A Lesson Not Yet Learned

I already adored Rick Carlisle as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, but listening to him this afternoon on Galloway & Company on ESPN 103.3 FM, I gained a new level of respect for him as a human being. When asked about recent allegations that Josh Howard sat out the game on January 20 due to an extreme hangover, Carlisle responded by saying that anytime a player tells him he is injured, he believes that player. He mentioned how he had actually seen Josh Howard laid out and connected to IVs while being examined by the Wizards’ team doctor and he had no doubts that Josh was sick. Carlisle then went on to compliment Howard, noting how he had played hurt through much of last season and had undergone two surgeries in one day, one to rebuild his ankle and one to remove a foreign body that had been lodged in his wrist. Coach Carlisle wondered how, even after all that, people were still questioning Howard's toughness.

Upon learning the Butler-Howard trade had been completed, Coach Carlisle tried to call Howard, but when he got no answer, he simply texted Josh instead, thanking him for his years of hard work and dedication to the franchise and wishing him well, not only in Washington but the foreseeable future. Carlisle wrapped up the discussion of Josh Howard by suggesting that people choose to focus on the positive aspects of his time here and wish him well, adding, "That's what I'm doing."

Unlike Josh Howard, Coach Carlisle chose the road so often not taken, the high road, and left the past to be. Apparently, Josh could still stand to learn that lesson from his former coach.