NFL Star Shawn Merriman Accused of Choking Tila “Tequila”

San Diego Charger’s star linebacker Shawn Merriman was arrested early this morning on suspicion of choking and restraining his girlfriend — reality star Tila Tequila. San Diego Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call at 3:45 AM. Tila claims she was “choked and physically restrained” by Merriman after she tried to leave his residence during a  party with at least 14 other people.  She was taken to a local hospital for treatment for loss of breath and cuts to the face according to TMZ.  Shawn Merriman is 6’4″, 265 pounds. Tila Tequila is 5’0″, 98 pounds.  Merriman was charged on scene with battery and false imprisonment. Merriman’s lawyer said Tequila was “extremely inebriated” and that Merriman tried to stop her from leaving the home because he didn’t feel it was safe for her to do so.  The timing for Merriman couldn’t be worse, in a contract year and battling to regain his form after reconstructive knee surgery to repair his torn knee ligaments and suspicions his play dropped dramatically after his suspension for steroids.