Rockets star Dwight Howard is the subject of a child-abuse investigation involving an incident in the summer with his son, according to several reports that say Howard admitted he hit the boy with a belt.
Florida authorities did not proceed with charges after initially looking into the case, saying they did not have enough evidence to proceed. Georgia officials re-opened the investigation, NBC News reported, after receiving new information in recent days.
Howard is an Atlanta native.
Howard’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, issued a statement, as reported by USA Today:
“The Florida Department of Children and Families thoroughly examined all of the evidence and determined that the claims of child abuse were not substantiated. The case was closed in September.
“(The child’s mother) Royce Reed is now shopping her baseless allegations to authorities in Georgia after the Florida DCF case was closed. Even though the allegations have already been found to have no merit, when a complaint about the welfare of a child is made to law enforcement, an investigation is commenced. We are confident the Georgia authorities will reach the same conclusion as the Florida authorities. The truth is on our side.
“It is appalling to see a mother use her son as a pawn against his father in attempt to extract money, which is what is happening in this case. While Royce Reed continues on her aimless quest with the media, Dwight Howard will continue to act in the best interest of his children and do whatever is necessary to protect them.”
Mike Bass, the NBA’s executive vice president of communications, told ESPN on Tuesday, “We are aware of the allegations concerning Dwight Howard and are in the process of independently gathering the facts.”
The Rockets’ next game is Wednesday against the Lakers in Houston.
