Member-only story
I’m not a Kobe Bryant fan
In my day, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Dominque Wilkins… they were the stars.
But, I wasn’t a fan.
Yes, I looked up to their athleticism. I marveled at their art on the court. I was captivated by their stories. I hung their posters on my wall. I owned the Jordan vs Bird video game.
I held them up because of their courage to “go for it” with 2 seconds left. I smiled when they held out their hand to lift a fallen competitor up. I listened when they spoke of honor and sportsmanship and hard work. I imagined what it must be like to to be them. I wanted to be like them.
Those guys…the superstars…the ones with character both on and off the court…they were dedicated, hard working, athletic, noble, influential and passionate for the game.
They were my hero’s.
I loved them for their ability to overcome impossible odds. For their courage and their strength. I wasn’t a fan I was a follower.
I have been removed from the scene of basketball for decades. I don’t watch or even get to play much sports these days. I know who Kobe is, but that’s about it. I don’t follow him, know his stats or what he does off the court.
But, when I heard of the unfortunate death of Kobe Bryant, something stirred inside me. It was a…
