If ever there was a person in need of being knocked off their lofty perch, it was Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant's confidence gushed into excessive arrogance. He had everything you could ask for. But rather than showing appreciation for the superstar life with the superstar settings, he soaked them into his ego. He deserved them because he was himself.
On Thursday, May 15th, Kobe's fairytale world came crashing down. His Lakers lost to the San Antonio Spurs. Spoiled Kobe cried as his team lost. Just as children break down when they lose. The reason tears streamed wasn't so much because the Lakers had lost as it was that Kobe, for the first time in four years, didn't get his way.
Then, Kobe's real world completely fell apart after being arrested for sexual assault. No one but Kobe and the 19-year old-accuser will ever know entirely what happened in that hotel room. However, at the very least, it is certain that Kobe had sex with the woman. So that's at least adultery.
My thinking goes both ways. I've thought he raped her, but then again I can picture the girl lying. I mean we're talking about a 19-year-old girl. 19-year-old girls are hardly the epitome of stability. And that is more than reinforced by her attempts at suicide. Then, you've got Kobe who wasn't exactly truthful after news hit the public.
"When everything comes clean," he said, "it will all be fine, you'll see ... But you guys know me, I shouldn't have to say anything. You know I would never do something like that."
See, I think this statement is very key when questioning his innocence. However, it was grossly overlooked by the media after he admitted to adultery. He hoped there wouldn't be enough to make a case. He hoped it would all be swept to the side and he would retain innocence. So he made a very comfortable statement that was a lie, but technically wasn't.
Well, the cover-up plan is gone because he's already busted.
Now, he's got a real reason to cry. He betrayed his wife. He will never be thought of the same. He will be forever known in American History for this scandal. Worse still, he could go to jail for life.
So currently Kobe and his lawyers are fighting for his livelihood. I can't even decide whether Kobe's actions or words are strategic moves or genuine. I think he will be found innocent. Not so much because he is clearly innocent, but because jurors will have that reasonable doubt.
I don't like Kobe: the person I see or Kobe: the basketball player.
No doubt he's a great player, with great ability, but I don't like how he behaves on the court. He constantly complains to the refs. He blames his teammates for something that's his fault. He only hears what he wants to hear from his coach. He is selfish with the ball and wants the spotlight even if sacrificing for the better of the team.
I can't stand Kobe off the court either. Before he had his narcissistic arrogance, now he has oxymorons and simple symbolisms and buyoffs.
"I love my wife so much. She's so special to me," Kobe said.
That's not so true. If he really loved her so much, why did he cheat on her? Oh, but Kobe will prove his love. He's going to go buy her an expensive ring. That will show he really loves her. How about a bracelet that reads, "I love Vanessa." The newest thing is his tattoos of Vanessa, Natalia (his daughter), and Psalm XXVII. Pretty juvenile.
Next, he'll be writing "Kobe Loves Vanessa" on his book cover. The best thing Kobe can do now is just listen to Tracy McGrady and "stick with (his) wife." That would show that he loves her better than any ring or tattoo. There is no quick fix that Kobe is searching for. No bracelet, tattoo, or ring. If he's going to embrace religion and spirituality -- great, but mean it. Religion isn't a fad or a trend. It's lifelong and if you believe it, you live it. It's not a card you play when you're in trouble and all of a sudden you find the Lord and wear a big diamond Cross to the Teen Choice Awards.
I'll bet you anything this wasn't the first time Kobe has cheated on Vanessa. But, for his sake, I hope it's the last.
And, I hope Kobe doesn't have to spend life in prison. I want him in the league.
If he gets back, maybe he'll realize just how lucky he is and appreciate it a little more.
