Update: Shawne Calls Tila A Liar And A Drunk

NFL player Shawne Merriman is doing what he can to clear his name after being accused of choking reality star Tila Tequila this weekend. In a statement released late Sunday, Merriman, who only refers to Tequila as an acquaintance and not his girlfriend, wrote, “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.”

To corroborate Merriman’s story, staff at the bar where the two had been hanging out on Saturday night say that Tequila had several drinks and invited them to do a shot with her, while Merriman only had water. On Sunday, in an attempt to tell her side of things, Tequila took to Twitter, saying that she is allergic to alcohol and her name is just an ironic nickname and she never drinks (the tweet appears to have been removed). Merriman is accused of battery and false imprisonment, and as a result of the altercation, Tequila spent the night at the hospital while Merriman spent 2 1/2 hours in jail before posting bail.

Though he didn’t reveal additional details about the evening, he seems confident that his name will be cleared once additional facts are revealed, saying, “I think when it all surfaces, it will be a different situation. Period.” [Photos: GettyImages]