Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason seeks restraining order against model ex

Tari Eason, a 25-year-old power forward for the Houston Rockets, has asked a California judge to issue a protective order against his ex-girlfriend, model Marilyn Maritza Melo Rodriguez. Eason alleges that following a heated argument, Rodriguez returned to his rental apartment, doused $92,000 worth of designer apparel with bleach and later punched him in the face after a car ride. He also reports that a friend of Rodriguez called him to say she intended to “break both of my legs and kill me,” which he says caused him to fear for his life.

The order would prohibit Rodriguez from approaching Eason, his residence, his workplace, his car, or any California venue where the Rockets might play. The legal action coincides with Eason’s recent five-year, $81.45 million contract extension that lifts his projected career earnings to about $98 million. Rodriguez is a fashion influencer and Wilhelmina-represented model with a large Instagram following, while Eason’s own social media presence is modest.