Houston Rockets Center Dwight Howard NOT Charged with Domestic Abuse

On Monday afternoon, the Atlanta Police Department decided not to press charges against Houston Rockets Center Dwight Howard in a domestic abuse case involving his son.

Apr 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) warms up before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Conclusion of the Case

Howard will not be charged with beating his six-year old son with a belt, alleged by his then-girlfriend Royce Reed. Just as with Adrian Peterson, punishment was taken too far in the eyes of a spectator. In an email to FOX 26 Houston, Sgt. Gregory Lyons of the APD stated, “I can confirm we are not moving forward with charges in this case,” keeping Dwight on the court and out of the courtroom.

#Rockets star Dwight Howard will not face child abuse charges in Atlanta, via @Jonathan_Feigen. http://t.co/mZ9yOWCc76

— Nick Mathews (@Nick_Mathews) April 13, 2015

Howard’s agent David Oscar Markus also told Fox 26 that, “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,” although the story doesn’t end there.

Mother of their Son, Not Happy with Ruling

Markus added, “Dwight Howard will continue to act in the best interest of his children and do whatever is necessary to protect their welfare.” Not exactly what ex-girlfriend Royce Reed was thinking after the decision when her affiliates spoke with TMZ Sports.

A source told TMZ that Reed, “(She) never asked for Dwight to be arrested. She asked for him to get help and take parenting classes. Her child is terrified of his father.” The same source described how angry Reed was at the system for not “defending” their son.

Although Howard stands above 7ft. and can get fired-up on the court every now and then, he doesn’t seem like the worst father on the planet. He has an organization to help the future of children and the homeless with his Breathe Again campaign. If his child misbehaved and Howard took a belt to him, then that’s his choice of punishment as a parent; whether someone from the outside looking in believes in it or not.

Moving On

The Rockets have a huge first round match-up coming up and they’ll need their big man to stay on track and producing in his limited minutes if they want a shot at any team in the West. Dwight needs to put this behind him and focus on being the best father then basketball player he can be.

Apr 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) defends against New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second quarter at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Catch Howard and the Houston Rockets taking on the Utah Jazz in the season finale on Wednesday at Toyota Center; tip-off is at 7pm/CT on ROOTS Sports.

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