Oh, say, can you see ... a Josh Howard controversy even if there isn't one
You’ve got to be kidding me with this Josh Howard-YouTube video-national anthem thing. (video below; profanity) Seriously.The video is from Allen Iverson’s charity flag football game, and, while the national anthem is playing in the background, Howard says: “I don’t celebrate this (expletive). I’m black.”
Apparently, this is all a very big deal because Mavericks owner Mark Cuban told the Dallas Morning News that the team had dealt with the issue at the time. The event was held in July.Cuban also said the issue would be addressed in training camp.What exactly is the issue?Talking during the national anthem? Feeling disenfranchised from the political process? Cursing?I can only assume the issue involves not respecting the flag, anthem, country or all of the above. Give me a break.Instead of focusing on Howard’s five-second cameo -- which occurred on the periphery, by the way -- how about focusing on the fact that Allen Iverson and his crew deserve credit and respect for having the national anthem in the first place? Go to an NBA game and you’ll see plenty of people talking or texting or sitting down during the anthem. Nobody is more disrespectful than television crews, who routinely break down sets and lights mid-Banner.
