modeled for Playboy and other men’s magazines.
Scott E. Leemon, an attorney for Tequila, said in a statement that neither she nor her representatives would comment publicly on the incident.
Merriman’s agent, Tom Condon, said he hadn’t heard about the arrest when contacted by The Associated Press.
Merriman was the 12th overall pick out of the University of Maryland in the 2005 draft, and had 39 1/2 sacks in his first three seasons. The three-time Pro Bowl selection was getting back into shape after missing nearly all of last season following knee surgery.
The Chargers, picked by some as Super Bowl favorites, open the regular season a week from Monday night at Oakland. Players had been off since after Friday night’s exhibition finale against San Francisco. They are due back at practice on Monday.
“It’s disappointing to hear about the issue involving Shawne Merriman,” Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said in statement. “We’ll continue to monitor the situation and let the legal process run its course.”
Smith didn’t return a call seeking further comment.
Smith often speaks of signing “character” players, yet the Chargers have had their share of embarrassing off-field problems in recent seasons.
In 2006, there were seven run-ins with the law by San Diego players, including linebacker Steve Foley’s(notes) shooting by an off-duty police officer who suspected him of drunken driving.
Merriman was suspended four games for testing positive for steroids in 2006, and linebacker Stephen Cooper(notes) was suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the 2008 season after testing positive for a banned stimulant.
Additionally, Smith reportedly has been unhappy with Merriman’s extracurricular activities. He has various business ventures and is enamored with the Los Angeles social scene. While on injured reserve last year he flew back and forth to Los Angeles once a week to appear on a football preview show.
Associated Press Writer Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
By BERNIE WILSON, AP Sports Writer
1 hour, 43 minutes ago
Buzz up! 318 PrintSAN DIEGO (AP)—San Diego Chargers star outside linebacker Shawne Merriman(notes) was arrested Sunday and accused of choking and restraining his girlfriend, reality TV star Tila Tequila, as she tried to leave his suburban home.
Tequila, 27, signed a citizen’s arrest warrant, charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment, San Diego County Sheriff’s Lt. Gary Steadman said.
Deputies responded about 3:45 a.m. to Merriman’s house in Poway, north of San Diego, after a woman called to say she was choked by the player and thrown to the ground when she tried to leave, Sheriff’s Department spokesman Jan Caldwell said at a news conference.
Merriman, 25, was taken into custody and booked into the central jail at about 8:30 a.m. He was released shortly after 11 a.m. Caldwell said she didn’t know if he posted bail or was released on his own recognizance.
Tequila was taken to a hospital. Her condition was not immediately available.
Tequila, whose real name is Tila Nguyen, is best known for “A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila,” which ran for two seasons on MTV. The bisexual dating show featured men and women vying for Tequila’s affections. She has also modeled for Playboy and other men’s magazines.
Scott E. Leemon, an attorney for Tequila, said in a statement that neither she nor her representatives would comment publicly on the incident.
Merriman’s agent, Tom Condon, said he hadn’t heard about the arrest when contacted by The Associated Press.
Merriman was the 12th overall pick out of the University of Maryland in the 2005 draft, and had 39 1/2 sacks in his first three seasons. The three-time Pro Bowl selection was getting back into shape after missing nearly all of last season following knee surgery.
The Chargers, picked by some as Super Bowl favorites, open the regular season a week from Monday night at Oakland. Players had been off since after Friday night’s exhibition finale against San Francisco. They are due back at practice on Monday.
“It’s disappointing to hear about the issue involving Shawne Merriman,” Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said in statement. “We’ll continue to monitor the situation and let the legal process run its course.”
Smith didn’t return a call seeking further comment.
Smith often speaks of signing “character” players, yet the Chargers have had their share of embarrassing off-field problems in recent seasons.
In 2006, there were seven run-ins with the law by San Diego players, including linebacker Steve Foley’s(notes) shooting by an off-duty police officer who suspected him of drunken driving.
Merriman was suspended four games for testing positive for steroids in 2006, and linebacker Stephen Cooper(notes) was suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the 2008 season after testing positive for a banned stimulant.
Additionally, Smith reportedly has been unhappy with Merriman’s extracurricular activities. He has various business ventures and is enamored with the Los Angeles social scene. While on injured reserve last year he flew back and forth to Los Angeles once a week to appear on a football preview show.
Associated Press Writer Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
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Merriman's expected defense? He was trying to stop her from driving
Posted by Mike Florio on September 6, 2009 5:48 PM ET
At some point in the not-too-distant future, look for Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman to articulate publicly his defense against the claim that he battered and falsely imprisoned Tila Tequila Nguyen early Sunday morning.
As we understand it, Merriman will indeed contend that she was intoxicated, and that he was trying to prevent her from driving in that condition, as she attempted to leave her home.
The situation raises an interesting point regarding the lengths to which someone can or should go to stop someone else from driving drunk. In this case, Merriman will claim that he did not cross the line, and the other persons who were at his home are expected to testify to that end.
So continue to stay tuned on this one. A statement of some sort is expected from Nguyen, and it's likely that Merriman will issue a public comment that articulates his defense to the charges in response to whatever she has to say about the situation.
Posted by Mike Florio on September 6, 2009 5:48 PM ET
At some point in the not-too-distant future, look for Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman to articulate publicly his defense against the claim that he battered and falsely imprisoned Tila Tequila Nguyen early Sunday morning.
As we understand it, Merriman will indeed contend that she was intoxicated, and that he was trying to prevent her from driving in that condition, as she attempted to leave her home.
The situation raises an interesting point regarding the lengths to which someone can or should go to stop someone else from driving drunk. In this case, Merriman will claim that he did not cross the line, and the other persons who were at his home are expected to testify to that end.
So continue to stay tuned on this one. A statement of some sort is expected from Nguyen, and it's likely that Merriman will issue a public comment that articulates his defense to the charges in response to whatever she has to say about the situation.
Sportsbabe
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Which is twice as disgusting. This woman has video evidence that she has been and will push-up on any and everything. Why do you men like this type of woman???speedkilz88;2925232 said:
One more reason not to like Merriman.
Sportsbabe
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Bullcrap!!! (Not to you WoodyG but to his alledged (sp) defense. Whatever happened to taking the keys?WoodysGirl;2925638 said:
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Ever been around an unreasonable and volatile drunk? It's not unheard of for things to turn physical in those cases.Sportsbabe;2925722 said:
Not saying he's right for allegedly hitting a woman obviously less than half his size. But maybe the fact that she is half his size and was drunk will work in his favor.
Who knows?
BrassCowboy
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http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,547200,00.html?test=latestnews
San Diego Chargers Star Merriman Arrested in Domestic Dispute
Sunday, September 06, 2009
AP
San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman
SAN DIEGO — San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman was arrested Sunday and accused of choking and restraining his girlfriend, reality TV star Tila Tequila, as she tried to leave his Southern California home.
Tequila, 27, signed a citizen's arrest warrant, charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment, San Diego County Sheriff's Lt. Gary Steadman said.
Deputies responded about 3:45 a.m. to Merriman's house in Poway, north of San Diego, after a woman called to say she was choked by the player and physically restrained when she had tried to leave, according to a Sheriff's Department statement.
Merriman, 25, was taken into custody. Authorities declined to say whether he had posted bail or been released, pending an afternoon news conference.
Tequila was taken to a hospital. Her condition was not immediately available.
Tequila, whose real name is Tila Nguyen, is best known for "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila," which ran for two seasons on MTV. The bisexual dating show featured men and women vying for Tequila's affections. She has also modeled for Playboy and other men's magazines.
Scott E. Leemon, an attorney for Tequila, said in a statement that neither she nor her representatives would comment publicly on the incident.
Merriman's agent, Tom Condon, said he hadn't heard about the arrest when contacted by The Associated Press.
Chargers general manager A.J. Smith didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.
Merriman was the 12th overall pick out of the University of Maryland in the 2005 draft, and had 39.5 sacks in his first three years. The three-time Pro Bowl selection was getting back into shape after missing nearly all of last season with a knee injury. He played little during pre-season games. The Chargers' season begins a week from Monday night at Oakland.
Smith often speaks of signing "character" players, yet the Chargers have had their share of off-field problems in recent seasons.
In 2006, there were seven run-ins with the law by San Diego players, including linebacker Steve Foley's shooting by an off-duty police officer who suspected him of drunken driving.
Merriman was suspended four games for testing positive for steroids in 2006, and linebacker Stephen Cooper was suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the 2008 season after testing positive for a banned stimulant.
San Diego Chargers Star Merriman Arrested in Domestic Dispute
Sunday, September 06, 2009
- ShareThis
APSan Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman
SAN DIEGO — San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman was arrested Sunday and accused of choking and restraining his girlfriend, reality TV star Tila Tequila, as she tried to leave his Southern California home.
Tequila, 27, signed a citizen's arrest warrant, charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment, San Diego County Sheriff's Lt. Gary Steadman said.
Deputies responded about 3:45 a.m. to Merriman's house in Poway, north of San Diego, after a woman called to say she was choked by the player and physically restrained when she had tried to leave, according to a Sheriff's Department statement.
Merriman, 25, was taken into custody. Authorities declined to say whether he had posted bail or been released, pending an afternoon news conference.
Tequila was taken to a hospital. Her condition was not immediately available.
Tequila, whose real name is Tila Nguyen, is best known for "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila," which ran for two seasons on MTV. The bisexual dating show featured men and women vying for Tequila's affections. She has also modeled for Playboy and other men's magazines.
Scott E. Leemon, an attorney for Tequila, said in a statement that neither she nor her representatives would comment publicly on the incident.
Merriman's agent, Tom Condon, said he hadn't heard about the arrest when contacted by The Associated Press.
Chargers general manager A.J. Smith didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.
Merriman was the 12th overall pick out of the University of Maryland in the 2005 draft, and had 39.5 sacks in his first three years. The three-time Pro Bowl selection was getting back into shape after missing nearly all of last season with a knee injury. He played little during pre-season games. The Chargers' season begins a week from Monday night at Oakland.
Smith often speaks of signing "character" players, yet the Chargers have had their share of off-field problems in recent seasons.
In 2006, there were seven run-ins with the law by San Diego players, including linebacker Steve Foley's shooting by an off-duty police officer who suspected him of drunken driving.
Merriman was suspended four games for testing positive for steroids in 2006, and linebacker Stephen Cooper was suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the 2008 season after testing positive for a banned stimulant.
Hostile
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Sportsbabe;2925718 said:
Ma'am, I hope this will open someone's eyes. I don't know. I don't think I want to know.
I said this in a forum somewhere else. My brother tells me how "lucky" I am to have found my wife. Luck has nothing to do with it. You don't find a woman like her in a bar or on a video with her legs in the air. It pays to advertise and you get what you pay for. Lucky my eye.
MarionBarberThe4th
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Sometimes you got to give Jerry credit in the draft too.....
proline
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NFL's Shawne Merriman Accused of Choking Tila "Tequila"
Tila “Tequila” Nguyen allegedly made a citizen's arrest on Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman
By MICHELLE WAYLAND
Updated 6:04 PM PDT, Sun, Sep 6, 2009
Full article is here: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/spo...Allegedly-Choking-Tila-Tequila--57607562.html
Tila “Tequila” Nguyen allegedly made a citizen's arrest on Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman
By MICHELLE WAYLAND
Updated 6:04 PM PDT, Sun, Sep 6, 2009
Full article is here: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/spo...Allegedly-Choking-Tila-Tequila--57607562.html
ThreeSportStar80
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I'm thankful that Dallas drafted D-Ware over this fool...
ray:
ray:
Gemini Dolly
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Whoa.
Tony leaving Jessica at an IHOP after an argument doesn't sound so bad now.
Tony leaving Jessica at an IHOP after an argument doesn't sound so bad now.
w8lifter
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WoodysGirl;2925725 said:
Good point, WG.
My ex-fiance would do that every time she got drunk and wanted to drive. It got real ugly at times and I finally had to give up trying to stop her from driving.
I am VERY much against physical violence with women. I took my share of physical abuse for trying to stop her from driving but never assaulted her.
Im not sticking up for Merriman in this situation, but his intentions/actions may have been more honorable than what is being reported.
dallasfan4evr
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http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/10033824/Exclusive:-Merriman-says-he-didn't-hurt-'Tequila'http://************/lnnp29
The Labor Day weekend arrest of Chargers LB Shawne Merriman has seen comments from attorneys, police officials and even Chargers GM A.J. Smith, but none of the parties involved had commented — until now.
Merriman has sent a statement exclusively to FOXSports.com regarding the events surrounding the incident that led to a citizen's arrest filed by reality TV star Tila "Tequila" Nguyen against Merriman.
In his first comments regarding his arrest, Merriman says he did not assault the reality TV star and was trying to prevent Nguyen from leaving his home in an intoxicated state.
According to Merriman: "On September 6, 2009 the San Diego Sheriff's Department responded to a citizen's 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 Sheriff's 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."
The Labor Day weekend arrest of Chargers LB Shawne Merriman has seen comments from attorneys, police officials and even Chargers GM A.J. Smith, but none of the parties involved had commented — until now.
Merriman has sent a statement exclusively to FOXSports.com regarding the events surrounding the incident that led to a citizen's arrest filed by reality TV star Tila "Tequila" Nguyen against Merriman.
In his first comments regarding his arrest, Merriman says he did not assault the reality TV star and was trying to prevent Nguyen from leaving his home in an intoxicated state.
According to Merriman: "On September 6, 2009 the San Diego Sheriff's Department responded to a citizen's 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 Sheriff's 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."