Why is Kobe Bryant the Most Polarizing Figure in All of Sports?

In all my years of watching sports, I've never come across as polarizing of a figure as Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant isn't one of those players that everyone loves, like Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson, but he also isn't necessarily one of those players that everyone hates, like Barry Bonds. However, he definitely is someone that doesn't garner neutral feelings from fans. Fans today either completely love him or totally hate him.

It's rare for a player as talented and as accomplished as Bryant to be hated as much as he is. If you don't know what I'm talking about, just read some of the comments here on fanhouse and on other popular blogs whenever a Kobe Bryant topic comes up. There are readers around the blogosphere that are seemingly on guard for the next Kobe post where they can talk about how irrelevant of a basketball player and person he is.

Here are a few reasons I think there are a few reasons he might be hated the way he is:

The Lack of Street Credibility
Kobe Bryant grew up with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth. His dad was a pro basketball player, so Kobe didn't come from the same low income background that a ton of basketball players are expected to come from. His background made it seem like he had things a little too. Almost as if the glory he was given out of high school was just handed to them. The people that say this obviously don't know how hard the kid worked on his game. Isn't it funny that the same populace that hates on NBA players for supposedly embracing thug culture hates the one black player that is the antithesis of that? That's what we call a no win situation.

Ruffling the Feathers of Shaquille O'neal and Other Veterans
D-Wil broke this down really well the other day. Shaq and the veterans on the Lakers didn't like Kobe because he didn't walk the traditional line of bowing down to his veteran peers. From the jump, Kobe was all about achieving his goal of becoming the best player in the history of the game. He came in and actually worked hard 24-7, and instead of going out at night locked himself in his hotel room and watched game film all night. His veteran counterparts didn't take to this very well, and from the jump pushed him away from their tight inner circle and made Kobe an outsider. In his early years, the only players that actually showed him guidance were Byron Scott and Eddie Jones. The rest of the guys basically ostracized him and talked poorly about him in the media. Shaq and Phil Jackson might be the most culpable for Kobe Bryant's bad P.R. on this matter. Because of Shaq and Phil, people blame the break up of the Lakers on Kobe, when Kobe is just a very small player in the entire thing. Read D-Wil's piece for more info.

The Perception that He Wants to Be Better Than Jordan
Kobe Bryant wants to be the best player of all time. In many fan's minds that means challenging the guy that most believe is the greatest player of all-time, Michael Jordan. In the eyes of most fans, Michael Jordan is a basketball God whose accomplishments will never be matched. I don't think Kobe has reached the level of Michael with his on court performance, but I do believe that he is on track to getting there. People forget that Kobe is just 28 years old and already has accomplished things that place him in the class of some of the greatest players of all-time. The fact that Kobe is the first player to challenge the all-mighty MJ doesn't sit well with a lot of people that idolized MJ throughout the years. The funny thing about MJ is that the reason many people idolize him the way they do is that he had great marketing and P.R. behind him. Between Nike and the NBA's marketing prowess, it's a wonder why people don't go to church on Sunday and pray to the Jumpman.

MJ fans idolize Jordan for his alpha male personality, and yet hate Kobe for his. Michael's called a winner, while Kobe is called selfish, arrogant, and aloof. I have a feeling if David Faulk and David Stern didn't manage MJ into a global marketing icon, we'd probably hear people saying the same thing about Mr. Jumpman.

The Colorado Incident
There are people that hated Kobe Bryant before the Colorado incident that will say it's the only reason they dislike the guy. Kobe was never convicted of rape charges, but yet was found guilty in the court of public opinion. There were many people that were waiting for Kobe to slip up like that, and when he did, they pounced on him with all of their might. Even if people admit that Kobe most likely didn't rape the girl, there are people that hop on him for being an adulterer. Yet, these are the same people that give other known adulterous NBA players (such as MJ) a pass for their transgressions. I've mentioned this before, but Kobe's biggest mistake in the entire Colorado incident was not surrounding himself with people (an entourage) when he traveled that could mitigate an incident like that before it became public. Believe it or not, these kind of things happen to athlete's and entertainers all of the time. Most of the time you just don't hear about them because high profile individuals usually surround themselves with an entourage that can put out that sort of fires before they erupt out of control. I believe that most people that hate him for the Colorado incident, hated him before, and would probably still hate him even if the incident never occurred. Just like most people that loved him before the incident still love him today. That's just what polarizing figures do.

So you tell me. What do you think of Kobe Bryant? Why do you think he's the most polarizing figure in sports today?

Previously at Fanhouse:

With 60, Kobe Again Makes History

Kobe Better Than Jordan? Yeah, Right

Tex Winter on Kobe and Jordan

Kobe Is Great But Doesn't Make His Teammates Better

Kobe's #24 Jersey is the Best Seller in the U.S and in China

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

3-30-2007 @ 3:03PM

RakuMon said...

I was one of those who worshipped at the altar of Jumpman, and I LOVE Kobe and his game. Of all the current crop of NBA players, Kobe's the only one deserving of MJ's status. More than Bron Bron, more than D-Wade, more than Melo.

The reason I love Kobe is due to the things you listed. I've always loved that this kid grew up overseas and spoke fluent Italian. I love that he didn't play college ball but took summer classes at UCLA to get his degree. I love that he is the hardest worker in the league even though he's by far the greatest player in the league.

It's like his shoe commercial: all the reasons he's hated are the same reasons why he's loved.

3-30-2007 @ 3:09PM

James said...

Good job of summarizing the Kobe issue, although I think you missed 2 key reasons why people don't like him:

1. People perceive Kobe as being given too much too soon. MJ, Zeke, David Robinson, Olajuwan, even Shaq all toiled away for years before they could get a ring. Guys like Barkley, Malone, Stockton and Dominique became increasingly defined by that quest.
Kobe landed on a team with stellar players like Scott, Van Exel, Shaq, Eddie Jones, etc as a rookie. That was a team with a good chance of competing for everything without Kobe. And then the guy was voted into the All-Star game as a starter despite the fact that he wasn't even a starter on his own team. Too much too soon.

2. I know nobody can imagine Kobe wearing anything but a Lakers uniform, but he was drafted by Charlotte and then pulled a Steve Francis (before Francis obviously) and demanded a trade.

The whole rest of his career can be seen through that lens: He managed to piss off many NBA fans within a year of being in the league, and he didn't really seem to care.

On the flip side, he has a tremendous amount of talent, and so people who only care about on-the-court stuff don't understand why people might not like him.

On the plus side, that whole thing erupted with the Suns-Lakers series last year. I guarantee the Suns are happy to slip past San Antonio in the standings so they get to re-kindle that first-round matchup.

3-30-2007 @ 3:10PM

Sean said...

To me it's just how serious he is about basketball, as the anecdotes about him watching game film at night attest to. I personally like that he doesn't ever just enjoy himself playing ball--he dominates at all costs, but obviously that would bother a lot of people too.

3-30-2007 @ 5:38PM

thegr81 said...

Oh i love this post and I am gonna print this out to show all my friends. You managed to put into words exactly what I been trying to say about Kobe for years. Kobe is loved for being the best and is hated for wanting to be the best.

3-30-2007 @ 8:17PM

michael said...

To the previous user who said Kobe pulled a Steve Francis, tottaly wrong. Jerry West set that up before the draft. Read "The Show" by Roland Lazenby.

3-30-2007 @ 11:11PM

Michael,
Oh, I didn't know that. Thanks!

3-31-2007 @ 2:02AM

martin said...

First of all, nobody denies Kobe's phenomenal talent. I've seen him make shots that defy the laws of physics. The stuff about Kobe being given too much, rising too fast, having an easier start in life may bother some but that seems pretty weak to me.

The mean old veterans shunned Kobe? Cocky arrogance doesn't attract a lot of friends. His self absorbed view of life, in which he is the center, probably has a lot more to do with it. He doesn't need to care about the opinion of others to put up big personal stats but to be a part of a team, he's got to do a little more than patronize his team mates to the press.

Kobe was touted as a model team player, yet every time they get behind a little or they 'might' get behind, he has to take over. He can score phenomenally but the team still looses. Its possible that the passivity of the rest of the team comes because too much is predicated on Kobe always being center stage, happy to "TAKE OVER" at a moment's notice. How the hell is anyone else supposed to get any kind of rhythm?

Look at AI and the Sixers before the trade. Philly is doing better without 'the Answer'. So is Denver, kind of, with AI sharing the ball a little bit more.

Kobe's greatest strength is also his greatest weakness. People that love to watch a superstar see only his stats and love him as he gloats in the spotlight and seems to feel he deserves every second of it. People who like team sports see a major lack of character and arrogance and a guy who doesn't necessarily do his team any favors.

3-31-2007 @ 2:47AM

yellow said...

the difference between Kobe and Jordan...defence...thats it....if kobe can defend like jordan....he'll be there..

3-31-2007 @ 2:43AM

JAH said...

martin, you expect kobe to play team ball consistently (82games) with those teamates? I guess if u don't want the lakers to even make the playoffs.
aduh why whouldn't AI share the ball he has competent teamates unlike kobe, dont tell me luke and odom reliable scorers especially when under a little def. pressure.
Doesn't do his team favors I'll just laugh at that retarded comment.

3-31-2007 @ 3:29AM

ah yellow it was easier to play defense in jordans era. players were slower then and their ball handling skills weren't as good as todays players i am sure jordan wasn,t locking down dominique or the other handful of good n fast players back then. ex. iverson crossed up jordan when he tried. kobe has locked up iverson before. think about what u r saying.

3-31-2007 @ 3:27AM

yellow u are tired get some sleep.

3-31-2007 @ 3:51AM

Jah, whats your problem? You call everyone a retard who doesn't think the Lakers will do much in the playoffs. Kobe may be great but it takes a team to win. There is always next year. Quit hating on people because the Lakers aren't a great team this year. Their time may come but it ain't gonna be this year! Get over it and quit insulting people just because the Lakers aren't too great this year.

3-31-2007 @ 10:15AM

Stacey Franchise said...

You can draw a big line through NBA History between the Piston teams of Zeke and the Jordan title teams. That's where Old School NBA ends.

Prior to that (and expansion), you had team ball. After Jordan, you had clear-outs and rule changes. This is pretty much why we don't win the Olympics anymore.

Almost 20 years after the death of Team Ball, the flagship of the new style is Mr. Kobe Bryant. Old School fans recognize this guy in an instant... George Gervin. Takes a ton of shots, scores at will, is perhaps the king Of Soul... and never shins wit.

Throw in the fact that he may have raped a girl, tried to buy off his teen wife with a diamond mine on her finger, dragged Shaq's name into it, ducked out of the Olympics... and I- to this day- will STILL judge him by his 38% chucking in the LA/Detroit finals.

You don't win with a guy like that, unless you attach him to a Shaq/Jordan-type force. I submit Kobe's post-Shaq career as proof.

3-31-2007 @ 1:58PM

The U will be BACK! said...

Stacey Franchise:

While I can respect your opinions, your logic and analysis are very shallow. To somehow dismiss Kobe because you would have to "attach him to a Shaq/Jordan-type force" is ridiculous! Jordan himself had Pippen and later Rodman. Dr. J had Dawkins, Bobby Jones, Moses Malone. Bird had Mchale, Parrish, Ainge, and others. Drexler and Olajuwan, Wallace, Wallace, and Hamilton, Prince and Billups... Most of all Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Cooper, Rambis, Jamaal Wilkes...

Every great player who leads his team to a championship needs at least one more assertive, talented star to ease the burden. Not one of Kobe's teammates are even worthy of All-star mention.

SUCH A DOUBLE STANDARD.

Regardless of facts, if you don't like someone because of something that rubs you the wrong way personally (the rape ALLEGATIONS, and "buying off his teenage wife") then there will be nothing than can change that - not even facts or careful analyisis.

3-31-2007 @ 3:20PM

You had to attach a Jordan to a Pippen because you had to go through a Kareem/Magic combo... Kobe will have to get by a brand/Kaman juggernaut if things shake out so-so.

Kobe led Odom (an Olympian) and Butler (20ppg, 8rpg currently) into the Lottery two years back, Did Jordan ever punk out a whole year like that? Was Bird/Moses/Zeke/Ewing/Julius in that conference in 2005?

I certainly don't recall Jordan falling apart like a Korean TV like Kobe did against the Pistons in 2004. That ended the MJ/Kobe debate, as far as anyone serious is concerned.

The alleged rape and the backstabbing of his teammates are only minor factors in my distaste for young Mr. Bryant, lthough I wish his wife would leave poor Karl Malone alone.

3-31-2007 @ 7:09PM

Matt in Brooklyn said...

Wow, Stacey Franchise, your level of hate is hard core...

Anyway, I guess it should not be suprising that fans get fanatical with their opinions, be they positive or negitive when it comes to sports.

I just think we should cut some of these guys a little slack. If some of the hard core haters out there actually lived there life in a fish bowl with every decision, mistake or problem scrutinized at an age where most of us made mistakes and at times exhibiting poor judgement, they might be a little less judgemental.

When I watch Kobe I see a player who was a phenom teen on a veteran team who didn't fit in socially but his skills and work ethic were unquestioned although his shot selection always was questioned.

I see a player who has been through a lot of major victories and major controversies, major accomplishments and major embarassments, but I also see someone who is trying, changing and evolving.

This season he is the vet on the youngest team in the NBA and he spent most of this season passing to his inexperienced teammates while his best teammates spent major time on the injured list. He has gone on a late season (coach approved) scoring binge which has produced wins and history.

He has had his elbow issues but every night he steps on the floor you have the chance to watch basketball greatness and you might witness history.

In my lifetime I've been able to watch some great players and some great games. There are no perfect people or players but there have been some very special ones and Kobe is one of the special ones.

It's funny how he gets hated on for being like Mike or a Mike wanna be or whatever. If Michael Jordan is the standard of basketball greatness then shouldn't he be emulated? And if a player comes along that has damn near the same skills and tools in his arsenal, I say just enjoy it.

3-31-2007 @ 7:17PM

Stacey:

Again, like so many Kobe-haters, you are focusing on a comparison to Jordan's entire career on a 28-year-old player. Compare the two at age 28. I believe you will see some astonishing differences.

But again, if you hate a person for non-basketball reasons, then like the vast majority of people, you will not be able to let facts guide your true assessment of his career to-date.

How fitting is it to end the debate about someone based on what they did when they were 25? And besides, if I remember correctly, it was Kobe's clutch shooting late in the 4th that even got LA the ONE win they got in that final.

INTERESTNG... if the rings that Kobe has won are only because of being on a Shaq-led team, then why is the finals loss to Detroit not Shaq's fault? Again - DOUBLE STANDARD!

There is absolutely nothing that Kobe Bryant can do over the next 6 years, including winning championship(s), or MVP(s) that will change everyones assessment that he is nothing but a selfish ballhog.

I personally don't think he can be uplifted higher than Jordan at this point. Which begs the question, why do Kobe-haters always resort to "But he's not better than Jordan" Are all of you that desperate to find someone that you can compare him to, since no one in the league today comes close?

4-02-2007 @ 6:18PM

Cary said...

You cannot judge Kobe's entire career by that Pistons series in 03/04'. My god, the kid was 24 at the time. Don't forget, he scored 34 + points in game 2 of those finals and hit a HUGE game-tying 3 pointer to send the game into OT, which they won.

Look at Jordan's career when he was 24/25, he was being held by the Pistons and Celtics in the playoffs to low shooting %. He clearly was coming into his own because he was losing!

Let's hold off judgements of Kobe Bean until he is 35 and has a body of work behind him as an adult. He was an immature, ego-driven kid with immeasurable talent.

A Brand/Kaman combo??? I guess you have ruled out the Duncan/Parker/Ginobli trio in San Antonio, or the Nash/Stoudemire/Marion trio in PHX. Yea, that deplorable team in Dallas with Dirk/Howard/Terry is just garbage. Why can't Kobe and his Lake show breeze through those teams? Must be on Kobe, huh.

So quick are people to judge. I agree, at the same time that he should not be put on a pedestal either where he cannot be criticized without being labeled a "hater." Kobe has his flaws for sure.

I have still yet to see an objective 'comment section' in any blog i've read about Kobe. Guess the editorial we are responding to could not be more correct!

4-02-2007 @ 6:21PM

4-03-2007 @ 7:02PM

Bill J. said...

"U Will" -- With all due respect, you DON'T remember the 2004 Finals Series correctly. Review Game 4. Shaq, as he did in the clutch throughout the Lakers' title run, put the team on his back. In the 2d Half, despite O'Neal's torrid effort, Kobe begins jacking up shots DESPITE being owned by Tayshaun Prince defensively. Instead of tying the series, and going back to LA, the Lakers fall behind 1-3 to Detroit. The team gives up and is run off the floor the next game.

http://www.nba.com/games/20040613/LALDET/recap.html

Hence my problem. For all of his brilliance, for all of his clutch moments, for his Hall of Fame pedigree, Kobe Bryant, more than anyone else, broke up a team that should have won more titles. MJ didn't do that. Magic didn't do that. Kareem didn't do that. Bird didn't do that.

Before it's said and done, he will go down in Laker infamy.