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Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard has already been warned by the NBA for failing to wear a mask following a tip from the anonymous hotline in the Orlando bubble.
Howard pivoted when asked about the “maskless” incident, instead speaking on the death Breonna Taylor.
But it would seem there is more to Howard's assessment of the pandemic and the medical field at large. He said Sunday he does not believe in vaccinations:
Dwight Howard says he doesn't believe in vaccinations.
"That's my personal opinion, but I don't."
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) July 19, 2020
The Lakers center also addressed the citation he received for failing to wear a mask by firing off some … interesting takes:
Dwight Howard on masks: "I didn't know the coronavirus be flying through the air looking for people." pic.twitter.com/qzyDNd8k9Y
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) July 19, 2020
Dwight Howard: "If I'm alone I don't need to wear a mask."
"It's just like riding around in your car." pic.twitter.com/JIjSN2CeXk
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) July 19, 2020
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year does not appear to acknowledge the potential severity of the issue:
Dwight Howard on masks: “I understand there always has to some kind of controversy somewhere.”
“It’s just some clickbait.” https://t.co/CXPfvtmAhf
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) July 19, 2020
Of course, it seems somewhat unlikely the NBA would have been tipped off had Howard merely been seen without a mask in isolation.
Regardless, there are plenty of Americans who feel similarly to Howard, especially with respect to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and a potential vaccine.
As few as 50 percent of respondents said they would get a COVID-19 vaccine in a recent poll. Then again, there is a difference between being an anti-vaxxer and showing hesitancy over a new vaccine for a highly contagious virus.
In any case, the Lakers big man would probably do well to adhere to the health and safety guidelines. Even if he is skeptical about the virus or its spreading mechanisms, it seems unwise to refrain from wearing a mask simply for personal comfort.
After all, it would be a shame for the NBA to shut down the bubble in the event COVID-19 becomes more prevalent on campus.
