MVN - Most Valuable Network

In response to Shaun Powells Kobe story

This is in response to Shaun Powell’s article in Newsday about Kobe Bryant and the MVP award.

After reading Shaun’s article about Kobe Bryant, I was very disappointed in the public’s perception of Kobe and wanted to give a rebuttal. Although Kobe was never excused for his outburst, you were right in your opinion that all has been forgiven. That’s what we do, we forgive. It works out a lot better then holding a grudge. It’s a little ironic that after Kobe’s outburst this summer that the team responds by winning the Western Conference. Do you think that’s a coincidence?

Shaun knocks Kobe for his outburst last summer, when that outburst is what propelled the Lakers to new heights this season. To some it was insulting; to the Laker players and management it was motivation. Criticism is a byproduct of failure, and the Lakers had failed to improve and were stagnating. Shaun, what does a coach do at halftime if his team is down by 25 points? He yells at them, insults them and demands that they do better. That’s not much different then what Kobe did this summer.

What made the Kobe situation enfuego was that he went on the radio, and they asked him some pointed questions that he answered honestly. The interviewers knew they had the story of the year and kept digging and digging and Kobe kept talking and talking. Looking back, I’m sure Kobe wished he had done it differently, but he likes to leave the past in the past. The criticism of management and co-workers happens all of the time in the business world. The difference here was that it was Kobe Bryant, and everything he does is front page news.

What is most depressing about this article is the attempt to make Kobe into something he’s not. Shaun writes, “Even stranger, but understandable: Kobe hasn’t apologized for doubting his team or even uttered a simple “my bad.” The closest he came to one was when he said, after accepting the trophy: “This is a team award.” Then he made a passing remark about Kupchak and said nothing about Buss.

Kobe went into Mitch Kupchak’s office before the season started and made amends. As far as his teammates, he has made amends with them as well. He spoke to them directly, not through the media, which is what you want from a player. After the LA media threw Kobe under the bus, he really didn’t trust anyone and made few comments to the press in the aftermath, as they were ripping him on a daily basis. Did you expect Kobe to do a heart to heart with TJ Simers? Please. The real story here was how the players and management responded to the criticism; which was like total pros.

In regards to the Colorado ordeal that Kobe went through, everyone that doesn’t like Kobe will always bring that up. The shame of it is, when we tell the truth and everyone thinks we’re lying, it’s the absolute worst situation to be in. If you look at the facts in that case, it really appeared that the young lady was out for the money. It was another attempt to knock Kobe down and take away everything he has earned. He was guilty of infidelity, and to label it otherwise, is almost slanderous. If Kobe was telling the truth, and I believe he was, how awful it must be to hear people even mention that situation.

Through it all Kobe has remained loyal to his team, loyal to his family and loyal to his wife. He got married when he was extremely young, and appears to be enjoying being a father. How many NBA players stay their career with one team and one woman? It’s a very short list Shaun. Yeah he may be arrogant at times, but who wouldn’t be with the huckleberries in the media following you around on a daily basis since you were 15 years old. Congratulations Kobe, on fulfilling your potential as a player and a PERSON!

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 8th, 2008 at 11:16 am and is filed under Police, Georgia, Brian Cook, Andrei Kirilinko, Valdosta Daily Times, DJ Mbenga, Maurice Lucas, Wes Unseld, Rick Mahorn, Rony Turiaf, Amare Stoudamire, Pacific, Portland, Jerry Buss, Chris Mihm, Charles Oakley, Oden, Kings, Greece, NBDL, Elton Brown, ed ziti, Lee Riley, The Winner Within, Dallas, New Orleans, Stu Lantz, Aaron Jay Sapiro, Mavericks, free throws, Shaun Powell, Josh Tucker, referees, fouls, Javaris Crittenton, Jordan Farmar, Maurice Evans, Hornets, Bob Nightengale, Church, Willis Reed, Bets, Don Marbury, Vladimir Radmanovic, line, Betting, Colorado, Gambling, Larry Bird, Knicks, Smush Parker, Leandro Barbosa, Sacramento, Larry Brown, Grant Hill, Pau Gasol, New York, NCAA, Dirk Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant, Eddy Curry, Isiah Thomas, Rockies, Mike Dunleavy, Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs, Andrew Bynum, Luke Walton, Reggie Theus, Pat Riley, DJ Strawberry, Jackie Butler, Rick Adelman, Sasha Vujacic, Coby Karl, Trevor Ariza, Mitch Kupchak, Lakers, Ira Newble, St Johns, Don Nelson, Jerry Sloan, Kwame Brown, Lamar Odom, Baron Davis, Avery Johnson, Derek Fisher, Shawn Marion, Raja Bell, Devean George, Los Angeles Lakers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.