Sophomore center Fab Melo, 20, appeared before Syracuse City Judge James Cecile Wednesday to plea not guilty for criminal mischief charges relating to a Monday incident. The court called Melo - full name Fabrico P de Melo - in for questioning and he voluntarily came before Cecile in court.
The charges were for "reaching through the open driver's side window of a 2003 Chevrolet Impala, and breaking the turn signal contral arm making the turn signal, headlight high beam control and windshield wiper control inoperable," according to Syracuse.com [9].
Court papers note the incident occured Monday at 341 Slocum Heights with a SUNY Upstate student. Cecile issued an order of protection for the student, according to Syracuse.com.
Assistant coach Bernie Fine joined Melo and his attorney in court. Cecile released Melo on his own recognizance because he appeared when summoned by the court. A future court date has not yet been announced.
Melo played in 33 games for Syracuse this season, averaging 2.3 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. The 7-footer is a native of Juiz de Flora, Brazil. The BIG EAST named Melo 2010-11 Preseason Rookie of the Year.
