Report: Domestic violence charges against Amar'e Stoudemire dropped due to uncooperating victim
Domestic violence charges against former NBA player Amar'e Stoudemire have been dropped by the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office. Stoudemire was arrested in December for allegedly striking one of his teenage daughters during a family argument.
According to CBS Miami, the charges were dismissed because the victim didn't want to cooperate with prosecutors. Stoudemire released a statement via TMZ Sports regarding the situation.
"A little over a month ago, my family's world was turned upside down as I faced allegations that we all knew to be untrue, which I instantly and publicly denied," Stoudemire said. "Today, I'm grateful that after a full investigation, all charges were dismissed. Fortunately, my family and most importantly, my incredible children are all doing well.
"My faith in the goodness we all possess has never wavered and has never been greater. My love for my family is without limits. I am appreciative of all the respect and support received from family, friends and colleagues. Now that this chapter is closed, I look forward to all the great moments ahead with my family."
Amar'e Stoudemire was arrested on Dec. 17 in Miami and was charged with one count of misdemeanor battery and one count of domestic violence the next day. A report by TMZ noted that the six-time All-Star punched and slapped one of his teenage daughters.
The alleged reason for Stoudemire's actions was that he was trying to discipline his daughter, who showed "attitude" toward her grandmother. He is married to Alexis Welch since 2012, and the couple have four children together.
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Amar'e Stoudemire career retrospective
Amar'e Stoudemire played 14 seasons in the NBA from 2002 to 2016. He was drafted ninth overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2002. He won the 2003 Rookie of the Year and was a four-time All-Star in Phoenix.
Stoudemire was known for his explosiveness around the rim, helping the Suns make the Western Conference finals in 2005. A knee injury slowed him down in 2006 before regaining his bounce a year later.
After eight seasons in Phoenix, Stoudemire signed with the New York Knicks as a free agent. He was a two-time All-Star in his first two years in New York, but persistent knee problems plagued him for the rest of his career.
The Knicks waived Stoudemire midway through the 2014-15 season, signing with the Dallas Mavericks afterwards. He played his final season in the NBA the following year with the Miami Heat, retiring with 15,994 points and 6,632 rebounds.
Stoudemire continued to play overseas in Israel and China, as well as in Ice Cube's BIG3. He retired in 2020, joining the Brooklyn Nets' coaching staff as a player development assistant. He decided not to return ahead of the 2022-23 season.
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