Former NBA star Dwight Howard denies sexually assaulting man at Georgia home

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Eight-time NBA All-Star and former NBA champion Dwight Howard has denied sexual assault-and-battery allegations leveled against him last year, claiming that the encounter was "consensual," according to court documents obtained by ESPN. 

The allegations leveled against Howard by a man named Stephen Harper stem from a July 2021 incident that allegedly took place at the Georgia home of the former Los Angeles Lakers star. 

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams (34) goes against Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, October 27, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Garett Fisbeck)

According to the report, Harper accused Howard of sexual assault, false imprisonment and "intentional infliction of emotional distress." 

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An attorney representing Howard told ESPN that the alleged incident was "consensual" and only made public after a demand for payment. 

​​"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," Justin Bailey told ESPN. "The allegations against Mr. Howard are contested. Mr. Howard intends to present the truth."

Dwight Howard, #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers, looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic on January 21, 2022, at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.  (Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images)

Bailey said that Howard had been contacted after blocking Harper on social media. 

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"The truth is Mr. Howard blocked Mr.