Former Syracuse football player Naesean Howard appeared in court for the second time since allegedly stabbing current SU defensive backs Corey Winfield and Chauncey Scissum.

Here are three things to know from the court appearance.

1. Howard was ordered to have a mental health exam

When Howard approached the bench on Friday, he and his then-lawyer, Stuart LaRose, had sent a letter to Judge James H. Cecile requesting a mental health exam. The exam will determine whether Howard is competent enough to proceed with the case and understand the charges against him.

2. He changed his representation

Although LaRose represented Howard in court today, the former SU football player and his family informed LaRose after the hearing they had retained Irene Aurora Flores as his new representation.

Flores said she hadn’t had a chance to completely review the case, but that Howard was held in the 5c section of the downtown jail, an area for inmates dealing with mental health issues. She also said Howard may have had one-on-one supervision while he was still in jail. Earlier this week, Howard was released from jail on $40,000 bond.

“There’s more to the case than going up to them and doing what he allegedly did,” Flores said.

3. Howard is due in court next month

Cecile set Howard’s next appearance in court for May 19. After being arraigned on Monday, his appearance in court on Friday was supposed to be set for a preliminary hearing, but the case will be put in front of a grand jury instead.

Published on April 22, 2016 at 11:29 am

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