Lakers center Dwight Howard believes the NBA should reconsider its plans of returning next month due to the ongoing racial injustice problems in the United States, claiming that the resumption of a season could prove to be a distraction.
Howard, an eight-time NBA All-Star, issued the following statement on the matter (as relayed by CNN’s Jill Martin):
“I agree with Kyrie [Irving]. Basketball, or entertainment period, isn’t needed at this moment, and will only be a distraction. Sure it might not distract us players, but we have resources at hand [the] majority of our community don’t have. And the smallest distraction for them can start a trickle-down effect that may never stop. Especially with the way the climate is now. I would love nothing more than to win my very first NBA Championship. But the unity of My People would be an even bigger Championship, that’s just to [sic] beautiful to pass up.
“What better time than now for us to be focusing on our families. This is a rare opportunity that, I believe, we as a community should be taking full advantage of. When have we ever had this amount of time to sit and be with our families. This is where our Unity starts. At home! With Family!! European Colonization stripped us of our rich history, and we have yet to sit down and figure us out. The less distractions, the more we can put into action into rediscovering ourselves. Nations come out of families. Black/African American is not a Nation or Nationality. It’s time Our Families became their own Nations. No Basketball till we get things resolved.”
Multiple players (including Irving) agree on the matter, with Irving voicing his concerns during a conference call that included dozens of the league’s players on Friday. Several other players are in disagreement, however, citing financial implications, competitive aspects, and a dire need for sports in such an unprecedented time.
The NBA is still working on finalizing details for the resumed 2019/2020 season, which was suspended indefinitely in March due to COVID-19. The league is currently eyeing a July 30 return date, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
Here are some other notes related to the NBA’s hiatus:
- Rockets guard Austin Rivers holds a different opinion than Howard about whether the NBA season should resume, posting his comments in an Instagram reply (as relayed by ESPN). “Us coming back would put money in all of our (NBA players’) pockets,” Rivers said as part of a larger quote. “With this money you could help out even more people and continue to give more importantly your time and energy towards the BLM movement. Which I’m 100% on board with. Because change needs to happen and injustice has been going on too long.”
- Lakers guard Danny Green detailed the different aspects of the NBA’s restart plan in a Q&A with Mark Medina of USA Today. Green touched on a number of subjects, including concerns about the NBA’s “bubble,” player feedback, and his level of optimism on the league’s expected return.
- Clippers guard Patrick Beverley had a rather interesting take on whether the NBA should return, posting the following on social media. “Hoopers say what y’all want. If @KingJames said he hooping. We all hooping. Not Personal only BUSINESS #StayWoke.” Beverley is part of a talented Clippers team seeking its first ever championship this year, with both the Clippers and the Lakers battling for bragging rights in Los Angeles.
Here’s my opinion on what Dwight Howard is saying and I don’t mean to offend any single person at all. But I believe this to be the truth:
If you separate yourself and Unite with “your people,” that does not help things. That does not help Unity of our country and all people being equal. If you stay United with “your people” then there will be a segment of population that doesn’t like “your people” it’s just human nature.
If we are all Americans then I’m an American you’re an American. We’re in this together. Keeping your people separate in my opinion I don’t think helps. Am I off base on this?
And then “European colonization stripped us of our Unity?” Again I think the separation won’t help and we’ll still be in the same boat as we’ve been the last 250 years. There’s those guys, and there’s these guys. “Well I don’t like how some of those guys do this, and I don’t like how some of these guys do that.” If we are all Americans and in the same boat and on the same team, THAT would improve things. That is something to try to accomplish. I’m a man and you’re a man. And that’s the place where we need to be. Not you’re a such-and-such man and I’m a this and that man. We are both MEN period.
Getting to that point is another thing. But it’s the only way this will be fixed. One blood. We all bleed red.
IMO, it’s a chance for more positive exposure. If it keeps the unsafe protesters off the street then I think we should start it ASAP.
The problem is, you can’t even see why he’d say that. You and him can talk about each other as brothers regardless of race, but that’s not going to stop the police from murdering not-white people.
The race killed the most by police is white……. gasps *
Yes because the police only kill non whites lol
He said what he said because he wants to collect a check and stay home lmao. Its dwight howard.
It’s easy for veterans like Howard to sit back and say we don’t need to play, because he has made enough money to live 10 lifetimes worry free. But did he feel that way in 2006 when he was young and not ultra wealthy? That’s the same way the young players now are feeling. Surfe Dwight can say let’s just not play until things get better, but what about the players whose NBA careers will span ONLY this year and/or next year. There are a lot of players like that.
If Dwight Howard feels strongly about it, then he should retire from the NBA and go become an activist full time. He is old by the NBA standard, but he is still really young by the average worker standard. He needs to put his money where his mouth is and either start a foundation or use his money to support political candidates that have views similar to his.
But to claim the NBA should shut down so as not to be a distraction is just ridiculous. Pro sports are SUPPOSED to be a distraction. That’s what we have missed the past 3 months. This pandemic has allowed a lot of people to stop being distracted and start listening to the voices in their head. And for a lot of people, those voices are not telling them to create change for the better.
Sorry for the long rant, but the voice in my head just didn’t want to shut up. :)
I hear ya Hiflew-
Sports are suppose to be a distraction, and they are-
The problem here is small minded people like Irving Melo and DHow (laker fan btw) shouldnt have the Mic to begin with. Realize all 3 feel they never really got all the props they deserved, they crave attention to this day b/c of it
If the NBA playoffs go down it will be one of the biggest television events ever. What better platform for BLM and all Americans to get MORE educated on the movement-
We have to come at this from all angles ; the playoffs dont distract here, they are just a different avenue to get the message acrossed. We all need good leadership right now in all facets. Im just so dissapointed in Irving. There are a lot of people doing great work out there and this guy is hindering progress all for the sake of petty attention. Sickening
*** To all those who think it would be a distraction
Imagine if the Lakers and Clipper started game 1 of the WCF where they let the clock run off 8 mins 46 seconds with their hands in the air not moving….
Imagine that impact. The movement starts inside, its needs to be in the streets, it needs to be in the media, and it also needs to be right in front of us on OUR television screens.
I really don’t get the sudden point of view that returning to play basketball is somehow not a good idea because of the racial injustice/protests. Like I just don’t really understand how/why the two are even necessarily linked. Like if the coronavirus hadnt happened… it’s not like the league would’ve halted games because of it — so why should it even remotely be a factor in starting or not starting the season again. Additionally if the players are concerned about being able to have an impact on the ongoing situation… wouldn’t playing in front of millions of viewers give them a better podium/audience to be able to speak on the issues? Like press conferences or interviews seem like the perfect opportunity/way for players who want to make their voices heard, heard. Idk I just don’t really understand who/how all of a sudden this is even a factor in restarting the season. Other than that Kyrie Irving apparently wants to be the center of attention I just don’t see how not coming back to finish the season and playoffs helps anything — if anything it gives the players a platform to voice their opinions.
Dwight is 100% correct. Sports is going to distract people from finally fixing this problem.
It wasn’t supposed to be “the Civil Rights movement” it was supposed to be a Civil Rights action that was addressed and corrected. Only, for reasons no one knows, it never was or has been. We don’t deserve sports until there is a solution to this national crisis.
We’ve tried running sports during national crises and they only serve to distract, not heal. We are closer to healing this time, the NBA needs to do the right thing and call off the season.
Sports have also served as a great healer for the nation. (2001 Ws Luis Gonzo off Mo)
Great paths towards racial equality (Jackie Robinson)
And also provide a great platform for social causes (Cassius Clay)
Why are you narrowing the paths? Seems short sighted and not very well thought out
That’s an excellent post Strike Four, and I get what you’re saying. I know the angle you’re coming from, I think. “We’re not playing sports until this gets fixed.” That is very valid !!
I wish I knew how to change the hearts of many men and women. Well I do know, but this is not the place to proclaim Jesus Christ as savior of the world and the only one who can deliver us from the bondage of sin and hate.
What I DO KNOW is that I can change myself. I can change my heart in how I see someone. I’m the only one I can change whether it’s my attitude at work, at home with my family, with my friends, or with a stranger I meet in the street. That’s the only thing I can do. It starts with ME. I don’t know how effective it will be, but I will start with ME. TODAY.
The Civil Rights movment resulted in many things lol. Don’t know what histroy you are looking at. Its not up to you or anyone to decide “we don’t deserve sports”. Ignoring what sports can do is spitting in the face of Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson. You need to do the right thing and move out of the country since you hate basic freedoms so much
How are they a distraction? These dissenting players aren’t out on the streets fighting for rights. All they’ve done is tweet. The platform that the league restarting gives them is perfect for them to have their say
Many of them have been in the streets protesting. Towns was right behind Stephen Jackson in Minneapolis and Kyrie was marching in so cal for example
Am I the only one that thinks when one keeps saying “My People” like DH12, actually that is a very racist remark, he keeps separating people, which is the definition of racism. The point is to unite not separate, a black live matters? Of course but not any more than any other live. I am latino, so too I am a part of a minority, but I would never dare to say My People, we all are one & the same, God made us all equal & that is the end of the discussion, right?
Amen brother.
HAHAHAA. Good one. I thought you were serious for a second.
Our people is a racist term.. these athletes don’t understand that everyone will be watching them.. what better way to continue to bring attn to there cause than keeping the spotlight on it.. it’s funny, are Carmelo or kyrie or Dwight even out there marching and trying to get the word out.. kyrie doesn’t want to be stuck in a bubble cause he won’t be playing.. Carmelo and Dwight need to rethink there positions because not too long ago they were both out of the league begging for another opportunity.. gm’a will remember the guys that quit on there team.. they may not face repurcussions from the league but the gms don’t need to offer another contract.. so it’s really career suicide for Carmelo and howard
Yes, kyrie is marching
Amen brother.
Howard words make it seems that he does not think his community is bright enough to watch basketball and focus on their cause. Where is the out cry?
I hope these dudes keep the same energy for the up and coming seasons.
We shouldn’t need #BLM movement in 2020. But truth is we do. America is still racist. Your president is a racist. Frankly he’s brought the worst out in race relations. If you don’t think there is a problem. With cops killing minorities especially black citizens. Then you probably need a “dealing with Karen book”. The killing of Rayshard Brooks is perfect example of white cops killing black men. The man was drunk asleep. All you had to do was get him his food. And he would of gotten in back seat of cop car. But it’s always confrontation first. Escalate then shoot and ask questions later. Twice in the back. If they let a drunk man run away. Where you think he is going. His car is still there. When your drunk you can’t run. They would of just found him asleep. Man was unarmed. If they had respect for life. This man would not be dead. Fact we all have phones. Makes it harder for them to hide it. How many were killed when there was no video. Even now they still try to cover it up. They tried to discredit Floyd at first. That’s systemic racism. This has gotta change now. This is an American problem.
NBA playoffs is a great place for exposure about this. They can have players talking about it. It only gives them a bigger platform. Every team can speak up about their city. I don’t understand what motivates Howard, Kyrie, KD. They’re not even gonna play. I’ve never seen Howard speak before. He played in Orlando. He didn’t speak up for Trayvon Martin. The playoffs are for the fans. That means we who love the game. Includes players. Players play cause they love this gm. They have agents so they know they are getting paid. Then you have players who want to know first if they are getting paid. This is the profession you have chosen. These times call for special circumstances. You either see a way. Or you hide. We are all in this. Most of population has real problems. With this very Real Virus. NBA is just inconvenienced
Vietnam first case of Covid19 Jan 22
S Korea first case of Covid19 Jan 20
USA first case of Covid19 Jan 20.
You paying attention ….. ARE YOU
Today look it up. Use your phone.
Vietnam has ZERO Deaths……
S Korea has 277 Deaths…….
USA has. 117,000 Deaths……
That’s America the greatest country in the world. This is where our leadership has taken us. Stay Safe
I’m with you and as with 99.9% of Americans who are tired of the killings. What happened to Mr. Brooks was tragic and I wished it didn’t happen.
Just don’t leave out, or dismiss, the facts on what happened. The police were called by the fast food restaurant. They approached his car and woke him from being passed out drunk and asked him to move his car to a parking spot. If he would have complied he’d still be alive. He past back out and the cops woke him again. He became upset and got out of the car and confronted the police. One of the cops tried tase him but his taser malfunctioned. Then Mr. Brooks grabbed the other cops taser and tried to tase the cops. After refusing to listen to the cops while trying to tase him, he was shot. Did he deserve to be killed – no.
But the cops tried twice to get him to move his car to a parking spot. He didn’t. They tried non-lethal force once he became aggressive. He was highly intoxicated and tried to harm the cops with one of their own weapons. Wished none of it happened as it makes me sick seeing this. But please don’t leave out the details as the cops at least gave him multiple chances and he was trying to harm them.
Now what happened to George Floyd was the most cold blooded hate filled senseless murder I have ever watched. There are no details to leave out. The man was on the ground and not resisting and was point blank murdered. That cop deserves to be castrated with in public and spend the rest of time rotting away in the worst parts of hell.
Nightline did not include some of those details in their story on it, surprise.
Blacks are not Native Americans. Blacks benefited from European colonization, assuming as I do, that being American is a benefit compared to being African. Howard’s logic goes awry IMO.
Interesting that he spells colonization with an s like the English.
To be generous, DH is missing the point, which is violence by policemen. He wants to just sit with his family, and wants everyone else to as well.
What a surprise, given his career, and how he likes to be looked at. But no he will not “figure things out”. Figure out what, that cops are not the best? Neither is DH or most people.
Howard talks about distractions but he is hardly one to focus.
He actually used a z, this site used an s
Thanks, I can’t get the link retweet to scroll.