Do we really know sports heroes?
By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Columnist
Out of all that has already been said in the Kobe Bryant case — and we haven't even heard the opening statements in this year's trial of the century yet — there is one statement already worth replaying.
Last week Bryant told the Los Angeles Times, "... you guys know me. I shouldn't have to say anything. You know I would never do something like this."
"This" — as defined by the State of Colorado, County of Eagle vs. Kobe Bean Bryant yesterday — is a charge of sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman.
But as for what we know about Bryant the person and what he might actually be capable or incapable of, who outside his immediate circle, if even there these days, is to really say?
It will be properly left to a jury to decide his innocence or guilt, hopefully on the merits of the case and not personalities or hype. In the meantime, with Bryant as an example, it is a good time to step back and reassess why we are so quick to believe that we really know our sports heroes.
The events of the past three weeks, shocking in regard to Bryant's public persona, should give particular pause in that regard. Not for the first or, unfortunately, probably the last time, either, are we confronted with the question of jumping to a conclusion about those who we cheer and follow.
Witness the cases of O.J. Simpson, Allen Iverson and Ray Lewis to name but a few of the sports celebrities to find themselves before the courtroom of public opinion and the lessons that should have been learned.
With Bryant, we know that, at age 24, he is a tremendously gifted performer and half of the biggest one-two punch in the NBA today.
We know that until this episode came screaming into the headlines he seemed assured a long, bright and lucrative career. One that had been untouched by hint of previous scandal.
In short, it was about as much as we know or can really expect to grasp about any number of athletes apart from their height, weight, strengths and scoring averages.
From hours spent around the television watching their games and highlight clips, we might think we have come to know them better than we really have. From interviews and commercials we have assumed an easy familiarity that allows us to call them by their first names and nicknames.
We might have gleamed a few of their personality traits and understanding of their favorite color or brand of beer. These allow us to exult in and vicariously share in their triumphs. They also permit us to commiserate in their setbacks.
But as much as we might like to pretend otherwise, it doesn't tell us who they really are and what they might be capable of away from the arena.
