SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Shawne Merriman, a star linebacker with the NFL's San Diego Chargers, was arrested on Sunday after a woman described as his girlfriend accused him of choking and restraining her, San Diego police said.

Tila Nguyen, a singer and TV personality under the name Tila Tequila, called police early on Sunday, the San Diego Sheriff's Department said in a statement. She was identified as Merriman's girlfriend in media reports.

Tequila said the incident occurred when she tried to leave his residence. She signed a citizen's arrest charging him with battery and false imprisonment, police said.

Merriman, 25, was taken into custody and later released on bail. Tequila was taken to a hospital. Her condition was not immediately available.  (Source:  The Washington Post)

Well I guess we now know where Shawne Merriman got his nickname "Lights Out" from.   I feel semi cheated out of my childhood for not having role models like this when I was growing up.  First this guy gets busted for steriods, then he beats the crap out of a reality show star.  I can't wait to see what comes next.  I'm just wondering why, if Merriman wanted to beat up some whiney, talentless little bitch that he didn't just go knock out his own Quarterback????