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Former NBA star Dwight Howard finds himself facing sexual assault and battery charges from an incident that happened back in 2021. Here is the complete timeline of the incidents that allegedly occured.
It all began back in May of 2021, when a man named Stephen Harper began talking with Dwight Howard on Instagram. They ended up meeting that July in Howard's home, where the victim claims he was assaulted. The former No. 1 pick recently spoke in court where he stated that everything that happened between the two of them was consensual.
A year after the encounter, Harper went to the police. However, no charges were filed against the former NBA All-Star. Since then. Howard has blocked Harper on all social media platforms.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Howard's lawyer stated that the former LA Lakers big man is being targeted because he's a celebrity.
"What was a private consensual encounter was made public for profit and Mr. Howard looks forward to bringing the truth to light in a court of law," one of Howard's attorneys, Justin Bailey, told ESPN. "The allegations against Mr. Howard are contested. Mr. Howard intends to present the truth. The truth is Mr. Howard blocked Mr. Harper on social media and then was confronted with two options -- pay to protect his reputation or have a fabricated story made public."
Off-court allegations hurting Dwight Howard's chances of NBA comeback
Despite being 37 years old, Dwight Howard has his sights set on one more run in the NBA before calling it a career. That said, allegations like this are hurting any chance of that dream becoming reality.
Howard last played in the league during the 2021-22 season as a member of the LA Lakers. He's kept himself in shape though as he played professionally overseas last year.
At this stage of his career, Howard is a backup big man who brings veteran leadership to a locker room. Because of this, no team is going to willingly sign him while he is neck-deep in off-court drama. The baggage he'd be bringing with him won't be worth the production on the floor.
Whether he is found guilty or not, this case is having a big impact on Howard's career. Until the whole thing is finalized, securing an NBA contract is likely off the table for him.
