O boy

So its happened. He's done it. I'm beginning to like him.
Before you start getting your John Amaechi jokes prepared, let me save you the trouble. I am not turning gay. But you got to admit, this guy is getting man crushed on more than any one else currently on this planet.
His name is Kobe Bryant.
Now he's not a saint. He's got a criminal history, and i'm NOT talking about Colorado either.
For Laker fans, its a nice consolation prize to see Kobe putting up historic numbers in such rapid fire succession. But its got to suck that it won't mean squat come June.
You see, he robbed L.A. of a sure fire three to four more championships. He robbed himself of more lucrative offers. You see, he became yet another story of a guy who couldnt keep his ego in check to share the spotlight.
But lets get past that. I think L.A. is so I will too. I enjoy Shaq for his witty humor and the fact that he can back all that smack up with play. So it hurt me to hear that Kobe was unable to continue sharing the headlines with his 7 foot compatriot. So when they split, it was easier to hate Kobe rather than place the blame on the nimble footed giant.
So what did Kobe do next? He raped a girl in Colorado. Now, we were all right to place the blame on Kobe. Not only did America feel Kobe was wrong, but corporate America ran so fast, you thought they were Mexicans that saw an INS officer. He was officially a monster.
So how to repair the image? You mend things with your coach. You show America that you can shake Shaq's hand and not be completely disgusted like we thought you were.
You go and show us a different side of yourself. Then came that 81 point game and we said, ok, we knew you were the best player in the game but damn. That's crazy.
But you weren't done were you Kobe. At the beginning of the season you were averaging 21 a game and doing everything right to get teammates involved and had your team surprising everybody.
Then the NBA started suspending you again, proving that David Stern was still not sure about you. Once the untouchable star of the NBA, you were seen as yet another fish in that big old pool. Your coach started something about witch hunts. You were put in the headlines.
So what did you do decide to do Kobe? Well you decided to keep yourself there but on your terms.
Now your on a barrage of point scoring. You've got a buffet line of 60+ and 50+ games that you have everyone forgetting about Colorado and Shaq. Suddenly its, wow Kobe is great. I'm rooting for Kobe. GO KOBE!
Suddenly, I'm a cheerleader!
Now I start shaking my head in awe everytime i hear something about Kobe. The guy is just too good. He's now entered the ranks of guys who just absolutely are the worst things on the planet to me, but I cant help but admire because of their skill.
Jordan is there, so is Pippen. Admittedly until after their prime years had passed, you know, after they stopped destroying the Knicks chances.
When a player's skills demand that you pay honor to him, it is time for that person to get his just due. Kobe deserves it. I have never been a fan of his but you cant do anything but just stand in awe and be aware that every night could be history with him. Nothing is ever dull.
You feel chills when he enters a room. You look at him warming up and you realize that he realizes that every eye is on him yet it does NOT bother him or affect him at all. There's nothing deterring him or getting in his way. He does what he wants, when he wants and does not apologize for who he is.
As for those blatant elbows, well, sometimes to get someone's attention you need a lil elbow fever.
I'm not one to promote violence, but hey, I never thought I'd be rooting for Kobe either.

Sometimes...

Sometimes I wonder about the state of being of certain Sports stars. Their rationale, their reasoning behind the headlines I read each morning.
I woke up yesterday to reports that Joey Porter was being cited for punching OL Levi Jones of the Cincinatti Bengals. Apparently, and this is from my well informed sources, they fought over a chicken wing.
Ok, so they weren't fighting over that, but could you possibly see a reason for this mindless violence? If your a public figure, why would you go seeking problems? Now, I understand if your A-Rod, and you cant help but make ridiculously dumb comments like "Gee, I wonder what Lou Piniella is doing" or "Man, I miss those sleepovers with Jeter" and my personal favorite "I will come back to NY, only if NY wants me". Ok, so i'm paraphrasing all these quotes because I'm too lazy to verify them, but what makes these sports stars do what they do?
I read a column in the St. Paul Pioneer Press about the Minnesota Twins' stars getting used to their fame and not being able to walk around Minnesota. I would hate to be a star in a place like Minnesota. I mean, sure, being one in NY can't be easy, but in NY and LA, people are too stuck up to give anyone else that kind of attention. Everyone thinks they are better than everyone in this town and they dont bother each other by appearing to be any less important in the food chain. Especially in the shark tank known as Manhattan.
I suppose Jim Jones' (the rapper) constant motto of "not being a prisoner of fame" is a motto that should be echoed by many sports stars. Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer can't even go out to pick up milk without it turning into an hour long autograph session.
I dont feel sorry for the fame they have achieved but I do feel bad and cheated when they ruin it all by doing something stupid. First off, Jerry Porter should be kept in a mental facility during the offseason. That man just looks like he should be on a Top 25 most wanted list. Are we sure that he's not wanted for murder? Some athletes need to understand the price of their fame. I dont make ESPN headlines if I were to punch somebody. So my stupidity is not multiplied 100 times worse. These athletes should not shrug their shoulders and ask why me. They should just deal with the situation they are in and try to live quietly.
Dont try to be a super hero and don't worry about not being such a gangster when there are more important interests to consider. Kobe wanted some and now, he lost mucho sponsors who he's trying to win back (although not with Kobe throwing 'bows in each game like the Ludacris song replaying in his head).
I wish I could be in the head of Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson, two more residents of dumbest sports players alive. These guys have so much skill with a basketball, yet the stimuli to the brain takes a bit longer and their hands dont wait for reason to enter the thought process. People like that don't separate themselves from their old lives. I'm not say change completely who you are, but the fame does make you wonder, boy I better start living a bit more clean because alot of people are watching me.
So I have decided that if I were to ever do something horrendously eggregious, I should imagine it being plastered on an ESPN headline and perhaps that will stop me for a second. Although, it didnt stop them, why would it stop me?