Dwight Howard not facing child abuse charges

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard will not be charged with child abuse.

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard will not be charged with child abuse involving the alleged physical disciplining of his son, according to the Fox 26 Sports in Houston.

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The case purported that Howard whipped his then-6-year-old son, Braylon, with a belt, leaving injuries over his body. This Monday, however, the Atlanta police department announced it will decline to pursue charges.

Howard’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, issued a statement to FOX 26 Sports after the news.

“We are gratified that the Atlanta Police Department, after fully examining the frivolous allegations against Dwight Howard, has closed the case and decided not to proceed with charges,” Markus said.

“Dwight Howard will continue to act in the best interest of his children and do whatever is necessary to protect their welfare.”

The eight-time All Star’s legal troubles first surfaced last August when the boy’s mother, Royce Reed, filed a complaint alleging Howard had abused their son. While the allegations were reported in Florida, the alleged abuse was said to have occurred in Georgia.

Howard had been cleared by the Florida Department of Children and Families, but TMZ subsequently obtained a set of documents that supported Reed’s claim. As a result, Georgia authorities re-opened the investigation.

The doctor who examined the boy reportedly noted injuries “consistent with Braylon being struck with the buckle end of the belt” and “consistent with a medical diagnosis of physical abuse.”

The 29-year-old player had admitted to striking his son to authorities, but importantly, his representatives denied any instances of abuse to TMZ. The Rockets center was not arrested or charged with any crime while the investigation was underway.

The news largely seals up nearly eight months of legal woes for Howard, though he’s still in the middle of seeking sole custody of Braylon with the motion lingering in litigation.

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