Rockets Star, Accused of Mocking Ex-Girlfriend’s Misc@rriage, Files For Restraining Order After She Allegedly Pun::ched Him, Destroyed $92K In Clothes

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason has obtained a temporary restraining order against his former girlfriend after accusing her of physically attacking him, threatening his safety and destroying thousands of dollars’ worth of designer clothing.

The legal dispute became public during a week in which Eason was already facing criticism on social media over allegations involving his ex-girlfriend, Marilyn Maritza Melo Rodriguez, and a miscarriage they reportedly experienced.

Some online posts accused the NBA player of mocking Rodriguez over the pregnancy loss. Eason has since taken legal action of his own, claiming that their relationship led to several confrontations that left him concerned for his personal safety.

A judge granted Eason’s request for a temporary restraining order on Thursday. Rodriguez is currently prohibited from approaching him, his residence, workplace, vehicle and NBA facilities where he is playing or practicing. A hearing is scheduled for August 20, when a judge is expected to consider whether the temporary order should be extended.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Eason described Rodriguez as someone he previously dated and accused her of repeatedly hitting him in the face during an argument.

Eason claimed the confrontation began after Rodriguez’s mother asked him to drive her daughter home. He alleged that a verbal disagreement became physical after they arrived, with Rodriguez striking him several times with a closed fist.

The Rockets forward said he left the location following the alleged altercation.

However, Eason claimed the conflict did not end there.

According to his petition, Rodriguez later returned to an Airbnb property where he had been staying. He accused her of gathering his clothes and pouring liquid bleach over them, allegedly ruining a collection of personal belongings.

Eason estimated the damage at approximately $92,000.

The 25-year-old also described a separate alleged threat involving one of Rodriguez’s friends.

Eason claimed the person contacted him and threatened to kill him and seriously injure his legs. In the filing, he said the alleged statements caused him to fear for his life.

As part of his request, Eason asked that Rodriguez be ordered to remain away from his home, car and workplace. He also requested protection at any arena or NBA facility in California where the Rockets may be playing or practicing.

The temporary order granted by the judge covers those locations for the time being. It does not represent a final ruling on whether every allegation in Eason’s petition occurred as described.

Rodriguez has disputed the claims.

A source close to her told TMZ that she believes the public descriptions of the relationship are false or misleading. According to that response, Rodriguez contends that the reports are damaging her reputation and shifting attention away from her own allegations of harassment and emotional distress.

No final legal determination has been made regarding either side’s account.

The legal action comes after an ugly public breakup that had already begun attracting attention online.

Eason received backlash after social media users accused him of making insensitive remarks about Rodriguez’s miscarriage. The two had reportedly discussed having a child together before their relationship deteriorated.

The original social media dispute and the allegations contained in Eason’s court filing are separate issues. His request for protection does not resolve the earlier controversy, nor does the online backlash establish what happened during the private incidents described in the petition.

For now, the case consists of competing allegations from two former partners whose breakup has moved from social media into court.

Tari Eason Recently Secured His Future In Houston

The dispute comes shortly after Eason agreed to a new long-term contract with the Rockets.

Houston re-signed the forward in July to a five-year deal worth approximately $81.5 million. The contract is fully guaranteed and keeps one of the organization’s most important young defensive players with the team for the foreseeable future.

Eason entered the NBA after the Rockets selected him with the 17th overall pick in the 2022 draft.

The 6-foot-8 forward spent his freshman college season at Cincinnati before transferring to LSU. During his season with the Tigers, he earned All-SEC recognition and was named the conference’s Sixth Man of the Year.

His defense, rebounding and ability to create extra possessions helped make him a first-round prospect.

Eason has since developed into a useful two-way contributor for Houston. During the 2025-26 regular season, he averaged 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. The NBA lists him at 6-foot-8 and 215 pounds.

Photo credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

His new contract followed an earlier round of negotiations in which Eason and the Rockets were unable to reach an extension before the 2025-26 season.

Houston reportedly offered a larger deal worth more than $100 million, but the amount of guaranteed money in that proposal was uncertain. By reaching restricted free agency, Eason ultimately secured more than $81 million in fully guaranteed salary.

The deal gave Eason financial security and ensured that he would remain part of a Rockets roster built around a young core.

His situation away from basketball, however, is now receiving far more attention than anything connected to his new contract.

The Case Is Not Yet Over

The temporary restraining order provides Eason with immediate legal protection while the case moves forward.

Rodriguez cannot currently approach him or attend locations connected to his work, including games and practices. That restriction is temporary and could change after the August 20 hearing.

At that hearing, the court may hear additional information before deciding whether a longer-term order is necessary.

Until then, Eason’s claims remain allegations contained in a legal petition. Rodriguez’s denials and her own claims also have not been resolved in court.

The situation may produce further filings or statements from both sides, but neither the temporary order nor the social media discussion should be treated as a final judgment.

For the Rockets, the controversy has placed one of their key young players under an uncomfortable spotlight during the offseason.

Eason recently secured his future on the court with a five-year contract. Away from it, he is now preparing for a court hearing that could determine what protections remain in place as the next NBA season approaches.