Former NBA star Dwight Howard denies sexual assault lawsuit filed by Georgia man

Los Angeles Lakers' Dwight Howard looks on prior to an NBA basketball game, Jan. 27, 2022, in Philadelphia. In a response to a state civil suit filed this week by his attorney, Howard has denied accusations by a Georgia man who says he was sexually assaulted by the former NBA star and another person. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola, File)

Dwight Howard has denied accusations by a Georgia man who says he was sexually assaulted by the former NBA star and another person.

Stephen Harper filed a state civil suit against Howard in July, alleging assault and battery, false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

In a response filed this week by his attorney, Howard described the 2021 encounter at his home in the Atlanta suburbs as consensual and requested that the case be dismissed.