San Diego Chargers’ Shawne Merriman was arrested by police after reality star Tila Tequila claimed she was choked by the football player.

The 25-year old linebacker was arrested on Sunday when Tila Tequila, whose real name is Tila Nguyen, called police and told them that Merriman tried to forcibly restrain her when she attempted to leave his home early that morning. She was taken to a local hospital with no visible injuries.

Merriman denies all allegations by Nguyen and said that he was trying to stop her from driving drunk.

“On September 6, 2009, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department responded to a citizen’s complaint that was initiated by Tila Nguyen (a.k.a. Tila Tequila),” Merriman’s statement read. “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,” according to the statement released by Merriman.

No charges had been filed against the football player and he was released immediately.