NBA News: Houston Rockets Star Dwight Howard Cleared Of Child Abuse Charges

Houstan Rockets star Dwight Howard will not face any child abuse charges, the Chicago Police have confirmed in an email to Fox Sports. The Atlanta police will not pursue the case due to a lack of evidence.

Howard has a seven year old son, Braylon, from his relationship with a former Orlando Magic dancer Royce Reed, from whom he’s now separated. She filed a complaint with Children’s Services in Florida back in August 2014 against the Rockets star, alleging that he had used a belt to whip his son. Howard reportedly even admitted to belting the kid but didn’t realize it was wrong, and that he had undergone similar punishment as a kid. The investigation was initially closed after it was found that there was not enough evidence of physical injuries.

The case was then reopened by the Georgia police in November, where the abuse was alleged to have taken place, after it was reported by TMZ that there was new evidence to back the allegations.

"Dr. Kesler noted Braylon to have a linear bruise and patterned abrasions consistent with the history given by Braylon of being struck with a belt numerous times by his father," claims a TMZ report, which summarizes the documents provided by the Department of Children and Families. The documents further recommend that Howard undergo parenting classes. Howard retaliated by filing for sole custody, and as TMZ reported, also claiming that Reed was an unfit mother who fed their son drugs.

With lack of evidence of physical injuries, however, the case has been closed once again by the Atlanta police department. "I can confirm we are not moving forward with charges in this case," confirmed Sgt. Gregory Lyon, in an email to FOX 26 Sports.

Howard has not let the legal battle affect him, however. He’s averaging 13.8 points, nine rebounds and two blocks per game, even while struggling with injuries.

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