As sticky controversy swirls, Rockets' Dwight Howard says 'I've never been a cheater'

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OKLAHOMA CITY - Dwight Howard never saw the controversy coming when his use of a spray on his hands was barred in Saturday's game. Days later, he said he is not doing anything different from many NBA players and was not happy to find himself in the middle of another storm of opinion and accusations.

"I just think it's getting overblown, like I'm doing something crazy," Howard said. "I've never been a cheater. I've never been the type of player that has to do something illegal to win. It's upsetting."

RELATED: Dwight Howard called out for using sticky spray

While the NBA continues to weigh any response to the case under review, Howard and Rockets coach J.B. Bickerstaff said they were surprised by the attention it has received. Howard had tried the products that have licensing agreements with the NBA, but said he and other players prefer the spray because it does not leave a residue after it dries.

The Rockets' game in Atlanta was stopped Saturday to replace the ball after Howard checked into the game and left a sticky substance on the ball between Paul Millsap free throws. Official Monty McCutchen ordered both teams not to use the spray.

"I've been using the spray for the last five years," Howard said. "I've never hid the spray. I never did anything to try to hide what I was doing. It was something to make my hands dry. Some players use powder. Some players use other stuff that's put up on the table. I didn't think I was doing anything illegal or trying to gain advantage against my opponent. Some guys use different techniques. Some guys use the stuff we put our feet on, the Slipp-nott stuff."

At HoustonChronicle.com: NBA reviews Howard's use of spray-on sticky substance

Bickerstaff denied a report that he tried to hide the spray can from McCutchen. He and other Rockets officials have been contacted by the NBA about the issue.



Click through the gallery to see some of sports' most infamous cheaters over the years. Rockets center Dwight Howard has bristled at the reaction to his use of a sticky spray in Saturday's loss at Atlanta.

Click through the gallery to see some of sports' most infamous cheaters over the years. Rockets center Dwight Howard has bristled at the reaction to his use of a sticky spray in Saturday's loss at Atlanta. Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Image 1 of / 41 Caption Close As sticky controversy swirls, Rockets' Dwight Howard says 'I've never been a cheater' 1 / 41 Back to Gallery

"Monty and I were laughing as it was happening," Bickerstaff said. "We all knew what it was. The can has been there for three years straight. Every time Dwight goes in the game, it's the same routine. It was no cover-up on my part.

"It's in plain sight for three years. No one has said anything. He hasn't run to the back, to the locker room, and tried to trick anyone. It was never brought to our attention. No one said anything to us about it. You can go back and watch every single one of his games in the past three years and it's there. We were obviously surprised by the attention it has drawn."

Click through the gallery above to see some of sports' infamous cheaters over the years.