HOUSTON – Houston hand surgeon Michael Brown was back in court Tuesday, testifying in a nasty divorce battle with his estranged wife.
On the stand, Rachel Brown tearfully described Michael Brown assaulting her in front of her children. She also told the jury about another occasion when Michael Brown held a gun to his head threatening to kill himself.
"Your honor, I believe Michael Brown is violent and unpredictable. He goes into fits of rage," said Rachel Brown.
According to Rachel Brown, Michael Brown's rages were fueled by drug and alcohol abuse.
However, Rachel Brown also admitted she had abused crack and ecstasy, but said she quit using drugs in 2009.
Rachel Brown also admitted helping her boyfriend, former Houston Astros star Jeff Bagwell, leave rehab before finishing the program recently. She said she doesn't believe having him around her children is harmful.
While on the stand, Michael Brown denied every allegation of violence. He also denied abusing drugs or liquor. He called Rachel Brown an incompetent mother and said a court order requiring a guard accompany his children when they visit him is abusive.
When asked under cross examination if he ever paid for prostitutes, Brown said, "I've paid for companionship. I don't think I ever paid for sex."
Michael Brown is the found and owner of the Brown Hand Clinic, among other businesses. He lost his medical license in 2006, after he tested positive for cocaine.