OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Dwight Howard is surprised and disappointed that he’s being labeled a cheater.
The NBA is reviewing the Rockets center’s use of a sticky substance on his hands during Houston’s loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Atlanta’s Paul Millsap complained about the ball while shooting free throws with 3:36 remaining in the first quarter. Howard had made a layup before Millsap’s free throws.
Howard said Monday that he doesn’t understand what all the fuss is about.
“I just think that it’s getting overblown, like I’m doing something crazy,” he said. “But again, I’ve never been a cheater, never been the type of player that has to do something illegal to win. It’s upsetting, but I can’t control it now.”
After the incident, referees gave warnings to each bench and then approached the scorer’s table, where they were directed to a can covered with white tape. The can was removed, and one of the officials told the scorer to alert him if it was seen again.