That was a stupid move on Howard's part. Literally, there's nothing to be gained there in terms of the game and it's doesn't do anything but make a lot of people question who he is as a person. He's got a good reputation among his peers right now.
All that said, stay your ass on the side of the court you're supposed to be on and don't get upset when another coach tells you to do so. The last thing he should be upset with is being told that.
It's a tell that he didn't really get "bowed up" until he had someone holding him back. It's my opinion saying "I was raised in Chicago" in an attempt to justify a violent outburst? That's certainly a side of Chicago that is known for temperance.