TILA TEQUILA SUES EX BOYFRIEND SHAWNE MERRIMAN FOR ASSAULT, BATTERY & FALSE IMPRISONMENT! HE SAY'S HE WAS TRYING TO STOP HER FROM DRIVING DRUNK!

Knocking back a little Tequila could cost an NFL player plenty.
Reality show star Tila Tequila filed a lawsuit today against ex-boyfriend Shawne Merriman, the hulking San Diego Chargers linebacker who she claims grabbed her, shook her, knocked her down and choked her during an argument in September, according to TMZ.com.

And she seemingly has the bruises to prove it.

The suit, which was brought after the San Diego County D.A. declined to press criminal charges, includes photos of large, purple bruises on Tequila's arms that she alleges were caused by Merriman.

TMZ.com reports that other photos included in the lawsuit depict the dramatic size difference between the petite TV star - she's 4'11" and weighs under 100 lbs. - and Merriman, who is listed as 6'4" and 280 lbs.

Tequila, who is seeking unspecified damages for assault, battery, false imprisonment and emotional distress - has accused her ex of having a bad temper and drug problem.

She said Merriman also humiliated her because of her bisexuality, which she exploited as the object of desire for both sexes on MTV's "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila."