A University of Houston football player is facing a felony charge after prosecutors accused him of picking up a pregnant woman and slamming her to the ground during an alleged assault.
Carmello Dedric Brooks, 19, was arrested Thursday, Sept. 17, by University of Houston police, according to Harris County court records.
Prosecutors allege Brooks “intentionally, knowingly and recklessly” caused bodily injury to the woman while knowing she was pregnant. Court documents accuse him of picking her up and slamming her to the ground.
More disturbing details surfaced during Brooks’ probable cause hearing the following day.
According to ABC13 Houston, a hearing officer said the woman had only recently learned she was pregnant. Brooks was accused of squeezing her arms, slamming her down, sitting on her and pinning her to the ground. Responding officers reportedly observed visible injuries.
Brooks was charged with assault on a pregnant individual and given a $15,000 bond. He later posted bond and was released from custody.
A judge also ordered him to have no contact with the alleged victim. His next court appearance was scheduled for Monday, Sept. 21.
Under Texas law, causing bodily injury to someone a defendant knows is pregnant can elevate an assault charge to a third-degree felony.
Brooks is a 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive lineman from Katy, Texas, according to the University of Houston’s official roster. The sophomore redshirted during the 2025 season and did not appear in a game.
The university said it was gathering information about the arrest.
“We are aware of an incident involving a Houston Football student-athlete,” Houston Athletics said in a statement reported by multiple local outlets. “We take all allegations of this nature very seriously and are gathering more information.”
The Houston Chronicle reported that Brooks was suspended from the football program following his arrest and did not travel with the Cougars for their game against No. 13 Texas Tech.
Court records also show Brooks is facing a separate misdemeanor criminal-mischief case stemming from an Aug. 9 incident.
In that case, authorities allege Brooks damaged an apartment door handle following a verbal confrontation with another woman. The alleged damage was valued between $100 and $750. ABC13 reported that the woman in that earlier incident is not the same person involved in the Sept. 17 assault case.
Brooks has not been convicted of either charge, and the allegations against him remain pending in court.
The felony case now moves forward in Harris County as university officials determine what additional action, if any, will be taken regarding his status with the football program.