Howard has been spoofed, becoming a Knick and even going to the WNBA but the circus is in town with the Lakers.
The Dwight Howard Sweepstakes is officially underway…at least in the minds of the Orlando media according Howard himself, who is blaming the Orlando Sentinel for propagating an anticipated Howard free agent departure from the Magic in 2012.
Howard responded on his Twitter account yesterday to an online app that the Orlando Sentinel has posted displaying Orlando’s big man in all types of NBA jerseys with the following statement: “Y does it seem like the writers of Orlando sentinel are tryna push me out of Orlando with dumb articles. It’s annoying. Can I enjoy my summer and get ready for next season in Orlando. Pls. Same thing u guys did to Shaq. Smh”
Howard went on to say he wasn’t blaming the media (really??), that he just wants the dumb articles to stop. Orlando’s big man thinks the media is creating the impression he wants out of Orlando and that it has led to folks all around the area pleading with Howard to stay. Howard mentions that he can’t go anyplace in Orlando without people begging him to re-sign with the Magic. He even joked about it saying his dog spoke the other day and even the canine begged him to stay.
Dwight’s a fun-loving guy and loves to joke around but it has become increasingly clear that his impending free agency situation has him on edge. After having witnessed LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony’s free agent-circus, anyone can see why. And with the Lakers eyeing Dwight after having gone belly-up in this year’s playoffs, the intensity level will inevitably increase on speculation of Howard’s free agent plans.
But if you truly look at the Sentinel’s little prank with Howard it was anything but an attempt to force him out. It appears to be just the opposite. The article seems to be trying to coerce Howard into staying with the Magic.
Howard says he loves the city of Orlando and looks forward to playing there next season. I believe him when he says that. But what I really think he’s annoyed by is having to decide his future with so many people trying to decide it for him. Next season will be a difficult one for Dwight if he doesn’t accept the fact that speculation and innuendo comes with the free agent landscape in today’s professional sports.
Deal with it, Dwight. It’s not going anywhere until if and when you are.
SOURCE: ORLANDO SENTINEL.COM
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