Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Josh Howard rips the national anthem

I liked former Wake Forest star Josh Howard when he was a Demon Deacon -- finding him honest with the media and unbelievably gifted with the basketball. But I've got to say now that Howard has to be one of the poorest decision-makers among all professional athletes.

If your kid happens to admire Howard, the Dallas Mavericks' talented swingman, I'm sorry. I don't envy you explaining Howard's off-field behavior.

Howard's latest transgression: he ripped the national anthem in a video now posted on YouTube. According to The Dallas Morning News (where you can see the video and read more about it, and please note that that it may offend some viewers), Howard is at Allen Iverson's charity flag football game in July at the time of the video. While the national anthem is being sung in the background, Howard says to the camera: " 'The Star-Spangled Banner' is going on. I don't celebrate this [expletive]. I'm black."

OK, so it's Howard's right under the First Amendment to speak his mind about the national anthem. But with that comment, he just disrespected so many different groups it'd be impossible to count them all. This comes on the heels of Howard getting arrested in July in North Carolina for a late-night street race and his admission last season that he uses marijuana occasionally.

What do you think about Howard's actions?

9 comments:

rj said...

Why would I care what Josh Howard thinks about the national anthem? I don't agree with his view, but that's only because I've served in the USAF. He's not elected to public office or sworn in to serve this country. A real man says whatever is in his heart and doesn't care who is "offended". With so much BS going on in our nation right now, its seems like you would have something more important to report than what Josh Howard said @ an Allen Iverson celebrity event. My son will learn life lessons from me, and how to pull-up from mid-range from Josh. Come on Scott, you're better than this!

Derek said...

It's an election year. If Howard wants to politick, then he should feel free to go campaign for someone, or better yet, take his show on the road and run for office himself. Otherwise, just play ball, because that's what you're best at. Like I watch sports to find out an athlete's political leanings....please.

Tim said...

Why don't we strip him of his American citizenship and the rights acorded to him, then send him to another country where he may be more appreciative? Since he is black and so quick to point out that is why he doesn't do this expletive, let's send him to Africa where he can be more in tune with his heritage.

ncriptide said...

Josh Howard is an inconsiderate moron. He makes millions in the "American System" and if he doesn't like it, I'm sure he can catch a plane or boat to Iran.

If you are going to be angry at the government - look no further than the liberal democrats in congress - the "do nothing" congress who puts the blame on anyone except themselves. Whose only objective is to return their party to power - at the sake of the country.

Josh Howard and "daniel" is typical of all the liberal "nitwits" out there who refuse to propose solutions - other than the redistribution of wealth, and who block our ability to become energy independent.

Don't be angry at our country - if you don't like it, look in the mirror and be angry with yourself. People like Josh Howard and "daniel" are part of the problem.

Mack said...

LOL
Now did he mean it? Or what he joking? I mean, this is America, and man has the right to say what he wants, when he wants, and not be afraid of the backlash from his peers. Do I agree with what he said.....NO!! Thats because I use to serve in the 82d. But he has the RIGHT to voice his opinion, without REPROCUSSION or Judgement. As bad off as this country is right now, his ignorant statement is the last thing we need a newspaper article about. Its his personal opionion. And unless you guys on here who disagree with him are Taliban......the man can say what he wants, without fear of retaliation, like the Taliban do their people.

Unknown said...

"But he has the RIGHT to voice his opinion, without REPROCUSSION or Judgement" - Mack

I think Imus and Jesse Jackson would agree but in our nation you can say what you want however you have to deal with the consequences. Imus got fired, Jesse apologized.

You say what you want in our country but be careful, the listeners can talk back.

Phillip said...

I find it disturbing that Josh Howard or anyone else has to sit through a round of nationalistic racket in order to participate in a charity flag football game. I'm not black and the insistence of organizations (including schools, pro teams, etc.) on engaging in a little nationalistic, flag waving indoctrination at every single sporting event offends me tremendously.

Unknown said...

It's amazing to see how many people are coming down on him for his personal beliefs when that's exactly what our country was founded upon.

Furthermore, to those who have commented on crime rates in African American community, look at this and tell me if it looks right. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Lifetime_prevalence_of_incarceration.png As an African American I refuse to believe about 40% of our people are criminals. No one race is legitimately made of 40% criminals. No. I'm not saying they are all innocent, but I am saying there are certain laws and procedures in place that make it far more liking for minorities to be arrested and incarcerated.

Also those who blindly believe in their government and don't critically asses its strengths and weakness in the name of patriotism are those who either aren't affected negatively by it or those to ignorant to see where the government fails to help ALL its citizens.

Unknown said...

Also the current US national anthem expresses thoughts that all people can not share in as blacks were enslaved at the time and later segregated and discriminated against. Because of that I don't think many people Blacks, Hispanics, or especially Native Americans can agree with the lyrics

"Land of the free"...