University of Houston football player Carmello Brooks appeared in court Monday in two criminal cases. One involves an allegation that he assaulted a pregnant person. Nariah Harley, who is connected to that case, told the judge she wants prosecutors to dismiss it and said police misunderstood what happened.
Harley said an argument occurred inside Brooks’ apartment last week. According to her account, Brooks repeatedly told her to leave, then carried her outside when she refused. She said Brooks called police because she would not go.
Harley identified Brooks as the father of her baby and said she does not consider herself a victim. She asked for every charge to be dismissed so they could continue their lives.
The other case stems from an August dispute in northwest Harris County. Brooks is accused of breaking a door handle during a disagreement involving another woman and that woman’s sister, resulting in a criminal mischief charge. Family members said Brooks and the two women were raised in Killeen and went to high school together. Harley also is from Killeen and attends Texas Southern University.
Brooks’ attorney, Brent Wasserstein, said officers’ body cameras recorded the encounter and that prosecutors will review the video and Brooks’ 911 call. Wasserstein said Brooks is suspended from the football team as the cases continue and hopes he can attend classes. No additional case details were provided.
