Xavien Howard‘s free agency now includes a legal aspect. The veteran corner has been named in a civil suit filed in Broward County, Florida in May, as detailed by Saira Anwer and Ryan Mackey of ABC Local 10 News. 
Howard is accused of sending photos and videos of sexual acts involving women without their consent. The suit alleges he filmed and photographed one of the plaintiffs (‘Jane Doe’) performing sex acts without consent. Howard then circulated that explicit content to the public after she rejected his advances, the suit claims.
The other plaintiff in the suit (‘John Doe’) alleges that Howard impregnated his mother then demanded she have an abortion. Her refusal to do so resulted in sexually explicit material allegedly being texted to her son, who was a minor at the time. The suit further details that Jane Doe is seeking damages in excess of $50K.
In the event this matter were to be taken to criminal court, Howard could face charges of sexual cyber harassment, invasion of privacy by public disclosure of private facts and intrusion of privacy. The plaintiffs have not, however, pressed criminal charges at this time. Still, this marks the latest legal battle the 30-year-old has faced. Howard has been involved in a number of previous criminal and civil cases featuring allegations including stalking, negligence and domestic battery.
This offseason, the Dolphins released Howard in a cost-cutting move and he remains on the open market. The four-time Pro Bowler has not generated much in the way of known interest so far, but he has received medical clearance. The news of his involvement in this civil suit could result in a league investigation and give potential suitors reason to avoid pursuing a contract for at least the time being. Howard’s playing future will remain uncertain pending further developments in this case.