Dwight Howard will not be charged with child abuse.

Dwight Howard and His Baby Mama Both Investigated For Child Abuse

That's the word from officials in Atlanta on Monday. Howard was previously under investigation by the Atlanta police department that he had hit his six-year-old son Braylon with a belt buckle. Teachers discovered bruises from the buckle on Braylon one day at school and then alerted the necessary authorities.

Howard for his part never denied his actions, and cooperated fully with investigators. He and his legal team have maintained that Howard's actions have been distorted by his ex-girlfriend and Braylon's mother, as the two were locked in a custody battle when allegations first surfaced last autumn. He had said he had been disciplining his child within reason, and authorities now apparently believe that side of the story.

News that Howard would not be charged was first reported by Houston's Fox 26.

Kobe Bryant/Dwight Howard Feud Simmering

"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," Howard's attorney, David Oscar Markus, said in a statement.

Howard is averaging nearly 16 points and 11 rebounds per game in an injury-riddled season for Houston.

Learn more about the circumstances surrounding this incident below.