Bleacher Report - Articles by Brittni O'Ryan

Josh Howard Says He's Sorry, but Is He?

Brittni O'Ryan — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:18:39 -0400

Josh Howard took a first step toward repairing his damaged reputation Monday, saying he was sorry for disrespecting the national anthem.

"I'd like to say that I'm truly and really am sorry for everything that's happened in the last five months," Howard said in a statement before taking questions from reporters on the first day of Mavericks training camp. "This is not the way I carry myself, not how I want to be portrayed. I'm sorry to everybody I've offended. I'm upset with myself and the way I've acted."

This was in response to a video posted recently on YouTube, Howard was shown at a charity flag football game. As the national anthem plays in the background, Howard approaches a camera and says, "'The Star Spangled Banner' is going on right now. I don't even celebrate that [expletive]. I'm black."

The video, which was widely viewed on the Internet, prompted blistering criticisms, including some racially charged e-mails that owner Mark Cuban posted on his blog.

In his first public appearance since the video was posted, Howard said he loves his country.

"It was me joking around," he said. "Guys were out there making fun and I decided to get along in it. I wasn't using my head. I guess the valuable lesson I did learn is that words really do hurt. You're held accountable for what you say.

"That's not me...I went to military school. I have friends that served in the military. I know how it is to wake up and salute the flag. The national anthem every game, I have my hand over my heart."

Howard had another off-court incident during the offseason when he was arrested in July after police said he was drag racing at 94 mph in a 55 mph zone.

He said he knows that there will be some fan backlash about his troubled summer.

"I'll try to win them back," he said. "Whatever it takes me to do that, I'll do it."

Howard also was criticized last season for saying in a radio interview during a first round playoff series against New Orleans that he occasionally smokes marijuana. Later that same series, he angered coach Avery Johnson by throwing himself a birthday party after a Game Four loss to the Hornets.

"It was a rough summer for him, but I believe in his heart he's a good guy," teammate Dirk Nowitzki said. "He just made some bad decisions."

Howard said another mistake he made was not addressing the national anthem controversy when it first surfaced.

"I didn't do anything to correct it. I let a lot of stuff go," he said. "It wasn't me. I'm trying to move forward. This [the press conference] is the perfect opportunity. Everybody's here. There's nothing to hide. I made a mistake. I'm ready to move forward."

Rick Carlisle, who was hired as the Mavericks' coach after Johnson was fired following Dallas' first round playoff exit, visited Howard at his North Carolina home during the summer. Carlisle expects a strong season from Howard.

"I know he's going to be motivated both on the floor and in terms of how he represents this franchise," Carlisle said.

Howard, who enters his sixth NBA season, averaged 19.9 points and seven rebounds last season.

So is Josh really sorry, or is this all about damage control? Either way, we need to move on. I hope he's being sincere in what he says and has learned a valuable lesson.

Go Mavs!

DirksGirL

Josh Howard's Latest Antics: Is He Worth the Trouble?

Brittni O'Ryan — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:42:48 -0400

Josh Howard's Latest Antics - Is He Worth the Trouble?
Just when I thought Josh Howard couldn't bring any more shame to the Dallas Mavericks and their fans, he proves me wrong. While J-Ho should be laying low, he's instead stirring up more useless controversy.
It all started when Josh Howard brought unexpected and possibly unprecedented attention to himself; it was just hours before Game 3 of the Mavericks' first-round series with the New Orleans Hornets when Howard decided he'd openly discuss his off season marijuana use on Dallas' ESPN Radio affiliate.

At this point, I tried to defend Josh. Everyone makes mistakes. Then, however, after a loss in Game 4, Howard passed out fliers in the locker room inviting teammates to celebrate his 28th birthday at a Dallas nightclub with the Mavericks down 3-1 in the best-of-7 series.
OK- Not the best timing, Josh.

For his next brilliant move, Howard was arrested in his hometown of Winston-Salem, N.C., after police allegedly caught him street racing. He was charged with reckless driving and speed competition (the legal term for drag racing) after police clocked him going 94 in a 55 mph zone. He was released from the Forsyth County jail on a written promise to appear in court Sept. 23.
So is this guy on a downward spiral or what?
Now for the latest Josh Howard fiasco -- He was caught on film at the Allen Iverson celebrity flag football game dissing the National Anthem. (If you haven't seen Josh's rant, just check out youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1llOTCAyf0 )
You'll hear Howard on the tape saying, "The Star Spangled Banner's going on right now, and I don't celebrate that s***. I'm black." I guess this begins to help explain why Josh didn't want to try out for the Olympic team in Beijing.

He has no concept of what it is to be an American and has no concept of how privileged he is. Clearly, he doesn't mind accepting his millions of dollars in American currency. His hypocrisy knows no bounds.

Last straw, Mr. Howard.

Mavericks fans must be getting fed up with Josh Howard and his pointless drama, immaturity and irresponsibility. At least this Mavs fan is.

And that's quite sad to me, considering Josh Howard was one of my favorite players, for whom I had a lot of respect. Well, not anymore. What is Mark Cuban thinking? Or is he, even? Why has he traded and let walk talented, loyal, and consummate professionals like, Steve Nash, Michael Finley, and Devin Harris, always at seemingly just the wrong time, while he seems to let hang on the roster a careless and disrespectful player like Howard, who embodies exactly what is wrong with the character of so many professional athletes today?

The only thing Howard is bringing to the Dallas Mavericks and their fans is shame. It's time to face facts - Howard has become a huge distraction and an embarrassment to this franchise.

Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson need to make trade - and fast. It's simply not fair for Dirk Nowitzki and the rest of the Dallas Mavericks. They shouldn't have to put up with Josh Howard and his childish antics for one more second. And it's not like Josh Howard is putting up amazing numbers - if he was, maybe then they could try and ignore all of this, but he's not. So end it. Trade him, Cuban, Nelson. NOW.

Dirk Nowitzki Named German Flag-bearer in Olympic Opener

Brittni O'Ryan — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:52:03 -0400

Fans voices were heard! Nowitzki to carry German flag.

Basketball star Dirk Nowitzki will be Germany's flag-bearer in the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, the German National Olympic Committee (DOSB) announced on Wednesday.

"We chose him because he represents the Olympic idea like no other athlete. It has been a dream of Dirk Nowitzki for years to be at the Olympics. This dream has now become reality," said Germany's mission chef in Beijing, Michael Vesper.

"A global star demonstrates that it is a career highlight to compete with athletes from around the world and from many sports. This sends a signal and makes him a great role model for young athletes."

Nowitzki, 30, helped Germany qualify for the Olympics less than two weeks ago at a qualifying tournament in Athens.

The Dallas Mavericks star became the first player from Europe last year to win the NBA's prestigious Most Valuable Player award. He led Germany to second place at the 2005 European Championships and to third place at the 2002 World Championship.

Nowitzki will join an elite group of athletes chosen as flag bearers during the parade of 205 nations at the Olympic opening ceremony on Friday in Beijing's National Stadium.

So proud of you DIRK! Viel Gluck!

Dirk Nowitzki deserves to carry the German flag

Brittni O'Ryan — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:41:57 -0400

Please sign petition so Dirk Nowitzki can carry the German flag at the opening ceremonies.

http://www.petitiononline.com/nowitzki/

To: German Olympic Sport Federation

We, the signers of this petition, wish us Dirk Nowitzki as color bearers for the Olympic Games 2008 in Peking.

Dirk Nowitzki is one of the few superstars of the German sport, if not the only one. Dirk Nowitzki was with his sport and particularly characterizized achievement in the last few years, always a model who stands like no other sportsman for the Olympic dream.

Dirk Nowitzki employed and should regularly personal interests in the German basketball national team and the German sport in the past years. Now, for his attitude and his outstanding sporty achievements, should be rewarded.

Sincerely,

Brittni, O'Ryan

My take on the Brett Favre situation.

Brittni O'Ryan — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:38:26 -0400

I wish I could say I was shocked over what's happening right now with the Brett Favre saga but I'm not and to be honest. I can't understand why anyone else would claim to be surprised over all this mess.

I have to say that I have always had a lot of respect for Brett as a player. There is no doubt he is one of the greatest to ever play the game. But, like with every great player there comes a time when they all have to admit to themselves that it's time to retire.

I'm sure this isn't easy for any player. Nor, is it easy for the fans that love and supported them. I can assure you of that.

The day John Elway retired I was a mess, and that's putting it mildly. I literally grieved the "loss". My Sunday's would never be the same.

I would never look forward to Monday Night Football with such anticipation and excitement. Sure, I still loved the Broncos, but it wasn't going to be the same without number 7 on the field.

As hard as it was to see John Elway retire, but I am now very glad he did it the way he did it. John Elway had zero left to prove to anyone. Zero left to prove to himself.

He had achieved everything he had wanted. He went out on top. He did it with class and dignity. Earning even more respect from his fellow teammates, fans, and the NFL.

This brings me to Brett Favre. It seems everyone has an opinion on what he should or shouldn't do. I can understand the fans wanting him to come back.

I can also understand him wanting to come back. What I can't understand is, why Brett Favre would handle this situation with such a lack of respect for his former teammates?

Then, my mind drifted back to last season. It was a pretty important game that took place in Dallas, Texas. The Pack had come to play the Cowboys. Brett Favre had been hurt and had to go out.

Aaron Rodgers was put in. I remember Favre coming back out of the tunnel and was on the sidelines nowhere near the players, kind of staying to himself. I found it odd that instead of helping Aaron or encouraging him (like most QBs do when their backup comes in) he stood there with his arms folded. He looked like a spoiled 7 year old pouting.

My best friend, (who was born and raised in Wisconsin), who lives his life for the Packers, had called me following the game. Of course, he was upset over the loss to Dallas.

And to my surprise he went on to tell me, how shocked he was at Brett's attitude with Aaron Rodgers. He felt Brett's lack of support cost them the game and went on to say, "This is the first time I have ever been ashamed of Brett Favre" (I'm thinking now might be the second time?)

My advice to Brett: I feel he needs to stop all this madness. In fact, it should have never even started to begin with. Clearly, all the antics and drama will only achieve one thing and that is, tainting Brett's "Legacy."

Packer fans, I know it's hard but it's time to move on. Let the Favre drama go. It's time to focus on issues at hand. Training camp. The new season.

Aaron Rodgers is now your quarterback. I suggest you give him a little respect, I think he deserves it. Give him some support, I guarantee he could use it.

Best of luck,

Dirksgirl