NBA star Dwight Howard is once again put in the spotlight after Georgia police re-open his child abuse investigation.
A Cobb County Police sergeant told NBC News that the investigation stems from an incident from this summer. Originally, police said they did not have enough evidence to proceed past an initial investigation, but new information came to light to trigger renewed interest from authorities in the case, according to NBC.
The mother of Howard's son who is also a former Orlando Magic dancer, Royce Reed has said that she took her son to children's services in the Orlando Area last August. According to Reed, the basketball star had whipped his 6 year old son using a belt which left bruises as well as abrasions on his legs.
The boy's injuries were documented and when Howard was interviewed he told investigators that he was disciplining the boy -having the same defense also used by former Vikings running back Adrian Peterson as he faces child abuse allegations.
Howard's attorney, David Oscar Markus, issued a statement:
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.
NBA executive vice president of communications Mike Bass told USA TODAY Sports, "We are aware of the allegations concerning Dwight Howard and are in the process of independently gathering the facts."
