Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason has filed a petition seeking a domestic-violence restraining order against a woman he identifies as a former dating partner.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Eason is requesting protection from 32-year-old Marilyn Maritza Melo Rodriguez. The filing contains allegations of physical violence, threats and extensive damage to his personal property. None of those claims has been proven in court, and the petition presents Eason’s account of the events.
Eason alleges that one of Rodriguez’s friends contacted him and said she intended to break both of his legs and kill him. He told the court that the reported threats caused him to fear for his safety.
The Rockets forward also described an alleged physical confrontation after Rodriguez’s mother asked him to drive her home. Eason claims that a discussion became violent after they arrived and that Rodriguez repeatedly punched him in the face with a closed fist.
According to the petition, Eason left following the confrontation, but Rodriguez later returned to the Airbnb where he was staying. He alleges that she gathered his clothing and poured liquid bleach over it, destroying designer items he valued at approximately $92,000. That damage figure is Eason’s estimate and has not been independently established by a court.
Eason is reportedly asking a judge to order Rodriguez to remain away from him, his residence, workplace and vehicle. His request also seeks protection at California arenas where the Rockets may play.
