Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason has filed for a domestic violence restraining order against his ex-girlfriend, 32-year-old Marilyn Maritza Melo Rodriguez, alleging she physically assaulted him, destroyed roughly $92,000 worth of his clothing and threatened to kill him.
According to court documents obtained (via TMZ), Eason says he drove Rodriguez home at her mother’s request. After arriving, the two got into an argument, during which Eason alleges Rodriguez punched him in the face with a closed fist.
Tari Eason of the Houston Rockets reacts in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 27, 2023, in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Rockets 137-115. (Getty Images)
According to the filing, Rodriguez didn’t leave the dispute behind. Eason alleges she went to his Airbnb residence and poured liquid bleach over his prized designer garments, causing roughly $92,000 in damage.
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The filing also describes an alleged phone call from one of Rodriguez’s associates. According to Eason, the caller warned that Rodriguez would “break both of my legs” and “kill me.”
Eason wrote that the statements left him fearing for his safety.
Tari Eason of the Houston Rockets reacts after scoring in the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, on Nov. 2, 2024. (Getty Images)
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The hooper is asking a judge to order Rodriguez to stay away from him, his home, personal vehicle, workplace and any California arena where the Rockets are scheduled to play.
Eason, the No. 17 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, is entering his fifth NBA season after helping Houston emerge as one of the Western Conference’s up-and-coming teams.
Tari Eason of the Houston Rockets celebrates after making a 3-point basket against the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 10, 2024, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Mich. (NBAE via Getty Images)
The 25-year-old has averaged 10.4 points and 6.3 rebounds over his career.
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The allegations outlined in the restraining order petition have not been proven in court.
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