Wow Sir,
I never got that impression from Howard. I was young though. My memories of him come from Ali-Cosell. (I loved the chemistry they had.) Later in the movie about Ali it was stated Cosell tipped off Ali about bad things the government was trying, to get Ali in some trouble when he objected to being drafted. (Not sure if the movie was accurate or not but I gained a respect for Cosell just out of that hoping it was true.)
One thing, I ALWAY liked Muhammad Ali... (He fought being drafted and serving but unlike Bill Clinton, he NEVER ran.) Had a good chance to meet him after he retired. I was young and may have been just before I entered the Army but it was not so important to me then... A serious regret. (I was introverted a lot back then though and stayed away from any spotlight(s).) Met Robin once (Burt Ward) when I was no more than about ten and rather than meet him, he was at a publicity event. (I hunkered down in the back of my Dad's car while he tried reaching in to shake my hand.) I was a Batman and Robin junky then too....and he was in costume. (Funny the things you remember.. That came up a lot through the years about meeting Burt.) Oh well... I am thankful... I sure lost my bashfulness though....