🏈 The legacy of Kobe Bryant

[PurlJam]

Listening to how people describe him. They say he was complicated person and has grown into the person he was.

Isn't that most every person...hopefully

I'm more confused now than complicated.

 

[TerryP]

This is pretty cool. I'll have to look for highlights tomorrow. The Staples Center should be quite a view.

 

[TerryP]

The coverage around this story I've found interesting on a number of levels. The amount I've seen versus other "celebrity deaths?" I'm not sure who it rivals. Billy Graham has been suggested.

It doesn't shock me that a lot of the spotlight has fallen on Lebron. Inevitable, ya know? From what I've seen he's been very respectful while honoring Kobe the last few days. Even with that in mind I find commentary like this a bit condescending.

 

[planomateo]

LOL, lets see, in the last ~6 months he's tried to trademark Taco Tuesday and had a terrible take on China. Dislike away people.

 

[50+yeartidefan]

People are so in to celebrities.....
I feel more for the firefighters in the retardant plane....that crashed helping fire fighting efforts in Australia.... those were the true heros....lots of families effected negatively by that..... a real tragedy.....

 

[rocknthefreeworld]

Lebron seems to be a good family man but probably needs to learn to keep some thing to himself (China and tacos for example).

 

[JoshB]

People are so in to celebrities.....
I feel more for the firefighters in the retardant plane....that crashed helping fire fighting efforts in Australia.... those were the true heros....lots of families effected negatively by that..... a real tragedy.....

This isn't a contest. They can both be tragedies.

 

[BamaFan334]

The coverage around this story I've found interesting on a number of levels. The amount I've seen versus other "celebrity deaths?" I'm not sure who it rivals. Billy Graham has been suggested.

It doesn't shock me that a lot of the spotlight has fallen on Lebron. Inevitable, ya know? From what I've seen he's been very respectful while honoring Kobe the last few days. Even with that in mind I find commentary like this a bit condescending.

Part of me is wondering if he is playing it up due to the spotlight on him. I never knew LeBron and Kobe to be beat buddies or even in a mentor/mentee relationship. Is this solely because LeBron is the King of LA right now as Kobe was so he just has to be distraught from one legend to another?

I also saw where a guy from the Trailblazers said he can't even imagine playing in a game against the Lakers in LA right now because it's still too soon. It all just leaves me shaking my head and wondering if people are playing up to get their 15 seconds of fame on a situation that is already sad, but also a part of life. People die every day. Dads die every day. Kids die every day. Why is this one hurting so much more and deterring people from moving forward in their process?

 

[BamaFan334]

This isn't a contest. They can both be tragedies.

I don't think anyone is considering it a contest, but clearly more airtime is given to one over the other. News coverage is potentially playing up the sadness which is in turn causing people to act differently and prolonging their true recovery process? I mean, what would happen to LeBron if a family member died? Would he be getting more tattoos, notating his shoes, tweeting about it, publicly grieving, and things of that nature? Everyone grieves differently, but boy does it seem like folks are getting their money's worth out of this one.

 

[JoshB]

I don't think anyone is considering it a contest, but clearly more airtime is given to one over the other. News coverage is potentially playing up the sadness which is in turn causing people to act differently and prolonging their true recovery process? I mean, what would happen to LeBron if a family member died? Would he be getting more tattoos, notating his shoes, tweeting about it, publicly grieving, and things of that nature? Everyone grieves differently, but boy does it seem like folks are getting their money's worth out of this one.

I've seen a lot of people complaining about it getting "too much airtime" but he's a celebrity, considering one of the best two or three basketball players ever, died just months before being inducted to the HOF. And it was out of nowhere, shocking to have happen. It's not like Kobe was an 80-year old dude at the end of his life. Why people are acting so gobsmacked that this is getting a shit load of airtime is beyond me. Not to mention that there is an entire generation of people that not only looked up to him but many of the top players now patterned themselves after him, much like Kobe himself and his generation patterned themselves after MJ. The media is certainly milking every ounce of it that they can but they do this everytime a huge celebrity dies.

The only thing I've seen that's really been offensive, to me, has been certain people trying to make bank off his death by selling (or trying to sell) worthless Kobe "collectibles" for outrageous prices online.

 

[planomateo]

Hard to put a value of the level of influence that Kobe had on several generations. I understand why he's getting the attention and it has no impact on me.

And for the record, I don't watch ESPN or the NBA. ESPN is limited to college football season to me and only for live games.

 

[50+yeartidefan]

This isn't a contest. They can both be tragedies.

Nobody making it a contest....dont know where you get that....just saying....he is a celebrity....not a hero...i just feel more for those that have given.... certainly a tradegy....
and he aint one of best 2-3 bball players ever....much futher down list....
And those that "looked up to him" would be better to find a role model that has given to his country...served with honor.... wear the blue...risk it all to save others ..spend life ime teaching in classrooms....
Lots of great role models out there...
Not dissing on KB..was a tradegy for that family.... but lots of heroes out there....

 

[BamaFan334]

I've seen a lot of people complaining about it getting "too much airtime" but he's a celebrity, considering one of the best two or three basketball players ever, died just months before being inducted to the HOF. And it was out of nowhere, shocking to have happen. It's not like Kobe was an 80-year old dude at the end of his life. Why people are acting so gobsmacked that this is getting a shit load of airtime is beyond me. Not to mention that there is an entire generation of people that not only looked up to him but many of the top players now patterned themselves after him, much like Kobe himself and his generation patterned themselves after MJ. The media is certainly milking every ounce of it that they can but they do this everytime a huge celebrity dies.

The only thing I've seen that's really been offensive, to me, has been certain people trying to make bank off his death by selling (or trying to sell) worthless Kobe "collectibles" for outrageous prices online.

I understand what you're saying, but I grew up trying to mimic Gary Sheffield's swing or Dale Murphy in backyard homerun derby as a kid. I broke countless nerf goals on my door flying into it dunking like Jordan from the free throw line, I've done just about everything you have mentioned with countless athletes because I was a sports freak and just wanted to do what they did, yet I still will not break down for a week or even once when one dies, regardless of how it happens. Kobe was definitely a Top 5 player and I can understand the initial reactions and grieving that comes with more of a shock than a true connection. It shocked me from the standpoint of his daughter being killed and his two youngest kids never knowing their father personally. I have kids and that's how it affected me, but I just shook my head about it and moved on with my day. The other thing I had mentioned was an athlete during my youth dying and how time has glued by to the point at which more will start perishing as it's that time in my life where these guys now have some age on them and it's a new experience for me. To me it's just the fact that we as humans have to go about our business and move forward. How many times have we seen an athlete's parent die and they are back out there two days later back to work, if even that long? I only say that because there are some basketball players that are saying they just can't play yadda yadda and they even postponed a game because of it. Life goes on in my book and time doesn't stop in times of a tragedy. When Jordan dies, will everyone be mourning as much as they are with Kobe? I also guess I see it from the standpoint of Kobe being a mess off the court and sleeping around on his wife and kids. My dad did that to my momma and me, so I have hard feelings on that selfish behavior. So while he was a great ball player, there are other things I value in life and realize the show must go on and my life won't stop so therefore I have to keep moving too. Social media has just changed society to where folks feel they have to grieve over someone they never met or never knew, and that they can get more likes if they do, and they all act like they are victims of a tragedy that has nothing to do with them. Muchlike those selling "collectables" as you put it, it seems like many others are trying to be victims in this to garner attention whether it be emotional support or financial support. It's a sad deal, I agree, but I just can't understand the consistent reactions from guys like LeBron that I never knew to be that close with Kobe. There are definite connections, but I have never really read of them being BFF. Did Coach Saban miss a beat? He wrote a press release as I'm sure it's simple etiquette, and after speaking with the team I'm sure it upset him, but I doubt he took any time off or a break from his day other than to release a statement. Mind you how big of a basketball fan he is. Sorry for the long rambling post, just trying to express me not understanding the fallout from it all to the extent of where it went.

 

[LeGarrette]

The enter/return key is your friend

 

[BamaFan334]

The enter/return key is your friend

Talking to me?

 

[50+yeartidefan]

@BamaFan334 .....you hit a lot.....on the spot...
Take exception to "top 5 " player.....
He is probably ina group outside top group....
Top 5...have to beat out these.....Bird,Magic, Wilt, mJ, Jabbar, west, Erving, Dominic, pistol pete, shaq, malone......several more
Outstanding player...but just fresh on peoples mine...
Mytake...

 

[JoshB]

I understand what you're saying, but I grew up trying to mimic Gary Sheffield's swing or Dale Murphy in backyard homerun derby as a kid. I broke countless nerf goals on my door flying into it dunking like Jordan from the free throw line, I've done just about everything you have mentioned with countless athletes because I was a sports freak and just wanted to do what they did, yet I still will not break down for a week or even once when one dies, regardless of how it happens. Kobe was definitely a Top 5 player and I can understand the initial reactions and grieving that comes with more of a shock than a true connection. It shocked me from the standpoint of his daughter being killed and his two youngest kids never knowing their father personally. I have kids and that's how it affected me, but I just shook my head about it and moved on with my day. The other thing I had mentioned was an athlete during my youth dying and how time has glued by to the point at which more will start perishing as it's that time in my life where these guys now have some age on them and it's a new experience for me. To me it's just the fact that we as humans have to go about our business and move forward. How many times have we seen an athlete's parent die and they are back out there two days later back to work, if even that long? I only say that because there are some basketball players that are saying they just can't play yadda yadda and they even postponed a game because of it. Life goes on in my book and time doesn't stop in times of a tragedy. When Jordan dies, will everyone be mourning as much as they are with Kobe? I also guess I see it from the standpoint of Kobe being a mess off the court and sleeping around on his wife and kids. My dad did that to my momma and me, so I have hard feelings on that selfish behavior. So while he was a great ball player, there are other things I value in life and realize the show must go on and my life won't stop so therefore I have to keep moving too. Social media has just changed society to where folks feel they have to grieve over someone they never met or never knew, and that they can get more likes if they do, and they all act like they are victims of a tragedy that has nothing to do with them. Muchlike those selling "collectables" as you put it, it seems like many others are trying to be victims in this to garner attention whether it be emotional support or financial support. It's a sad deal, I agree, but I just can't understand the consistent reactions from guys like LeBron that I never knew to be that close with Kobe. There are definite connections, but I have never really read of them being BFF. Did Coach Saban miss a beat? He wrote a press release as I'm sure it's simple etiquette, and after speaking with the team I'm sure it upset him, but I doubt he took any time off or a break from his day other than to release a statement. Mind you how big of a basketball fan he is. Sorry for the long rambling post, just trying to express me not understanding the fallout from it all to the extent of where it went.

I'm not gonna excuse Kobe for being a dog when he was younger - though I will say, let's also not ignore that he was a 17-year old thrown into LA and given a shit load of money too - but I think what he's done off the court since then (charities, giving back to youth organizations, etc. - along with what he did on the court far outweighs that.

As far as your Jordan question, if Mike died today you better believe it would be the biggest story on planet earth for weeks. MJ is arguably the most important sports star in the history of America. His been retired for almost 20 years but he's still considered the GOAT and his impact is still felt today. Now, if he dies when he's 80, will it still have that same impact? I'm not sure.

And to your comment about Lebron and Kobe. They def. were never "close" before LeBron came to LA but it's been stated several times in the past that Kobe reached out to Lebron when he got there and really embraced him and started to become almost like a mentor to him.

I will say this, though, I am with you on mourning celebrities, honestly. I've never had that obsession with celebrities that a lot of people do. There are millions of people that hang on every word, every action, every though that celebrities do. That's just not me but at the same time there are def. some that would affect me. For example, when Eddie Guerrero died it hit me hard as silly as that sounds. I had grown up watching the guy, he was part of what made me fall in love with wrestling. If Shaun Alexander dies or Michael Jordan or Rey Mysterio Jr. or Saban dies it will definitely affect me. Compare it to Bear Bryant. Most people that didn't even bat an eye with Kobe - at least around here - were likely hit VERY hard when Bryant died. My dad said that he heard the news while driving and he pulled off on the side of the road because it hit him so hard.

 

[BamaFan334]

I'm not gonna excuse Kobe for being a dog when he was younger - though I will say, let's also not ignore that he was a 17-year old thrown into LA and given a shit load of money too - but I think what he's done off the court since then (charities, giving back to youth organizations, etc. - along with what he did on the court far outweighs that.

As far as your Jordan question, if Mike died today you better believe it would be the biggest story on planet earth for weeks. MJ is arguably the most important sports star in the history of America. His been retired for almost 20 years but he's still considered the GOAT and his impact is still felt today. Now, if he dies when he's 80, will it still have that same impact? I'm not sure.

And to your comment about Lebron and Kobe. They def. were never "close" before LeBron came to LA but it's been stated several times in the past that Kobe reached out to Lebron when he got there and really embraced him and started to become almost like a mentor to him.

I will say this, though, I am with you on mourning celebrities, honestly. I've never had that obsession with celebrities that a lot of people do. There are millions of people that hang on every word, every action, every though that celebrities do. That's just not me but at the same time there are def. some that would affect me. For example, when Eddie Guerrero died it hit me hard as silly as that sounds. I had grown up watching the guy, he was part of what made me fall in love with wrestling. If Shaun Alexander dies or Michael Jordan or Rey Mysterio Jr. or Saban dies it will definitely affect me. Compare it to Bear Bryant. Most people that didn't even bat an eye with Kobe - at least around here - were likely hit VERY hard when Bryant died. My dad said that he heard the news while driving and he pulled off on the side of the road because it hit him so hard.

I hear you. Bear came to mind when I was thinking about all of this and just hearing folks on this site I saw how and what he meant to them. I feel he was probably more of a personable individual based on all of the stories, so I felt their feelings were appropriate cause Bear had actually touched their lives through interaction. Different time and place as well, so Kobe most likely couldn't do what Bear did without being smothered by fans. Kobe could have done the same and we just not known, and I agree that he has done an amazing job making amends for his mistakes and taking a father role after retirement. I definitely commend that and probably why I cared a tad more than the reasons I gave before about his kids being without a dad. Can't fault a guy trying to change and make amends for past mistakes.

Good conversation man. Thanks for sharing your take on the matter.

 

[50+yeartidefan]

MJ is arguably the most important sports star in the history of America.

Compare it to Bear Bryant. Most people that didn't even bat an eye with Kobe - at least around here - were likely hit VERY hard when Bryant died.

Part 1..... i think we are on same wavelength here......somewhat anyway...ok...

Part 2......mj was a superstar.... no doubt.... but...." most important sports star in history of America"..... come on.....really......maybe "one" of most.....". But remember a man named MUHAMMAD ALI..... not only the most important sport star in America...but maybe the world....

Part 3....BEAR was regional....but affected us Alabamians ...football fans or not....so deeply like you described ur dad....but was reported nationally for sure...and affected the football world

@BamaFan334

 

[JoshB]

Part 1..... i think we are on same wavelength here......somewhat anyway...ok...

Part 2......mj was a superstar.... no doubt.... but...." most important sports star in history of America"..... come on.....really......maybe "one" of most.....". But remember a man named MUHAMMAD ALI..... not only the most important sport star in America...but maybe the world....

Part 3....BEAR was regional....but affected us Alabamians ...football fans or not....so deeply like you described ur dad....but was reported nationally for sure...and affected the football world

@BamaFan334

I said arguably. I didn't state anything as a fact but his impact on sports and culture - in general - in America can't be ignored. I think sometimes it's easy to forget how close the NBA was to completely failing before Michael Jordan became the face of the league. He didn't just dominate a sport, he helped a league that had been falling steeply rebound and become a house hold fixture not just in this country but in other countries. Even the guys shoes became an icon. As huge as Ali is/was, I dont think it's a fair comparison. Yes, Ali is an icon and ARGUABLY one of the greatest athletes ever, but a lot of the love and affection towards him has come following his peak. It can't be ignored that he was once a very divisive and hated person in parts of this country because of his personal/political/religious beliefs.

My point about Bear, was to show how someone, a celebrity/sports star, could affect people that may or may not have ever even met them. Yes, Bear was primarily regional but that's because, while he was a nationally know figure, his celebrity was primarily in the south. Bryant could have walked through NYC and most likely - despite how big he was - been able to walk through without getting recognized. MJ, Kobe, even Ali like you mentioned would be able to do that. The scale of their star is just so much higher.