“Play Ball!” is what is traditionally exclaimed after another rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at a sporting event. In fact, that’s one of the more neutral things that is asserted; I’ve heard worse. That said, many spectators collect themselves for 60 seconds, although already drunkenly into their third beer to take off their hat and supposedly pay homage to their country. Similarly, consider the most recent political conventions in which politicians from both parties continually ended their speeches with “God Bless America.” They did this because they had to, even if some of them simultaneously believed in it. As such, I suppose we should not be surprised by the disbelief in some circles (although, with little publicity thus far) regarding Dallas Mavericks forward, Josh Howard’s comments (1:38-1:50) regarding the vaunted anthem…

“The Star Spangled Banner’s going on right now and I don’t celebrate that s–t. I’m black.” (You should really watch the linked video above for full effect)

This statement elucidates several points about which I’d like to remark. My comments sidestep the race issue — a subject I’ve tackled before — to focus on matters of greater relevance.

Public Figure Syndrome – for whatever reason, we’re fascinated with the lives of celebrities, what the say, what they do, even in their own time and with their own friends. Notice in the clip above that Mr. Howard is not at a professionally sanctioned event. In fact, he’s at an Allen Iverson sponsored flag football game (of all things) with some buddies. Suffice it to say that many repugnant things are said amongst friends during pick-up games all the time. Frankly, it looks like he’s just showing off for his boys, I doubt he really even believes what he says; he’s probably ambivalent about it at worst. Why is the National Anthem even being sung at this event?  Similarly, why were Obama and McCain blessing America at their events? The conventions weren’t held at church; McCain’s not my pastor thankfully. Related, Howard’s not my civics teacher; although he might make a good one, as he just provided a good example of public dissonance.

For anyone who finds this offensive, consider if you’ve ever paused for the national anthem at the last pick-up game in which you participated or what about your child’s rec league soccer game? Have you ever paused to bless America after an interview for a new government job (because that’s what McCain and Obama did)? Frankly I’m ambivalent toward the anthem being sung at the Verizon Center just as much as I am a blessing at a job interview. I am actually one of the more traditionalist people I know, but I believe the government’s indirect involvement in what’s otherwise supposed to be a distraction from the world’s stresses (sports in Howard’s case) is an antiquated concept.

That said, Josh Howard has been in the public long enough to be used to the limelight, having been drafted into the NBA five years ago after playing college basketball at Wake Forest in the prominent Atlantic Coast Conference. Regardless of the reasons we’re fascinated with the lifestyles of celebrities, the fact remains that we are and celebrities should, in-turn, be conscious of this, especially in the YouTube era. I only caution that before we judge such athletes that we consider the things that we’ve said in front of our friends that we would not say in a professional setting. I do not know if this excuses Mr. Howard, but it certainly makes him human. So often we put athletes upon a pedestal only to be shocked and disappointed when they don’t live up to the standards we have set for them – but it is our pedestal, not theirs; as such, we should be more forgiving.

Freedom of Speech – I think it’s ironic that the controversy that this opinion may cause surrounds the National Anthem itself, which is symbolic of our citizens’ will and fortitude in preserving our freedoms – one of the most important being that of speech. Many of the people whom find Mr. Howard’s statements repugnant say so because of the special place the song has in their heart. But to truly appreciate the song you should respect one’s right not to appreciate it. To draw another parallel to Obama and McCain: shouldn’t their respect for their religion and America compel them not to ask for God’s blessings publicly?

Josh Howard has the right to say whatever he wants and I have the right to defend him just like you have the freedom to bash him. What makes America great are those virtues behind songs like the anthem, not the song itself.

That said, I believe very much in framing and believe he could have gotten his point across better and more articulately all the while causing less hubbub if he wanted to. And I do believe that the video makes him come across as a bit puerile; but again, he’s with his friends, on a football field, during the off season. He’s not at a professional roundtable discussion on America’s virtues or lack thereof. People deride our President all the time, perhaps the greatest symbol of America next to our star spangled flag there is. But for some reason, because this is an athlete saying it he has a higher pedestal from which to fall. Something’s wrong when we expect more of our athletes than of our Presidents.

Patriotism – Some make a big deal out of our athletes not being politically active enough at times – Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan come to mind – but when they are, some deride them for it. I think it would serve us well to remember that patriotism comes from being a part of humanity rather than tearing apart humanity. Saying “God Bless America” at a convention or singing the Star Spangled Banner at a sporting event and not giving a s-t about a song mean very little at the end of the day. What I am interested in is an individual’s character, values, and practices. I’d be much more concerned if Howard said he didn’t give a s-t about one of his fellow teammates than I am concerned that he could care less about the anthem. This is why this piece is directed toward those whom condemn him and the values behind the song rather than those, such as Howard, whom dismiss the song itself. Josh Howard is a Dallas ‘Maverick’ by trade and has, perhaps, proven to be a maverick in practice as a dissenter. Others claim to be mavericks, but then bless America so as not to dissent.