Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard makes $9.5 million a year.
While it might be able to pad his life comfortably, it's not enough to buy some common sense.
As demonstrated in the last six months, Howard hit the prime of his stupidity before the prime of his basketball career.
During the Dallas Mavericks' first round playoff series against the New Orleans Hornets this past season, Howard admitted Dallas radio station ESPN Radio 103.3 FM that he enjoys using marijuana recreationally and contended that other NBA players do as well.
In July, Howard was arrested in his hometown of North Carolina for careless and reckless driving while speeding during a drag race. He was going 94 mph in a 55 mph zone.
In his most recent episode, Howard was caught on camera during the national anthem at a football charity event hosted by Allen Iverson saying, "'The Star-Spangled Banner' is going on. I don't celebrate that sh*t, I'm black."
Doesn't he realize what he's doing?
Actions have reactions, but professional athletes seem to be above that. Their health is a moot point when taking into account the children who look up to them as heroes. Because of Howard's actions, children across the country will more than likely follow in his footsteps, making this world a horrible place.
What makes sense about his careless and inappropriate behavior is that Howard has had trouble with the law since youth. As a senior at Glen High School in North Carolina, Howard was handcuffed at a gas station the night before his SAT examination for loitering and suspicion of selling drugs.
What doesn't make sense about his irresponsible and detrimental conduct is the timing of it all. Howard was voted into his first ever NBA All-Star Game and has been said to be the Mavericks' "X-Factor" in winning this year's championship.
In the past two seasons, the Mavericks have gone 37-2 in the games in which Howard has scored at least 20 points. It's unfortunate that he is tainting his image off the court amid augmenting his skills on the court.
It's tough to side with a guy who is arrogant enough to try to get away with such unrefined antics, especially considering the negative publicity that Howard attracted through his comments about using marijuana. Though his claim that there is a widespread use by other NBA players was uncalled for, it does not lack validity.
No matter what, athletes like Howard need to step it up and be actual heroes to these kids. Instead of taking a puff and making it seem OK, perhaps they should actually care about the people who pay their salary. Going to a charity event is fine, but disregarding the national anthem isn't helping matters.
Athletes are in a territory that requires them to be better than the rest. They are required to show some responsibility as both an adult and a professional. Many young fans consider these athletes to be gods of some sort. Instead, Howard's actions on the court are covered in marijuana smoke and anti-America bashing.
Howard needs to make this country a better place. Show your fans someone that they can look up to versus an immature person who breaks the law.
Forget about the drugs and care about the children.
