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Whether it's damage control, a healing process or simply doing the right thing, Josh Howard took Step 1 Monday, calling himself an "idiot" for his videotaped disparagement of the national anthem.

I know that's not me," he said. "I love this country. If it wasn't for this country, I wouldn't be out here playing basketball. For me to have that opportunity is the greatest.

"That's not me. That's not Josh Howard. That was an idiot."

Howard was speaking to media members for the first time since his July rant at a charity event. When "The Star-Spangled Banner" was playing, he said that he doesn't celebrate the song because he's black. The video eventually made it onto YouTube.

On the eve of training camp, he said he wished he could retract those words, and that he looks forward to being able to show fans who have clamored for the Mavericks to get rid of him that he is not a bad guy.

"I apologize to everybody I've offended," the 6-7 forward said. "I'm upset with myself and the way I've acted. It was just me joking around. I just wasn't using my head. I learned that words really do hurt and you are held accountable for what you said.

"I went to military school. I have friends that serve in the military. I know how it is to wake up and salute the flag. In the national anthem every game, I have my hand over my heart. It was just me not thinking."

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JES12 wrote:J-Ho...let this be a lesson....

1 mistake gets 5+ threads of attention and lots of negative media. An appology and trying to get out of what you said has been sitting around a couple of days and noone cares.

mffl_14 wrote:

JES12 wrote:J-Ho...let this be a lesson....

Each mistake gets 5+ threads of attention and lots of negative media. An appology and trying to get out of what you said has been sitting around a couple of days and noone cares.

Empty apologies to do some public relations spinning doesn't mean crap. I hope he is sincere but 1 mistake ? Please give me a break the guy has been screwing up consistently since the playoffs with either his play or mostly his mouth. Josh go out there and perform, quit acting like and "idiot" and then people will care !

Good vibrations: Dallas Mavericks' Howard gets warm reception

Josh Howard received a mostly positive reception from fans at American Airlines Center on Tuesday night.

From his coach, it was nothing short of rave reviews and unbridled optimism.

Howard took the first step toward putting his controversial summer behind him, getting mostly cheers mixed with scattered boos when he was introduced in the Mavericks' starting lineup.

He's the person whose tough summer was capped by his disparaging comments about the national anthem that were caught on tape.

The small forward has moved on and, based on reaction of the home fans, so have most of them. The bigger test probably will come at road games.

"I'm here to play basketball," said Howard after the Mavericks' 108-82 victory over Washington in the preseason opener. "I think I can take a page out of Steve Nash's book and just try to win one fan at a time."

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