A few Toronto Raptors players have disappointed in this 2020-21 season, and shooting guard Terence Davis stands out as someone that is starting to take a step back in his sophomore season. Davis is averaging numbers somewhat similar to what he put up in his rookie season, but his inability to improve his scoring and defense has hurt the Raptors.
To make matters even worse, Davis has been playing while a domestic violence lawsuit has been hanging over his head. The incident has been a major talking point of this Raptors season, as Toronto continued to rely on him as a valued member of the rotation despite these allegations.
Davis was charged with assault and endangering the welfare of a child after an October incident in which the victim alleged to have been struck in the face by Davis during an argument at a hotel. While he was originally booked for misdemeanor assault and criminal mischief, this case later developed into some graphic, grizzly allegations.
After a few months of uncertainty surrounding their backup shooting guard, the case has finally reached an unsatisfying conclusion. Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that after months of deliberation and speculation, the charges against Davis have been dismissed.
The New York District Attorney's Office has dismissed domestic assault charges against Toronto Raptors G Terence Davis stemming from an October 2020 incident at a New York hotel.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 19, 2021
Raptors guard Terence Davis will not face any legal punishment
Considering how Davis’ $1.5 million contract became guaranteed in November, allowing him to potentially cash in as a restricted free agent, it’s easy to see why the front office held onto him amid these allegations.
The NBA has their own process with which to discipline those accused of child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence, and they are in the middle of their own investigation related to Davis. While Davis can take solace in the fact that he might not face jail time as a result of these allegations, he could still get a suspension or fine from the league for his behavior.
While a dismissal of charges is not necessarily an admission of innocence, it does mean that Davis will not face any criminal punishment. How he will be dealt with by the league and the Raptors, however, remains a mystery.
As awful as the Davis situation was for all parties involved, the charges getting dropped officially puts this matter in the past, at least from a legal perspective. Time will tell if Davis contributes on the court after the resolution of his legal troubles. Still, it will take some time for Davis to rehabilitate his unsavory reputation.