Dwight Howard was caught Saturday night [March 19] applying a stickum spray on a basketball in a game against the Atlanta Hawks. Apparently, Howard has been facing the heat from NBA fans and critics alike. Howard not only doesn’t understand the fuss, but also stands affirmative he’s not a cheater.
Via ESPN
“I just think that it’s getting overblown, like I’m doing something crazy,” he said. “But again, I’ve never been a cheater, never been the type of player that has to do something illegal to win. It’s upsetting, but I can’t control it now.”
After the incident, referees gave warnings to each bench and then approached the scorer’s table, where they were directed to a can covered with white tape. The can was removed, and one of the officials told the scorer to alert him if it was seen again.
Howard noted that many players use sprays and powders on their hands during games.
“I’ve been using the spray for the last five years,” he said. “I never hid the spray. I never did anything to try to hide what I was doing. It was just something to make my hands dry.”
Although Howard wasn’t formerly punished by the NBA, the wrath of public opinion is always the end game for Howard as far as disciplinary actions are concerned. First, he was accused of being a prima donna and now, he’s facing accusations of cheating. With a down year already taking Howard’s status down as an all-star in the league, Howard can only hope for better days.
