Why Josh Howard’s Admission To Using Marijuana Makes Him a Good Role Model | Bleacher Report
Last Friday, Josh Howard of the Dallas Mavericks admitted on Michael Irvin’s radio show to smoking pot during the NBA off-season.

Seconds later, the relevant parties were notified and the story was the top headline on ESPN.com. Mavs owner Mark Cuban said the team would deal with the issue internally. Head coach Avery Johnson expressed that Howard’s comments demonstrated “poor judgement and poor timing.” Sources close to ESPN pointed out that while Howard would most likely not be suspended for his remarks, that he would probably be required to enter into the NBA’s marijuana program—which includes more frequent drug testing and counseling during the off-season.

Josh Howard, meanwhile, went out to play some Friday night hoops in front of a raucous Dallas crowd. With a little help from the refs, the Mavs managed to win their first (and likely only) victory in their series against Chris Paul and the deadly Hornets.

When asked before gametime on Friday why he wanted to discuss marijuana on a sports-radio talk show, Josh Howard said:

“I was raised on being truthful and honest with myself and my family, so I can say it with no problems and go out there and perform to the best of my abilities tonight and not even think about it.”

Josh Howard will now have to undergo the NBA’s drug testing program for his responsible use of marijuana.  I assume Mr. Howard will continue to be allowed to party in strip clubs and drink alcohol to excess, if he so chooses, and this will not affect the numerous pain-killers and anti-inflammatory drugs the team doctors will prescribe to him for the wear and tear an NBA season can inflict on his body.

The putative reason for the anti-marijuana policy is to set a good example for the children, because, of course, marijuana is illegal.  Unless you play for the Sonics, Trail Blazers, Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, Kings, Nuggets, or Raptors, where medical marijuana is legal.  In those states (and Canada), what is the message we’re sending to children?  Medical marijuana is OK, unless you’re an athlete, in which case you need to take pharmaceutical narcotic painkillers instead?

Here’s the real problem with marijuana in the NBA: it sends the message that you can use marijuana and still be a productive sports star.  Not too many sports figures use cocaine or other drugs for very long, because eventually those drugs do have a noticeable effect of performance.  But you can be a spliff-tokin’ NBA baller like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and still make the Hall of Fame.