SAN DIEGO (AP) a" The District Attorneyas Office on Wednesday began reviewing accusations of domestic violence that reality TV star Tila Tequila brought against star linebacker Shawne Merriman of the San Diego Chargers.
The DA will review reports from the San Diego County Sheriffas Department and decide if the player known as aLights Outa will be charged.
Merriman was arrested early Sunday after Tequila accused him of choking and throwing her to the ground while she was trying to leave his home in suburban Poway. Tequila signed a citizenas arrest warrant accusing Merriman of battery and false imprisonment. Both are felonies.
Spokesman Paul Levikow said the DAas office can charge Merriman, reject the accusations or refer them to the San Diego City Attorneyas Office for consideration as misdemeanors.
Tequila, whose real name is Tila Nguyen, is best known for aA Shot at Love with Tila Tequila,a which ran for two seasons on MTV. The bisexual dating show featured men and women vying for Tequilaas affections. She has also modeled for Playboy and other menas magazines.
Merriman and his attorney, Todd Macaluso, have said they expect him to be vindicated. Merriman issued a statement Sunday denying wrongdoing and saying he was trying to keep Tequila from leaving his home because she appeared to be intoxicated.
aI in no way caused any harm to Ms. Nguyen, however, paramedics were called and she was examined but no injuries were reported,a Merrimanas statement read.
On Tuesday night, Tequilaas attorney called Merrimanas explanation aspina and predicted it would be discredited.
aIt is never justifiable to brutally assault, choke, strike and imprison a woman,a attorney Alan S. Gutman wrote. aOnce the truth is fully revealed, Mr. Merrimanas fantastic story of how he was trying to keep Ms. Tequila safe will be completely discredited.a
Gutman didnat return calls seeking comment Wednesday. Merriman and Macaluso said they had no further comment.
When Merriman bailed out of jail on Sunday, a court appearance was scheduled for next Tuesday. If no charges are filed, that appearance will be removed from the court calendar, Levikow said. If the DAas office hasnat decided by then, the appearance will be rescheduled.
Merriman is one of the NFLas hardest-hitting players, nicknamed aLights Outa for his savage hits. Thereas a tattoo of a light switch on his right forearm that he pretends to flip while doing his spasmodic sack dance.
The three-time Pro Bowl selection has been getting back into shape after having season-ending knee surgery following the 2008 opener.
The Chargers open the 2009 season Monday night at Oakland.