Tila Tequila, Merriman settle dueling lawsuits

The Associated Press, Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 3:24am (PST)

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Attorneys say San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman and reality television star Tila Tequila have settled dueling lawsuits.

Merriman was arrested by sheriff's deputies Sept. 6 after Tequila accused him of battery and false imprisonment at his suburban San Diego home.

Prosecutors declined to charge Merriman but Tequila, whose real name is Tila Nguyen, filed a lawsuit that alleged the linebacker choked her. Merriman sued for international interference with a contract, claiming the controversy delayed a T-shirt business he was negotiating with Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Tequila attorney Cyrus Nownejad said Tuesday he won't disclose terms of the settlement. Neither will Merriman attorney Andrew Skale, who said the dispute was resolved amicably.