Shawne Merriman: Tila Tequila was not his girlfriend

Chargers LB Shawne Merriman clarified that he was not in a relationship with Tila Tequila when he was arrested on assault charges last month.
Merriman was later cleared of wrongdoing when prosecutors declined to press charges. The linebacker appeared on Fox Sports Radio and discussed the incident:
"It was a process that I had to go through. Obviously I was doing the right thing and I really thank my fans, the organization and my friends and family who were there who really know the right thing that happened."Most importantly it was reported that it was my girlfriend, that's not true at all, barely knew her, it was a friend and I was doing the best thing possible. I am just glad to be removed from the situation and back playing football again."
Merriman was arrested on the morning of Sept. 6 and accused of choking Tequila, an MTV host. He later said Tequila was intoxicated and he was trying to protect her. -- Sean Leahy