Howard's actions hurt himself, league's image

Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard is in hot water again.
Recently a YouTube video surfaced showing Howard at a charity flag football game back in July. In the background, the Star Spangled Banner was playing, and Howard is quoted as saying, "The Star Spangled Banner is going on. I don’t even celebrate this (expletive). I’m black."

This is just the latest controversy surrounding the troubled Howard. According to ESPN, in July Howard was arrested and charged with speeding, careless and reckless driving and speed competition in North Carolina.

Earlier in the year, Howard admitted he occasionally smokes marijuana, and also threw a birthday party for himself after a playoff loss, according to ESPN.

This irresponsible behavior is a big black-eye to the NBA. It won’t drive any hardcore fans away, but it is this type of nonsense that loses the casual fan. This isn’t good, especially considering the corrupted referee scandal occurred earlier this year.

Now, I understand he has freedom of speech, and can say, essentially, whatever he wants to. But as a public figure, you have to be held accountable for your actions and words. Particularly when you’re on camera. In this day and age, all it takes is a couple minutes for (almost) anything to be uploaded on the Internet, where it can yield hundreds, thousands, even millions of hits.

What bothers me the most with his comments is the last part, when he says, "I’m black." It seems like he is making an ignorant generalization that African-Americans don’t "celebrate" the Star Spangled Banner.

Howard, when his head is on straight, is one of the top talents in the NBA. He was an all-star in 2007, when the Mavericks had the best record in the league at 67-15.

It’s going to be interesting on November 1st, when the Dallas Mavericks play their first road game at Minnesota vs. the Timberwolves. Don’t expect opposing crowds to go easy on him this season.