Royce Reed accusing Dwight Howard of child abuse; Dwight wants custody of son

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard and his oldest son’s mother, former Basketball Wives Miami star Royce Reed, are battling again. The two have had nasty court battles over their six-year-old son Braylon for years. Dwight even had an injunction that wouldn’t allow Royce to say his name when she was on the VH1 reality show.

The two are once again locked in a court battle. Royce is claiming Dwight abused Braylon with a belt – Per TMZ Sports, the case has been closed with Florida’s Child protective services stating no physical injuries took place, and Dwight saying Royce is unfit and wants full custody.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Sports … Howard’s baby mama Royce Reed went to Children’s Services in the Orlando, FL area in August and complained he had whipped their 6-year-old son Braylon with a belt, leaving bruises and abrasions on his leg.

We’re told the case worker sent the former “Basketball Wives” cast member to a nearby medical facility to evaluate the boy and document the injuries.

Authorities interviewed Howard and he confessed to the belting, but said he didn’t realize there was anything wrong with it because he was disciplined the same way as a kid. Howard’s lawyer filed legal docs claiming he never caused marks, bruises, welts or injuries requiring medical treatment.

And there’s this twist … Howard filed legal docs Wednesday and he’s gunning for full custody, claiming Reed is a shockingly unfit mother who gives the kid psychotropic drugs just so she can have a “chemical babysitter.”

Howard’s rep tells TMZ, authorities found the allegations “frivolous,” adding, “It’s no coincidence that these false allegations were ‘leaked’ on the heels of Dwight filing for major custody of his son.”

The rep adds, “It is troubling to see a mother use her son as a pawn against his father,” and that Dwight will do “whatever is necessary to protect [the child’s] welfare and best interests.”

Florida isn’t known to be the friendliest towards mothers with athlete fathers in these situations. Think Dwyane Wade and Siohvaughn Funches, or Chris Bosh and his daughter’s mother Allison Mathis.

But, whatever goes down, you can be sure Royce will have it on her Instagram with the play by play.