What a guy, that Dwight Howard. He is in fine shape to travel to Los Angeles and attend Dodgers games, but the Orlando Magic center is unable to attend his own basketball camp.
For kids, we might add.
Howard, who is recovering from surgery on a herniated disk in his lower back, sent an email to campers at his annual youth basketball day camp informing them that he would remain in California to rehabilitate his back, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
The camp was originally scheduled for July 1-2 at the University of Central Florida, but was rescheduled for Aug. 13-14 at a different site. Now Howard, who has requested that the Magic trade him, will not make an appearance at all.
Again, we emphasize, at his own camp.
For kids.
Whose families paid $199 for token instruction for two measly days because they were promised an appearance by the camp's namesake.
Where he could roll in on a wheelchair, if his back really is in such bad shape, say a few encouraging words to the aspiring players and sign a few autographs.
Instead, Howard will just kick it in Southern California, while rookie Andrew Nicholson takes Howard's place at Howard's camp, doing the things Howard should be doing.
Have a question for Ben Watanabe? Send it to him via Twitter at @BenjeeBallgame or send it here.
