National Basketball Association (NBA) Center Superstar Dwight Howard becomes the latest athlete to be surrounded with controversy, as a doctor concluded that the basketball star physically abused his child.

Previously, Howard was cleared of child abuse in Florida.

However, further examination from a doctor has made clear that Howard was hitting his son with a belt buckle, struck with excessive force, and was the victim of such forms of abuse.

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Celebrity Gossip group Thirty Mile Zone (TMZ) initially reported that Howard was investigated in Florida for hitting 6-year old Braylon with a belt. Howard admitted that he did hit him, but he added that there was nothing wrong, as it was the way he was brought up.

Since then TMZ Sports has collected documents from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) that summarized the doctor's findings of Braylon.

"Dr. Kesler noted Braylon to have a linear bruise and patterned abrasions consistent with the history given by Braylon of being struck with a belt numerous times by his father," the document said.

The report continued to state that the injuries on Braylon were consistent with being struck with the buckle end of the belt. It showed excessive force that resulted in soft injuries such as bruising and abrasions.

The report even indicated that the injuries lasted for more than 24 hours and were consistent with the medical diagnosis of physical abuse.

Kesler then recommended Howard to participate in parenting classes which would teach him other methods to discipline his children other than corporal punishment.

After reading the report, the DFC concluded that the child abuse allegations were not substantiated. In Florida though, this means that there is credible evidence of child abuse, just not enough to warrant any action.

In response to these findings, Howard's reps spoke to TMZ.

"The Florida Dept. of Children and Families thoroughly examined all of the evidence and determined that there was insufficient evidence of child abuse," adding the case has been closed in Florida.

The reps went on to lash out at the mother of Braylon, saying that it is appalling for a mother to use her son in an attempt to extract money from Howard.

TagsDwight Howard, physical abuse, Braylon