Report: Howard won't play for Van Gundy

[swi7ch]

Magic (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=orl) center Dwight Howard (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2384/dwight-howard) has called team owner Rich DeVos to tell him that he won't play for coach Stan Van Gundy anymore, WKMG in Orlando is reporting.


Howard missed his sixth straight game with a back injury Wednesday against the Celtics, and Van Gundy has already said that he is preparing for his big man to miss the rest of the season and the playoffs.


Howard is still upset that Van Gundy publicly said this month that Howard asked management to have him fired, sources told WKMG. According to the report, the 86-year-old DeVos took Howard's call in his suite at the Amway Center sometime during Friday's game against the Hawks.


Uncertainty has dogged the Magic for quite some time. Howard asked management for a trade in the preseason, but after months of speculation he signed a waiver of the opt-out clause in his contract, meaning that he would remain under contract to Orlando at least through next season.

[caliman]

What a bitch. This dude has surpassed LeBron in terms of being a straight up douche, and I didn't think that ws possible after the summer of 2011.

[InspiredLebowski]

During a game? Really Dwight?

Whatever, good deal. Plenty of rest for the Pacers after they sweep the Magic.

[AirTupac]

What a bitch. This dude has surpassed LeBron in terms of being a straight up douche, and I didn't think that ws possible after the summer of 2011.

Didn't think it was possible, but I agree with that statement. Dwight has just become plain annoying now. Would love to see his ass shipped to the bobcats.

[Clocian-IGN]

I don't side with what dwight did this year but we gonna act like dwight doesn't have a legit back injury. more than likely a false report to make dwight look even worse.

[Soundwave]

Stan should've been fired the moment he made those comments public.

End ... of ... story.

The Magic organization is at fault for letting this drag on like this and this is not at all unpredictable. Coach publicly throws the franchise player under the bus and the organization just sits there and does nothing.

Dwight's a b*tch sure, but you can't as a coach go running around airing the franchise's dirty laundry in public.

[ShaqAttack3234]

Howard is acting like such an idiot. He should've kept his mouth shut, played out the season and signed wherever he wanted, while at least seeing what this team could do. At the very least this could've been a better team than the '11 Magic with Anderson's improvement.

I have no idea what his problem is with Van Gundy either, but I don't agree that superstars should be able to get away with asking their coaches to be fired.

And in my opinion, Van Gundy has done a fine job as the coach. Otis Smith is the one who has done a poor job and deserves to be fired if anyone does.

I don't get why Howard agreed to stay another year, if he has such a problem with Van Gundy and wanted out, he should've just opted out instead of this public trade demand nonsense.

Van Gundy was unprofessional making the comments public, but Howard has been even worse.

It's a shame because he's a phenomenal player, but I've lost a lot of respect for him, and whatever he's trying to accomplish with his childish actions, he's failing at it.

[It's A VC3!!!]

Orlando's management sucks. Why spill the beans on Dwight wanting Stan fired. It was meant to be a private conversation. That's a lack of trust and intelligence. Also why threaten Dwight just for him to stay. I feel like a broken record. That management sucks. Starting with Otis Smith. Enjoy the victory Indiana.:applause: When was the last time the Pacers advanced past the first round? 15 years ago.

And Howard was put in a terrible situation confronted by reporters asking him why he wants SVG fired. He even asked reporters who spilled the beans. Again the management is terrible. Otis Smith is the moron.

[R.I.P.]

The Lakers really dodged a bullet with Howard. Not only is Bynum playing better currently, he also appears to be healthier, more mature and mentally stable than Howard. :roll:

[wang4three]

It's sad how Dwight's penchant to be love is the exact thing that is destroying his reputation.

[InspiredLebowski]

If it wouldn't destroy his chances at another job I'd love for SVG to just go nuclear. The way the guy's been jerked around in the NBA I feel bad for him. Just go on some Orlando radio show and air all the dirty laundry, put it all out there.

[Whoah10115]

When was the last time the Pacers advanced past the first round? 15 years ago.





8.

[Sarcastic]

If I were Dwight, I wouldn't play for SVG either. He stabbed Dwight in the back in public.

[mentallooser]

Orlando's management sucks. Why spill the beans on Dwight wanting Stan fired. It was meant to be a private conversation. That's a lack of trust and intelligence. Also why threaten Dwight just for him to stay. I feel like a broken record. That management sucks. Starting with Otis Smith. Enjoy the victory Indiana.:applause: When was the last time the Pacers advanced past the first round? 15 years ago.

And Howard was put in a terrible situation confronted by reporters asking him why he wants SVG fired. He even asked reporters who spilled the beans. Again the management is terrible. Otis Smith is the moron.
Wellll it wasn't 15 years ago, but it has been a long time. I'll enjoy moving on to the second round. Hopefully the scrappiness we've got can get us even further.

[Nanners]

Howard is acting like such an idiot. He should've kept his mouth shut, played out the season and signed wherever he wanted, while at least seeing what this team could do. At the very least this could've been a better team than the '11 Magic with Anderson's improvement.

I have no idea what his problem is with Van Gundy either, but I don't agree that superstars should be able to get away with asking their coaches to be fired.

And in my opinion, Van Gundy has done a fine job as the coach. Otis Smith is the one who has done a poor job and deserves to be fired if anyone does.

I don't get why Howard agreed to stay another year, if he has such a problem with Van Gundy and wanted out, he should've just opted out instead of this public trade demand nonsense.

Van Gundy was unprofessional making the comments public, but Howard has been even worse.

It's a shame because he's a phenomenal player, but I've lost a lot of respect for him, and whatever he's trying to accomplish with his childish actions, he's failing at it.


I almost always agree with you, i dunno about this time. I think it is pretty ironic that Howard starts missing games with a back injury right after his team stabs him in the back. For some reason this is how I imagine that things went down:

Management was absolutely desperate to make Howard stay, they probably told him "look we will do literally anything you want for you to stay, you name it." Howard must have responded "Ok i will stay another year but I want a new coach." and somehow that gets translated into "Dwight wants SVG fired." If the organization says they will bend over backward for you to stay there, they shouldnt hang you out to dry when you tell them you want a new coach. I agree that Van Gundy has done a fine job as a coach, but Howard has the right to ask for a new one if management told him they would do anything to keep him in Orlando.

[ShaqAttack3234]

When was the last time the Pacers advanced past the first round? 15 years ago.

No, they were a legit title contender in '04 winning 61 games and losing to Detroit in the ECF. They also won 56 games and got to the finals in '00, which was the 3rd consecutive year they at least made the conference finals, and they won 58 games during the first of those seasons. And they last got out of the first round in '05.

They've fallen off, but their history hasn't been bad, especially not their recent history. They got to the playoffs last season, and every season from '98-'06, as well as 2 consecutive conference finals before that in '94 and '95.


The Lakers really dodged a bullet with Howard. Not only is Bynum playing better currently, he also appears to be healthier, more mature and mentally stable than Howard. :roll:

In fairness, if Dwight was on the Lakers, I doubt these things would be an issue, and Bynum hasn't exactly been the most mature guy, either.


If I were Dwight, I wouldn't play for SVG either. He stabbed Dwight in the back in public.

Dwight stabbed Van Gundy in the back worse by asking for him to be fired. I don't view Van Gundy's actions as wrong because they made Howard look bad. Especially since he wasn't saying anything that wasn't true. If Dwight looks bad because of something he was doing then he has only himself to blame.

Van Gundy's actions were wrong because they really hurt the team he's hired by, but he certainly didn't owe Dwight anything.

[ballup]

Wouldn't be surprised if this is true. It's been reported that Hess two have had friction for quite some time. Is Howard now considered a black hole?

[Sarcastic]

Dwight stabbed Van Gundy in the back worse by asking for him to be fired. I don't view Van Gundy's actions as wrong because they made Howard look bad. Especially since he wasn't saying anything that wasn't true. If Dwight looks bad because of something he was doing then he has only himself to blame.

Van Gundy's actions were wrong because they really hurt the team he's hired by, but he certainly didn't owe Dwight anything.

Otis Smith refuted that and said Dwight never asked for that. Anyway, he is supposed to be the coach, and be the leader. He should be above making the drama public.

[ShaqAttack3234]

Otis Smith refuted that and said Dwight never asked for that. Anyway, he is supposed to be the coach, and be the leader. He should be above making the drama public.

I said already that Van Gundy was wrong, just not for anything he did to Howard, but because his comments really hurt the team.

If Howard didn't ask for Van Gundy to be fired, then I'd agree. But it seems like Howard did, I mean he pretty much admitted that in the interview with Hannah Storm, but said it wasn't his current stance. I'm not sure how much I believe that, either, but regardless, asking for Van Gundy to be fired at any time is wrong.

And I'm a fan of Dwight because of his game, and always defend him when I see ignorant comments about his game, but I simply can't defend his actions throughout this season.

[2LeTTeRS]

So we're supposed to believe that Dwight told the owner and only the owner he won't play anymore because he has a beef with the coach, and then even though the owner knows that leaking this story to the press will kill any trade value his star has he (or someone near him) floated this story to the press anyway? Makes no sense.

[pegasus]

Just to be clear, he meant Jeff Van Gundy. Evidently he doesn't want his coach to be funnier than he is.

http://i.usatoday.net/communitymanager/_photos/game-on/2011/04/01/jeffvangundyx-inset-community.jpg

[get these NETS]

sports "journalism"..


where you can say anything and credit it to an anonymous source

[Tmuston Beltics]

Hmm, I'm not sure, but I think Howard has no credibility whatsoever after all that he has said. I don't know how big of an impact this will have on his career, but he certainly could have done better.

[Kurosawa0]

The Magic shouldn't fire Van Gundy. They should trade Dwight as soon as the season ends.

[ralph_i_el]

I want to see Dwight traded somewhere he'll hate in the offseason just to spite him. Like Milwaukee or Toronto

[Warners0]

I don't understand how this is news. Isn't this what Stan said a few weeks ago.

[Rake2204]

I do not have an issue with Van Gundy disclosing what he'd heard confirmed to be true. If it was just a rumor Howard wanted Van Gundy fired, I suppose it'd be proper to withhold public comment. However, if what Van Gundy heard was confirmed to be true by someone that'd know (management) then I have no issue with Van Gundy admitting publicly he'd heard such comment.

The truth is, if a higher-up admitted a co-worker of mine wanted me fired, I don't think there's anyway I should be the one at fault for disclosing such matters. To imagine a co-worker getting salty with me because they requested my removal behind my back and I said something about it is somewhat bizarre.

Then again, this is the NBA, where no coach holds any weight, ever, no matter what. I wonder if the tables will ever turn again, bringing the idea of two-way street respect between players and coaches back into the picture.

[Scholar]

sports "journalism"..


where you can say anything and credit it to an anonymous source

This.

[Shepseskaf]

This mess is all on Orlando's ownership, not management. The owners made the ill-advised decision to hold on to DHo, when he clearly wanted out. Had they made the best available trade early in the process, all of this would have been avoided.

Now, they've sold their souls, ruined the organizations reputation, and will end up losing Dwight anyway.

SVG should have been fired the day after he made his "comments" publicly.

[2LeTTeRS]

sports "journalism"..


where you can say anything and credit it to an anonymous source

Completely agree.

Who knew in the supposed "information age" journalism would be reduced to this, and even sadder who would believe that fans would actually be dumb enough to accept this bull.

[bagelred]

Dwight Howard vs. Stan Van Gundy

Extreme Rules

April 29,2012

Special Guest Referee: Shaquille O'Neal



Jim Ross "My god!!!!!!.......What in holy hell is happening??!!!!........."

[boozehound]

What a bitch. This dude has surpassed LeBron in terms of being a straight up douche, and I didn't think that ws possible after the summer of 2011.
yep, dude is a total pantywaist nancyboy

[boozehound]

When was the last time the Pacers advanced past the first round? 15 years ago.

pretty sure it was 04 or possibly 05. definitely made the conference finals (and played hard) against the pistons in 04.

[Killbot]

Until there are multiple articles from respectable sources about this, it's merely speculation. ESPN is not enough...

[2LeTTeRS]

I do not have an issue with Van Gundy disclosing what he'd heard confirmed to be true.

Your missing the point. Whether you have a problem with Van Gundy said on a personal level doesn't matter, he broke the biggest rule of professionalism for a coach -- he hurt the reputation of his franchise.

SVG is an employee of the Orlando Magic and his comments shed a horrible light on his employer, and for that he should be punished.

[ProfessorMurder]

The Lakers really dodged a bullet with Howard. Not only is Bynum playing better currently, he also appears to be healthier, more mature and mentally stable than Howard. :roll:

'Bynum' and 'mature' in the same sentence?

[Bigsmoke]

why didn't he just keep his mouth shut and just join the Bulls over the off-season?

[TheBluest]

lol @ Howard calling an 86yr old man during a game to talk about the coaching situation when supposedly his back is killing him.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

'Bynum' and 'mature' in the same sentence?

They're both overgrown babies, but I'd take Bynum over Howard; at least he doesn't beat around the bush.

[2LeTTeRS]

lol @ Howard calling an 86yr old man during a game to talk about the coaching situation when supposedly his back is killing him.

So having pain in a persons back is now supposed to interfere with the ability to talk? This makes no sense.

[TheBluest]

This reminds me when during the month of December about 4yrs ago I SAY UGH told Starbury to go home while about to play a team on the road so he decides to board a plane to fly back to New York and then a month later decided on his own to get exploratory surgery on his ankle so he couldn't be traded and not play for the rest of the season.


Those 2 were never the same after the incident.

[2LeTTeRS]

Until there are multiple articles from respectable sources about this, it's merely speculation. ESPN is not enough...

ESPN is actually saying this story isn't true >>> http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7832334/report-orlando-magic-dwight-howard-says-play-stan-van-gundy.


But multiple league sources directly affiliated with the Magic and Howard disputed the Orlando television report to ESPN.com's Michael Wallace.


According to the report, the 86-year-old DeVos took Howard's call in his suite at Amway Center sometime during the Magic's 109-81 loss April 13 against the Atlanta Hawks.

Two sources told ESPN.com, though, that Howard did not reach out to DeVos in such a fashion.

Howard's relationship with Van Gundy has been strained for months, but sources indicate that Howard will be re-evaluated next week by team doctors to determine his playoff availability. Howard's recovery from the injury, more so than any difficulty with Van Gundy, will factor into whether Howard is able to return to the court this season, sources told ESPN.

[Killbot]

ESPN is actually saying this story isn't true >>> http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7832334/report-orlando-magic-dwight-howard-says-play-stan-van-gundy.

Oops. My bad. Point still stands on needing multiple sources though.

[jbryan1984]

Wow, this mess is starting to make the 2010 Cavs look like they were all best buds. I think they all need to go. Stan, Otis, Dwight. Its just going to have to be one of those things where you remove the entire cancer.

[heavensdevil]

Dwights a beotch, feel bad for Magic fans.

[TheBluest]

So having pain in a persons back is now supposed to interfere with the ability to talk? This makes no sense.

There are better and more appropriate times to discuss such matters.

Not to mention there were reports he was supposed to be with the team on the bench during the game, but since he's in Mutiny Mode he made his stay at the hotel. Maybe if he showed up like most teammates do when they're injured yet supportive of the team he could of had discussions with Mr. Devoss at the game or better yet ask him to come to the hotel he's staying at prior to or after the game to have or more formal heart heart.

What this shows is Article LLXVI, Exhibit Z, Volume 82 of his immaturity and selfishness rearing it's ugly head again. This dude is emotionally unstable and nothing more than an immature Lebron James<--------which is an oxymoron if there ever was one.

He has zero ounce of professionalism 27yr old toddler he is.

[The_Yearning]

If I were Dwight, I wouldn't play for SVG either. He stabbed Dwight in the back in public.

Actually, he stabbed him straight to his face... which is why bitchmade Howard is so butthurt.

[senelcoolidge]

Howard is such a crybaby. I hope he misses next season too..with a real injury. I don't wish him to die or anything like that, but when someone acts so foolishly he needs some humbling. You are a grown man. Even if you don't like your coach, be a professional and play. This is so stupid.

[Harison]

SVG is a decent coach, but I would understand if superstar would say he doesnt want to play with such coach, if Dwight stays in Orlando.

But if Dwight leaves next year, why the demand of firing coach? Its like "I'm leaving tomorrow, fire coach today".

So either Dwight stays in Orlando after next season, or he is even more immature than Lebron.

[TheBluest]

It's funny how D-12 can stab Jameer in the back and railroad him but when the tables are turned he wants to wash his hands clean of sin while acting as if everyone else is trolling him.

[spiegel]

The more they pander and cater to this big babies demand, the less trade value he has. His trade value is dropping by the day so by the time they wise up and decide to get rid off him, they will get nowhere the equal value in return.The Magic are just as weak and immature as he is.

[TheBluest]

The more they pander and cater to this big babies demand, the less trade value he has. The Magic are just as weak and immature as he is.


They absolutely didn't handle this situation correctly

[spiegel]

Otis tried the weak approach and it will cost the franchise in the long run.

[Pointguard]

So if the assistant coach takes over Dwight's back gets spontaneous healing. Superman turns Wolverine as long a Stan Van Kryptonite isn't in his way. This is bizarre.

[D.J.]

Neither of them are innocent, but two things look apparent: 1)SVG is out as coach regardless of how far they go and 2)Dwight is gone regardless. The Pacers must be licking their lips right now. They gotta be loving every minute of this.

[Sarcastic]

Actually, he stabbed him straight to his face... which is why bitchmade Howard is so butthurt.

Nah Howard wasn't there when he made the comment. As soon as Howard came over, Stan went to get another diet Pepsi.

[BGriffin's Dad]

saw this on tumblr :lol

http://i.imgur.com/Oy7cV.jpg

[TheBluest]

Nah Howard wasn't there when he made the comment. As soon as Howard came over, Stan went to get another diet Pepsi.


lol @ "went to get another diet Pepsi"....

:roll: :roll: :roll:

D-12 got served he tried to holla for Jameer and somehow Jameer never made it over there, can only imagine what he was thinking with Gerber Howard called out to him. Then Gerber Howard proceeds to put his arm around Stan as if Stan was his boi and Stan gave him the Durant at the free throw line shoulder shrug and got to stepping ready to insert 2 dollar bills in the machine for a Diet Pepsi

[TheMan]

So glad Howard didn't want to go to Chicago, he'd be a cancer in that clubhouse. Diva ass bitch will never lead a team to a title

[Jameerthefear]

Stan and Dwight have always fought like this. Dwight saying he doesn't get the ball enough and Stan not liking big egos like Dwight. Hopefully this isn't true because his agent said it wasn't. We'll see though.

[Mach_3]

Completely agree.

Who knew in the supposed "information age" journalism would be reduced to this, and even sadder who would believe that fans would actually be dumb enough to accept this bull.


I agree, and in my experience NBA fans (which pains me to say) are the dumbest sports fans in general. :(

[LABean]

saw this on tumblr :lol

http://i.imgur.com/Oy7cV.jpg

:lol :lol :lol :lol

[boojitede]

always hated howard. he is fake and forced clown who thinks he is funny but not. immature, despicable human being

[coin24]

Never been a fan of Dwight either.. Overrated as fu*k...

Congrats on making a bigger ass of himself than Lebron did. Cant believe he pulled that shit with trade demands, fire the coach etc then opting to stay.:facepalm Hes like a 5 year old that cant make his mind up.

If Otis wasnt such an incompetent moron he would ship Dwight out this offseason...


I used to think maybe it was SVG, but obviously dwight is just a diva

[maybeshewill13]

Oh man, Howard is a train wreck.. :facepalm

[Troutfisch]

http://mt.nesn.com/.a/6a0115709f071f970b0162fd95a65a970d-450wi

Boys, don't hate me because I'm high maintenance...

[Godzuki]

how can you just make an ultimatum like that as a player? is it in the contract Dwight can opt to not play for a coach he doesn't like? this is ridiculous. only NBA players are this spoiled and bratty.

Odom gets away with not feeling like playing and gets paid almost $9 mill to stay home and now this fool :facepalm

[PP34Deuce]

I think dwight is approaching the pressure we put on Lebron and Carmelo....

You're young enough to deal with drama, but your leash is getting shorter.

I do think he needs to refine his game a lil more offensively.. He will always be able to rebound, but offensively... needs a reliable hook shot, and turn around. also needs to hit the 17 foot shot.

[Eat Like A Bosh]

saw this on tumblr :lol

http://i.imgur.com/Oy7cV.jpg
:oldlol: True. That's what I would do if I were the Magic GM. Too bad he doesn't have the balls.

[Whoah10115]

I agree, and in my experience NBA fans (which pains me to say) are the dumbest sports fans in general. :(



Premier League fans contribute their fair share.

[JustinJDW]

The report turned out to be false people.

Either way, I feel sorry for Van Gundy. Should he have leaked the news out to the press? No. Does he deserved to get fired? Hell no. He's a good coach. Guys like Dwight and Colts owner Jim Irsay get to talk and tweet all they want, but when the Coach says something that's actually true, he gets condemned for it? He shouldn't have said it of course, because it will only cause the media to go crazy, but in no way, shape or form does it warrant a firing.

Besides, sports and the NBA is the only place this is actually a problem. If the regular workplace setting, if my boss or someone higher up informed me that my co-worker requested that I get fired, how is that co-worker going to give me shit for talking about it with anyone I choose to?

In the end, I sometimes feel like Van Gundy should be given the Coach of the Year award for all the bullshit he's had to deal with. From the media, Dwight and even Stern. Its a shame. He's almost certainly gone no matter what, but he'll get picked up quick. Good coach.

[SpanishACB]

If I were Dwight, I wouldn't play for SVG either. He stabbed Dwight in the back in public.

Yeah, when he was told Dwight wanted to fire him he should have just kept his mouth shut like a man when directly asked about it.

:facepalm

[Punpun]

Yeah, when he was told Dwight wanted to fire him he should have just kept his mouth shut like a man when directly asked about it.

:facepalm

Yeah he could have declined commenting on rumors. :rolleyes: