Melanie Barnett

Melanie Davis (nee Barnett), played by Tia Mowry, is a first-year medical school student from Connecticut who has given up an offer of admission to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore to follow her boyfriend, Sabers rising star receiver Derwin Davis, to San Diego against the advice of her parents and her cousin Joan Clayton, the lead character from the UPN/CW sitcom Girlfriends.

She is the daughter of a high-powered surgeon. Her brother is Cameron, who is portrayed by Tahj Mowry (Tia Mowry's younger brother). Melanie becomes friends with Kelly Pitts, the wife of veteran wide receiver Jason Pitts, and Tasha Mack, mother and manager of the Sabers star quarterback Malik Wright. Though their relations are rocky, Melanie, Kelly, and Tasha still maintain a close bond. Melanie also becomes friends with her former rival, Dionne, who was once Derwin's image consultant and Melanie's eventual roommate.

Melanie began her relationship with Derwin in college. During season 1, Derwin cheated on Melanie with Drew Sidora. In the season 1 finale Melanie finds out and leaves Derwin. After she breaks up with Derwin, she confides in her old friend Trey Wiggs. She eventually has a one-night-stand with Trey. In Season 2 Derwin is seeing Janay and Melanie began dating Jerome Rice. At the end of season 2 Derwin reveals his love for Melanie and forces her to choose. Melanie turns Derwin down but then realizes that she is still in love. She returns to Derwin's apartment only to find out that Janay is pregnant with Derwin child. After they break up once more Derwin and Janay try to work things out while Melanie has a fling with her boss Dr. Buriss. Melanie continues to see Derwin on-and-off and at the end of season 3 they have a wedding but it is postponed due to Janay having the baby. After they leave the hospital they finally get married in a private ceremony.