Former NFL Player Stuns ESPN Hosts by Walking Off Set in Middle of TV Interview

Former Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman walked off the set in the middle of a TV interview with ESPN 2's "Highly Questionable" program. Merriman's abrupt departure left hosts Bomani Jones and Dan LeBatard looking like two deer in the headlights.

(ESPN)

Though the interview was actually taped last month, it reportedly aired on Tuesday. LeBatard revealed on his radio show that Merriman's publicists were apparently upset by their line of questioning, Yahoo! News reports.

Appearing on the show to promote the Lights On Foundation's 11th annual coat drive, Merriman was asked about his rough childhood, which included a house fire and struggles with homelessness. The TV hosts also asked him about his former girlfriend Tila Tequila.

It was after LeBatard asked Merriman what it was like living in a shelter that Merriman began removing his earpiece. "Alright, thanks guys I appreciate it."

He then got up and left.

Jones and LeBatard just looked around and at each other, trying to figure out what had just happened.

"It was really confusing to us," LeBatard later explained. "Never in our history of our show have Bomani and I simultaneously been so confused."

Merriman later had this to say:

Mr Walk off #LightsOut

— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) December 10, 2013

Watch the awkward interview below:

(H/T: Deadspin)

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