Salvaging his NFL career is at this point the least of former Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard’s concerns.
Howard, the four-time Pro Bowler, is in the news again for all the wrong reasons. He’s been accused in Broward County (Fla.) civil court of sharing photos and videos of sex acts involving women without their consent.
Among those who allegedly received the illicit content? A former partner’s minor son.
Details on Xavien Howard’s Revenge Porn Lawsuit
The 17-page lawsuit, which appears on the ABC affiliate in Miami Local 10’s website, was filed by two accusers, who are going by Jane Doe and John Doe to maintain their anonymity.
Jane and John Doe are not related.
Jane Doe alleges that Howard “non-consensually record[ed] sex acts between himself and [her] and disseminat[ed] these sex videos to a third-party(s) on more than one occasion.”
John Doe, meanwhile, is a minor. He alleges Howard separately sent him sexually explicit material in an attempt to intimidate his mother into having an abortion.
“After impregnating her, [Howard demanded] that she have an abortion, and [upon] her refusing, went on a warpath against her,” the lawsuit alleges. “Among other forms of revenge to [his] mother, and most notable, Howard texted sexually explicit material of [the child’s] mother engaged in an explicit sex act.”
The accusers are seeking damages in excess of $50,000.
Jane Doe’s attorney, Adriana Alcalde, told Local 10 that her client lives in “constant fear and wonder of what else is out there and who else has seen it.”
Beyond any potential civil damages, Howard could also face criminal jeopardy. Potential charges include sexual cyber harassment, invasion of privacy by public disclosure of private facts, and intrusion of privacy.
Howard’s Long Legal History
Howard is a familiar name in the Broward County court system. He’s been named as a defendant in multiple civil and criminal cases involving women.
Past allegations have included stalking, assault and battery, and negligence.
But most (but not all) of these lawsuits were ultimately dismissed without prejudice.
Howard was also arrested in late 2019 on domestic battery charges after an altercation between himself and his then-fiancée, but the state later dropped the case after she stopped cooperating with authorities.
The End of Howard’s Career?
The Dolphins cut Howard, 30, in March for financial reasons. He has yet to sign with another team, and these disturbing new allegations greatly increase the possibility that his playing career is over.
Howard in eight seasons with the Dolphins made two All-Pro teams, twice led the NFL in interceptions, and earned $86.6 million.
Howard’s final season in Miami was cut short by a foot injury, but NFL Media reported in April that he has since been cleared to resume football activities.