In the back-and-forth, will-he-stay-or-won’t-he soap opera surrounding Dwight Howard, the Magic’s superstar center has apparently flip-flopped once again, this time telling TMZ that he isn’t a quitter and that he’s been in regular contact during the playoffs with Stan Van Gundy, the man whom he allegedly wants fired.
A TMZ camera caught Howard in Beverly Hills, where he’s been rehabbing his back, and Howard used the impromptu chat to address some of the things being reported in the media, such as his seemingly precarious relationship with Van Gundy.
“I’ve been talking to the guys after each and every game, supporting them, telling them what they need to do,” Howard said. “Me and Stan have talked a bunch of times since the playoffs have started.”
It’s been reported that Howard doesn’t want to play under Van Gundy any longer. That report came after the infamous ordeal when Howard denied to reporters he wanted Van Gundy canned, just moments after Van Gundy himself said it was true.
“I’ve never been a quitter my whole life,” Howard added. “I’ve played with many injuries. This is just one I can’t play through. I would never quit on my team. I would never quit on my fans, on anybody, my coach or whoever it is. I’ve never been a quitter. Just people saying that, it hurts. But I understand I’m not able to talk and tell my side, so people are going to talk and make up stories.”
So, to recap: Howard reportedly wanted Van Gundy gone, then he hilariously denied it even while Van Gundy confirmed it, then it was reported Howard still doesn’t want to play for him. Now, Howard tries to refute that claim by saying the two are speaking regularly. On top of all that, Stephen A. Smith has reported that Howard, despite waiving his early termination option, hopes again the Magic can trade him this summer.
We’ve been saying we believe Howard has wanted out all along and any denials he’s publicly made are just his way of saving face. The entire situation is completely maddening to follow. If you want to drive your head through a wall now, we don’t blame you.
Photo credit: Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE
