The Kobe Attack

It seems as if everyday now, Kobe is in the news for something or other. The Ray Allen garbage, the Karl Malone garbage, and yes the Sexual Assault garbage. And not to mention the upcoming game against the Big Greedy. I admit that Kobe has said some inopportune things at some inopportune times, but this is getting ridiculous. Not only has the sports world completely turned on Kobe regardless of the circumstances in each of the above mentioned stories, they have started what equates to a freaking witch hunt.

Karl Malone - As I understand it, Kobe said some things to the effect of Karl's 'injury' being a distraction. In the same interview, he also mentioned wanting to have the 'big guy' back. Karl Malone took offense to being deemed a distraction (though I'm not quite sure Kobe even used the word distraction). Upon hearing of Malone's displeasure, Kobe restated what he meant also adding that he meant nothing negative by the statement. Then, the story leaks out that Kobe is accusing Karl Malone of hitting on Vanessa Bryant. Instantly, the media is deeming Kobe a scumbag for putting that in the airwaves. Two problems with this: 1)The media is the one reporting it. If they are so flipping offended by Kobe 'putting' personal shit out there then don't report it. Alas, they thrive on the personal shit. 2) Karl still has not denied hitting on Vanessa. In fact, he's apologized for any inappropriate comments. I ask you, if you were accused of doing something you did not do, wouldn't you deny before you apologize??? Funny how that doesn't get mentioned in the various media outlets......

Ray Allen - I'm personally a little upset that Kobe has even entertained a feud with this guy. But this article has a nice theory of why the normally quiet Allen has suddenly so much to say. What I find odd in this, is that Kobe is still presented as the bad guy in this. Never mind it was Ray's mouth that started all of this.

The Big Greedy - As far as Shaquille O'Neal is concerned, there is an excellent book called Madmen's Ball
that details the soap opera between Kobe and Shaquille O' Neal. Not only does it shed quite a bit of light on the fued, but it does so in a non-judgmental 'It's all Kobe's fault' manner. The book is written by Mark Heisler and actually serves as a history of the various tumultous relationships endured by the Lakers franchise.

Now having said all of that, Kobe please stop talking to the media about anything other than the last game you played. Let everything die down a little bit before you start working on your image again. Right now is an anti-superstar athlete era and there is nothing you can say to change that. Just let it go....