A Minnesota judge has ruled that former NBA player Royce White abused his ex-wife and their teenage son, issuing a sweeping protective order that bars him from contacting them for decades.
According to The Minnesota Star-Tribune, the decision, handed down in Hennepin County, determined that White’s behavior left his ex-wife and child “plainly in fear,” leading to a 50-year no-contact order involving his ex-wife and a two-year restriction involving their son.
The ruling marks the first time their son has been included in such protections, though prior orders had been granted for the ex-wife. Violating the order could result in criminal consequences, even though the ruling itself is civil.
White has since filed an appeal challenging the decision. His ex-wife’s attorney, Susan Yager, questioned White’s decision to appeal, stating, “He’s shooting himself in the foot.”
The case stems from a petition filed in December 2025, in which White’s ex-wife alleged a pattern of escalating abuse that made her fear for her safety and that of their children.
In one incident cited in court documents, the judge wrote that White “chased his minor son, grabbed him by the neck, and threw him into the metal ball rack” during a basketball practice, causing visible injury.
During court proceedings, multiple witnesses testified, including a child advocate who reported that White’s son feared for his physical safety around his father.
The judge described the ex-wife’s testimony as “entirely credible,” noting a history of alleged physical violence, intimidation, and controlling behavior, including unauthorized access to her communications.
White’s background adds a complex layer to the case. Once a standout high school and college player, he was selected in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft but had a brief professional career that included limited appearances at the league level.
In recent years, he transitioned into politics, becoming a Republican candidate in Minnesota and drawing attention for both his campaign positions and public statements.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for confidential support.
