With the recent dismissal of a civil lawsuit that accused former NBA star Dwight Howard of sexual assault and battery, speculation is mounting about the possibility of the veteran center making a return to the NBA. The legal case, which had been a significant distraction for Howard, was officially dismissed earlier this week, potentially opening the door for a late-career comeback.
The lawsuit’s dismissal was first reported by ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, who noted that the case was dropped in a Georgia county court on Monday. The lawsuit, originally filed by Stephen Harper in July 2023, alleged that Howard had committed sexual assault, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress during an encounter at Howard’s residence in July 2021.
With Harper dismissing the case with prejudice, he forfeited the right to refile the lawsuit on the same grounds in the future, effectively closing the chapter on this legal battle.
A civil lawsuit alleging Dwight Howard of s*xual assault and battery has been dropped.
The former NBA All-Star has denied the allegations and said in an October filing that he and the accuser, engaged in “consensual s*xual activity.” pic.twitter.com/fQXA56isPG
— Sportsville (@Sportsville_) August 22, 2024
Throughout the legal proceedings, Howard maintained his innocence, insisting that the encounter was consensual. His legal team aggressively defended him, and the lawsuit’s dismissal without any financial settlement or criminal charges could be seen as a vindication for Howard. This resolution allows the 38-year-old center to shift his focus back to basketball, and speculation about a potential NBA return has naturally followed.
Howard last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, after which he took his talents overseas. While his NBA era seemed to be winding down, Howard has consistently expressed a desire to continue playing at a high level. Even during his time overseas, Howard remained in excellent physical condition, showcasing that he still has the athleticism and skills that made him one of the most dominant big men of his era.
“We talk about it so much man, I hate even bringing it up because it’s more so it’s like when somebody agitates you like, ‘All right, man, it’s enough.’ But man, I’m grateful. I do want to make it back to the NBA.. I can still play,” Howard said in an interview with Complex last year.