Well, I’m out of Game 6 tonight in Philly and there’s nothing I can do now but respect the NBA’s decision. I didn’t intend to hurt anyone, but there is a lot more pushing, grabbing and holding and elbowing that goes on down there in the paint than people realize.
It’s going to kill me tonight to not be able to be out there with my teammates for a big game like this. But I have complete faith in them that they can come out and get the job done without me.
When I missed those two games back in December (the first two I had ever missed in my NBA career, I might add), we won in Utah and in Golden State. Our other bigs, like Marcin and Tony, will step up tonight. They can get the job done for us in the middle. They will protect the paint, grab some rebounds and score when they get their chances.
As for me, since I’m not allowed to be at the game, I’ll be watching the game at the hotel. I have a lot of family and friends in town, so we’re going to have a little viewing party. I’m going to hate not being there with my guys, but I will be rooting hard for the team.
I’ll learn from this incident and be a better player because of it. I know that the Philly big men are trying to get into my head and make me do something stupid. I just have to keep my cool and play through it. I’ll learn from this.
Go Magic!!!
Fans: Be sure to check out Dwight on Twitter and Facebook.
Tags: 2009 NBA Playoffs, Dwight Howard Blog, Philadelphia 76ers, Samuel Dalembert
It happens. Just, next time, NOT right under the camera!
Seriously, though, either we close it out tonight or get to bring it home first, Win/Win. Go Magic!
This is something I have had to accept without understanding. I know how much I don’t like it and I can’t even imagine how it must feel for you. Try to enjoy your family and friends . . . and of course, the win by your team mates!
Hey don’t let it get you down, you really learn about yourself and your team when facing situations like this, support your team, try to enjoy the game even though its gonna be tough watching and not playing, Go Orlando! I’d love to see you play here in the Chi when my team beat Boston! Lol!
Dwight you are a human being and we all lose our cool sometimes. I am a diehard Magic fan and I want to win this game as mych as the next person but I am not mad at you at all for not being able to play. You are one of the main reasons we are where we are. I also have complete confidence that the other guys will end the series tonight. If they don’t, I know you will come out ready to lead in game 7. Best of luck Dwight and God bless.
Considering that I use to hoop in HS, I TOTALLY understand why you did what you did. When you are passionate about the sport and some lame is consistently elbowing you or “hustling” by pushing you, it starts to get to you. Just “wusah” next time ok? lol Have a blessed one.
♥ Alanise
[Follow me on twitter: Alanise =P lol ]
It usually takes two to tango in this case it took 5 against one pushing and hacking. Then Philly crying to the league cause they know there done. Don’t sweat it player. Theres only so long any man can take the type of abuse you do down there before reacting. Your the man and Orlando believes in you, and Magic!
I cant believe you even deny that it wasnt intentional. You should be brought up on assault charges after that horrible incedent. You bring shame to the game after you grabbed his arm and elbowed him in the head, and then play it off, chaulking it up to playing hard in the paint. Its on video, your being photographed and video taped the whole game and you have the nerve to lie to your fans and the public. I mean I understand why your lying, its not like you can admit your thuggish ways, the media would have you on a stake. I used to be a fan…. used to be. You should be suspended for the rest of playoffs.
How in the world can anyone that watched the game be this blind. You have something to protect so I get it. But why are these people even saying anything? You didnt even have the ball, your elbows had no reason to even be that high.. C’mon… Some of the professionals that you work with didnt choose to be dare I say, “role models” but you have put your face out there, you have chosen the spot light and now its on you. Look at what most of your fans are saying on here. Look at what kind of image your puting out there.. your promoting violence and teaching people how to not take responsibility for their actions. Being a professional and playing a professional sport are two different things apparently. Im sure the battle is fierce down low. I have been watching, but this isnt war or the streets. Even if this guy is hacking and pushing you.. I mean honestly who is this guy? no disrespect to Sam Dalembert..But everone knows Dwight Howard. It just goes to show that some cliches are meant to be said because even with all that money you will never be able to buy class. Owning up to what you did what be a good start though.
I have to agree with the NBA. Thank G-d there is no instant replay rule or you would have been out that night. It just looks like you hit him on purpose. Even though you may not have meant too. They have to call it as they see it. It’s a fair call.
Dwight, good job! The only reason you’re suspended is because the 76ers complained about it. I saw the replay and seriously all you did was try and turn around to get back down the court, it’s not your fault that Dalembert head was in the way. I know you to be a strong follower of our Lord, Jesus, and know there is no way you had the ‘intent’ to injure. I mean come on are they going to suspend you for injuring C. Lee too?? That would be absurd! You’re a big physical guy who plays hard! Keep up the good work and just brush your shoulders off! You should tell them that if you’re suspended, then they need to suspend Rondo for his foul against the Bulls player, it would only be fair!! Keep strong and remember Philippians 4:13.
I used to play ball, that is a very easy mistake to make. Your playing for your life and you get tunnel vision to the other end of the court. Everyday coach yells,”HUSTLE, HUSTLE, HUSTLE” at practice. When it comes to game time that is instinct, you move as fast as you can to the ball. It would not surprise me if he didn’t even know Sam was there.
(In response to above comment)
Are you serious? Who do you think you are to come to this mans personal blog and spread such venom? Dwight is an exceptional role model, and if his “thuggish” ways were indeed an issue, I highly doubt the NBA would have let him get this far in his career without any suspensions. And buying class, this incident has absolutly nothing to do with money, except for you bringing it up, which proves you are SUCH a hater. What I would suggest for you, before you embarrass yourself any further, would be to do a grammer or spelling check before you post your idiotic, novel-like blogs here! Y-o-u-r, spells your, y-o-u’r-e spells you are, and you used it in the wrong context twice…yea who’s thuggish now…
As for Dwight, please disregard the idiots that find their way here, most people are die hard fans that follow your blog for an inside look. Its a place for you to find support in relishing your fan base. I could say something cliche like trials come to make you strong, but you already know thaat. Just watch the games, enjoy your friends and family, and remember all things work for the good for them that are called…
GTFOHWTBS.
Must be a Lame who sits on the sidelines and WATCHES the game instead of PLAYING it. Until you PUT THE SHOE ON THE OTHER FOOT your opinion and ridicules do not matter.
[now listening to: Anti-Matter by N*E*R*D]
=P
As much as the Magic players and fans would miss your presence on the court during Game 6, just think of it as a great opportunity for Turko to get back on his game. Both Lewis and Turko have been struggling early in the series, and while Lewis turned it around in Game 5, Turko still looks sluggish and slow. Without Dwight and Courtney Lee, Turko would have no choice but to step up!
I have all the faith in other Magic players to pull it off tonight. Let’s go Magic!
i will be praying for the team Dwight! <3
Like everyone’s saying….it’s playoff basketball. From what I can see, you didn’t intentionally hurt anybody. You have been taking that into consideration and I know that your team will pull through tonight! GO TEAM DWIGHT!
DH man! I will miss you tonight, it will NOT be the same, but I think Philly will underestimate the team without you and the guys will pull off the upset. I know that you did not mean wrong, and i know that they are just trying to push your buttons, just keep your head up high and learn from this one. We will be behind you man.
Mel
http://www.twitter.com/meldiaz
dwight I have faith the magic can win tonight, please encourage your teammates to step up….but if this goes to a game 7 please destroy the 76ers and dont let them get into your head and into the refs heads…GOD IS ON YOUR SIDE not with the whiny crazy 76ers
Yo Dwight,
So I think Dalembert’s sister goes to USF and plays ball there. I was thininking of wearing my Dwight Howard Jersey, walking up to her, and elbowing her in the face in order to avenge your suspension. Good idea, or no?
-Bno
This is an ideal chance to rest up, mate. Relax, get behind the team the way all the rest of us will tonight, and if it goes to Game 7… WE WILL KILL THEM.
(Eyeshield 21 reference, before any idiots comment.)
Dwight,
Really sad to not see you play tonight. I thought I saw Samuel Dalembert hit you first. Oh, well. Get the team fired up! Go Magic!!
u run tha show man just keep it up
Dwight, i have faith in magic (:
i’m sure we’ll destroy the 76ers tonight !
be entertained
Dear Dwight,
Everything will work out for the good of the team. As I mentioned on yesturday, this is an opportunity for you to rest and rethink some things, and for the team to step up to the plate. Also, don’t feel bad about what happened, you are only human, and humans make mistakes. Have a wonderful evening with your friends and family. And best recovery wishes to C.Lee. “What don’t kill only makes you stronger”- Peace, Love, and Blessings
Neshia- Atlanta
Being a die hard basketball fan and playing basketball myself I understand it’s alot of things that goes on that the Refs dont see because they are human and dont see everything. So dont sweat it lesson learn move on. I think you are the humblest person in the NBA i dont know how anyone can think negative of you maybe it’s your height that makes them mad but who knows you’re a wonderful player so keep up the good work.
To Mr Magic.
Its funny that you come on here and attack me. This isnt my website and yet you attack me. Its too bad that your so narrow minded that you have to try and attack my spelling over the actual words that were written. Calling me a thug because of my spelling and grammer… please…. and check your own spelling buddy… whos the real hater? You say I brought up money like im talking about his bank account. This doesnt have anything to do with money…. if he had all of it or none. I was talking about class… C L A S S…. you might recognize that last part a little better… You can try and sound more intelligent that you really are but your missing the point and it shows. He assaulted someone and nothing can change that. But he can be a MAN and admit it. Im looking at this from an unbiased point of view….what about you MR Magic? didnt think so… I will continue to leave comments on here untill he admits what he did or im banned from this site. And thanks for given me a reason to come back MR Magic.
Jeff H shut up. he’s 22 years, got shoved and pushed and pulled by Dalembert, lost his temper and threw an elbow.
it happens.
you get angry on the court, caught up in the emotion and do something silly. you don’t intend to hurt people or anything, you just lash out out of frustration, its nothing malicious.
Dwight isn’t a criminal nor is he a bad role model. hes apologised for the incident and has learnt from his mistake.
you’re just over reacting and should get off his back