Former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman has been ordered to pay $4 million in a wrongful death lawsuit regarding a Playboy model, TMZ Sports reported.
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Merriman, a San Diego Chargers alum, is one of four defendants in the overdose death of Kimberly Fattorini.
The funds will be paid to the victim's family, the outlet reported.
Fattorini was a 30-year-old Playboy casting associate who died on July 21, 2017, after a night out.
Her death was ruled accidental, with the coroner identifying the combined effects of alcohol, cocaine and gamma-hydroxybutyrate, commonly known as GHB. Her parents subsequently challenged the circumstances surrounding her final hours through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Fattorini's parents, Deann and Ferdinand, filed their case in July 2019. Their complaint alleged that their daughter had been drugged without her knowledge and possibly assaulted after a night out.
Former NFL Star Hit With $4 Million Judgment
Merriman, 42, previously denied the allegations.
According to TMZ's report, a representative for Merriman said he was at the same party Fattorini attended the night of her death. The rep denied that Merriman drugged Fattorini or sexually assaulted her, as the lawsuit alleges.
His lawyer informed TMZ that the claims were "baseless." The outlet also reported that police conducted an investigation, which yielded no evidence of culpability.
The judge did not hold the nightclub defendants — The Highlight Room, Tao Group and The Warwick — responsible for any damages to Fattorini's family.
Merriman was drafted by the Chargers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. The former Maryland standout later won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Merrimane played eight seasons in the NFL, earning Pro Bowl honors with the San Diego Chargers before finishing his career with the Buffalo Bills.
The Chargers alum racked up 196 Solo tackles and 45.5 career sacks.
Following his retirement from pro football, Merriman worked as a broadcaster for several major networks. The former NFL star co-hosted NFL AM, which later became Good Morning Football on NFL Network. He later held broadcast roles with Fox Sports, ESPN and WWE Network.
He is the founder and CEO of Lights Out Sports Network.
