San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman was arrested Sunday for allegedly choking reality TV and MySpace star Tila Tequila. Tequila, whose real name is Tila Nguyen, called police and told them that the Chargers defensive standout choked her and wouldn’t let her leave his home in San Diego. He was arrested on felony charges of false imprisonment and battery.

Merriman claims that his girlfriend was intoxicated and he was merely trying to keep her from driving while in that state. Merriman’s lawyer, Todd Macaluso, disputed Tequila’s version of events and said he was confident that Merriman would not be charged by the District Attorney’s Office. “There was absolutely no wrongdoing on the part of Mr. Merriman,” Macaluso said. “He essentially was doing what was appropriate under the circumstances in trying to protect the safety of Miss Tequila.”

Merriman was released after being held approximately three hours. No comment has been issued by Tequila or her attorneys.