Le Basketbawl

Voltaire (1694–1778) The Columbia World of Quotations. 1996.

Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard is not probably going to get a lot of endorsement deals in the foreseeable future. Howard who has mad skills on the court, has said some pretty controversial things in the last few months. Chances are pretty good, that products looking for a professional athlete as a spokesman for their products, will not be on the phone with Howard’s agent anytime soon.

You may remember back in April Howard decided to tell the planet via a Dallas radio show that he partakes in marijuana in the off-season. Howard was being interviewed on the “Michael Irvin Show” on the ESPN affiliate in Dallas. Howard said that the media and the fans were aware that many players partake in smoking marijuana, and that he himself enjoys it in the off-season.

When asked what Mavericks coach Avery Johnson (who was dismissed after the season) and Team Owner Mark Cuban felt about his honesty in admitting to smoking, he said that they trusted him enough as a person to allow him to make his own decisions. Not only is the possession and use of marijuana against the law in Texas, and the USA, it is also a violation of the Association Drug rules.

Howard next made headlines at the end of July. The Mavericks forward according to the “Associated Press” was arrested after engaging in some drag racing. He was clocked doing 94 mph in a 55 mph, Howard was charged with speeding, careless and reckless driving, and a speed competition. Police reported seeing a black Lexus racing against a silver Volkswagen.

The incident was eerily reminiscent of the tragic accident that claimed the life of Charlotte Hornets player Bobby Phills. Phills was racing against teammate David Wesley when he lost control of his vehicle, and crashed into another car. Phills was killed in the incident, in January of 2000.

Howard did not win himself any fans when he played the fool at a flag football game that took place in July as a charitable event put on by Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson. A video of the event surfaced recently on YouTube (see the video here please be advised that there is considerable offensive language that is used.) Our Sister Site Slam Dunk Central also has an ESPN report with a censored clip of the video Josh Howard’s Controversial Comments, as well as a discussion by two columnists. Scoop Jackson who is a columnist for “ESPN.com Page 2“, and Kevin Blackistone who is a columnist for “AOL.com.”

On the video that has surfaced on YouTube, Howard is captured on a cell phone saying “‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ is going on. I don’t celebrate this (expletive). I’m black.”

It was not a thing that you say in this politically charged era that we live in that is going to win you friends and influence people. For a public figure to say that was purely stupid, even if it was a joke. Howard will be ripped apart on Sports Talk shows through out this country over the next few days.

Once he starts playing he will be booed, and booed loudly in every NBA arena but his home one. Considering that he is playing in Dallas, there is a good possibility that he will be booed there as well. Josh Howard only has himself to blame for the abuse he will suffer over the next few months. And with the culture wars that are going on right now in the USA, he will suffer abuse.

The Dallas Morning News reported Wednesday that Dallas Mavericks Team Owner Mark Cuban has spoken with Howard. Cuban told reporters “I have explained to him that cell phone cameras are not your friend and that what you think you said on camera is never what people will hear when it shows up on YouTube or TV.”

Blackistone says during the ESPN interview, that he would not be surprised if the Mavericks or the Association impose some sort of fine for Howard making those statements. Actually I would be shocked if they do, and if either party tries to impose a fine, the NBA Players Association better lodge a protest, and fast. This is the USA, we have something called the “Bill of Rights” which guarantees you the right to make statements like that. This is not China, or Russia where you can be punished for your political beliefs.

Now if Cuban wants to trade him because he finds the remarks distasteful, that is his right. He also has the right to release him, but he would be liable to any money owed to him under his contract. I don’t truly believe that Blackistone really thought through the ramifications of what he was suggesting. We don’t have thought police in this country Kevin. If Howard insulted the Association, the Mavericks, the officiating, yes they could fine him. But we live in a country where men and women have died, so Howard can be a stupid as he wants to be.

To even suggest that the NBA should possibly fine him, frankly scares the heck out of me. Howard will pay the price for his statements, by the treatment he receives from the nation. But you can not be punished in this country for not being patriotic. The day that we can be, is an America I never wish to see.