COBB COUNTY, Ga.— Cobb County police are investigating allegations that Houston Rockets star Dwight Howard abused his 7-year-old child.
COBB COUNTY, Ga.— Cobb County police are investigating allegations that Houston Rockets star Dwight Howard abused his 7-year-old child.
According to Sgt. Dana Pierce, the incident happened on Oct. 1, 2014. Cobb County police were asked to investigate the allegations by the Florida agency Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families, Pierce said.
Police looked into the case, but initially did not find anything. However, in the last 24 hours, more information has come forth that has led police to take another look at the case, Pierce told 11Alive.
No arrests have been made, and no other details about the allegations are available.
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.”
Howard is an Atlanta native who has spent his NBA career playing for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and Rockets.
