Dwight Howard made quite a few headlines during his NBA career. But sometimes it was for the wrong reasons. After his NBA career, he played in the international league for the Taoyuan Leopards. His stint in the league was impeccable until the infamous ‘big fight’ occurred. Despite his selfless efforts to defuse the situation, Howard, along with 11 other players, got ejected from the game.

In the latest episode of Above the Rim, Howard reflected on the massive fight that erupted in the T1 league. During a game against the TaiwanBeer HeroBears, a brawl broke out between Howard’s teammate Chen Hsiao-Jung, and their opponent team’s player Chiang Yu-an. Jung elbowed Yu-an in the face, which was followed by both the players getting into a fistfight. 

Soon, players from both benches, coaches, assistant coaches, and even the GM became involved. During the show, Howard pointed out how his teammate was throwing punches at the opponent team’s GM. “He ain’t playing no games. He’s swinging at the coach and everything. That’s the other team, GM. Yeah, my team was going, they were ready for war” Howard said pointing at the player. 

“I tried to stop the brawl. Oh, man, I tried,” Howard said. Despite his efforts to separate the fighting players, Howard was ejected along with six of his teammates and five players from the HeroBears. The officials were probably not happy with the NBA star stepping out of his game.

Dwight Howard was upset over the 65% pay cut

Soon, HeroBears’ assistant coach Lin Chieh-ho was also seen punching a player. It took a while for the officials to resolve the clash. The game was delayed for 20 minutes. As usual, Howard had impressive stats. He scored 28 points and 14 rebounds before the brawl. The Leopards ultimately won the game 120-108. After Leopards, Howard joined the Taiwan Mustangs.

Howard has been quite vocal on social media about his desire to return to the NBA. Despite rumors linking him to the Golden State Warriors, he did not get the opportunity. Last year, things took a turn for the worse when the Leopards asked Dwight Howard to accept a 65% pay cut in salary.

He was quite upset by the idea, feeling that the deal was “disrespectful.” Offers are typically made based on various factors, including the number of games a player has participated in. The former Orlando Magic player missed about one-third of the season. With the Mustangs, Howard has another chance to show his dominance. Quinn Cook and DeMarcus Cousins are also part of the new team. Even if it’s not the NBA, Howard is making an impact.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.