Shawne Merriman Proclaims Innocence

It was only a matter of time before Shawne Merriman spoke out against the allegations he choked and restrained reality TV star Tila Nguyen (aka Tila Tequila). Merriman was accused of battery and false imprisonment through a citizen's arrest warrant signed by Nguyen, but the Chargers star claims he is innocent and says he "in no way caused any harm to Ms. Nguyen."

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In a statement e-mailed to The San Diego Union-Tribune late Sunday night, Merriman tried to clear his name in light of the serious accusations by Nguyen.

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.

On her Twitter account, Nguyen told her followers Sunday night: "I am allergic to alcohol. It has been publicly known for years. That is how I got the name Tila "Tequila" cuz the irony. I cant drink." She later put a lock on her account, only allowing new followers through her approval.

Merriman also said that Nguyen is not his girlfriend. According to reports, the couple had been at the Stingaree nightclub on Saturday night and stayed until closing in the early hours Sunday morning. "They seemed in good spirits throughout the evening and were enjoying themselves," the statement said. "There was no outward indication of any problem between the two of them."

From the looks of things, Nguyen spent a good portion of the weekend with Merriman, even attending the Chargers-49ers preseason game on Friday night. She sent out messages throughout the past few days, professing on Twitter how smitten she was.

Jan Caldwell, a spokeswoman for the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, said that Nguyen wasn't seriously hurt. "She was able to talk," Caldwell said. "She was able to walk. She was mobile. She did not have any serious injuries that our deputies saw."

While detectives are investigating the alleged assault, Merriman is correct that no formal charges have been filed against him. Additionally, since Merriman has never had a prior run-in with the law, he's not subject to an NFL fine or suspension until the legal matter has been resolved.

And from the looks of the early details, it might be a while before we know exactly what happened in this romantic fling gone wrong.

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Tila Tequila Photos

©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM The Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation's 10th Anniversary Art For Life Benefit at the SimmonsÕ East Hampton Estate. Pictured: Tila "Tequila" Nguyen www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com NON-EXCLUSIVE July 18, 2009 Job: 90720NB2 East Hampton, New York www.bauergriffiffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com

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Tila Tequila Photos

FILE - In this Dec. 31, 2007 file photo, TV Personality Tila Tequila makes an appearance at MTV Studios in New York. Authorities say San Diego Chargers star linebacker Shawne Merriman has been arrested on suspicion of choking and restraining his girlfriend, a reality TV star, as she tried to leave his Southern California home. San Diego County Sheriff's Lt. Gary Steadman says 27-year-old Tila Tequila signed a citizen's arrest warrant early Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009, charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)

FILE - In this Aug. 15, 2009 file photo, San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman stands on the sidelines before an NFL pre-season football game against the Seattle Seahawks in San Diego. Authorities say San Diego Chargers star linebacker Shawne Merriman has been arrested on suspicion of choking and restraining his girlfriend, a reality TV star, as she tried to leave his Southern California home. San Diego County Sheriff's Lt. Gary Steadman says 27-year-old Tila Tequila signed a citizen's arrest warrant early Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009, charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

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EAST HAMPTON, NY - JULY 18: Tila Tequila, Kevin Saer and Rajiah Williams attend Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation's 10th Anniversary Art For Life Benefit at Russell Simmons' East Hampton Estate on July 18, 2009 in East Hampton, New York. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tila Tequila;Kevin Saer;Rajiah Williams

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EAST HAMPTON, NY - JULY 18: Tila "Tequila" Nguyen attends Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation's 10th Anniversary Art For Life Benefit at Russell Simmons' East Hampton Estate on July 18, 2009 in East Hampton, New York. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tila Tequila

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BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JULY 04: TV personality Tila Tequila at the White Party hosted by Sean "Diddy" Combs and Ashton Kutcher to help raise awareness for Malaria No More held at a Private Residence on July 4, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kristian Dowling/Getty Images for Blueflame) *** Local Caption *** Tila Tequila

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