Police: Active child abuse case involving Dwight Howard

Police in Cobb County, Ga. confirmed to SI.com on Tuesday that there is an active child abuse investigation involving Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard.

Police in Cobb County, Ga., confirmed to SI.com on Tuesday that there is an active child abuse investigation involving Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard. 

TMZ first reported the allegations against Howard, and NBC News reported earlier Tuesday that Cobb County Police were re-opening an investigation of Howard. 

A Cobb County Police sergeant told NBC News that the investigation stems from an incident from this summer. Originally, police said they did not have enough evidence to proceed past an initial investigation, but new information came to light to trigger renewed interest from authorities in the case, according to NBC.

In response to earlier reports about child abuse allegations against Howard in Florida, the eight-time All-Star released a statement to The Orlando Sentinel through his attorney rejecting accusations. 

"It is troubling to see a mother use her son as a pawn against his father, which is what is happening in this case," the statement reads. "Dwight Howard will continue to act in the best interest of his children and do whatever is necessary to protect their welfare and best interests."

- Stanley Kay and Sarah Barshop