Thursday, October 28, 1999

'Deadbeat' Brooks faces 2 years in prison

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Lawyer: ex-Bengal star can't afford child support

BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer

A handcuffed James Brooks pleads no contest. (Gary Landers photo) | ZOOM |

        Two Tristate women who have children by James Brooks say it is time for the Bengals' all-time leading rusher to stop running from his fatherly obligations and pay child support. But attorney Michael Barrett said his client can't afford to pay up.

        “The God honest truth is if he had the money — he would put it toward his kids,” he said.

        Lisa Mason and Cindy Saulsbury attended a hearing in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Wednesday in which the former Bengal running back pleaded no contest to two counts of failing to pay child support. Prosecutors say Mr. Brooks owes more than $105,000 to his 7-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter.

        Mr. Brooks, 41, faces up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine on both counts of non-support of dependents. Judge Steven Martin ordered Mr. Brooks to remain in the Hamilton County Justice Center until he is sentenced Nov. 24.

        “He has convinced himself that they (the children) don't exist. And that's how he lives with himself,” said Ms. Mason of Loveland, mother of the 4-year-old girl.

        Ms. Saulsbury of Bridgetown, mother of the 7-year-old boy, said she wants Mr. Brooks to “make some attempt to be a father.

        “I say nothing negative about that man. (My son) loves him unconditionally,” said Ms. Saulsbury of Mr. Brooks. “When I ask him do you love your dad, he says, "I don't know him but I love him.' He really wants to know him.

        Mr. Brooks was arrested last month in Atlanta after stepping off a flight from England, where he has been living for several years. He worked for a security firm in England, prosecutors said, where he earned the equivalent of minimum wage.

        Mr. Brooks was a Pro Bowl rusher in the National Football League and holds several Bengals' team records. He played in Cincinnati from 1984 to 1991, and was a member of the 1989 Super Bowl team.

       

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