Like or dislike him, truth is that he more than likely had a much more positive effect on those less fortunate than Joe Blow who died in a crash last night and received no headlines.
Kobe's Philanthropy
In 2006, Bryant and his wife Vanessa launched their Foundation to enhance the lives of young people through cultural and educational experiences. The Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation (KVBFF) is dedicated to improving the lives of youth and families in need, and encouraging young people to stay active through sports.
KVBFF operates?Mamba FC, a youth soccer club in Orange County that teaches young athletes how to become leaders and independent thinkers, while working together as a group to achieve a common goal through health and fitness.
In order to make a measurable impact on the critical issue of youth homelessness, KVBFF partnered with a number of Los Angeles-based organizations including Step Up on Second, My Friend?s Place and United Way. Bryant has served as the honorary chair of United Way of Greater Los Angeles?s annual HomeWalk for three consecutive years.
Bryant volunteers his time to Make-A-Wish Foundation, NBA Cares and The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and serves as an ambassador for After-School All-Stars. In 2007, he launched the Kobe Basketball Academy, at which he mentors and trains athletes ages 8-18.
Lessons cost money. Good ones cost lots. -Tony Beets
(disclaimer: not in reply to any individual)
It is tragic, I suppose; pragmatically, my thoughts don't actually matter - we are not connected to anyone in his life even - and I'm not going to treat it as a funeral service, although I'm not going to be blatantly disrespectful either. The honest truth of its importance (and mind you, I'm not picking on anyone, I do it too sometimes) is people jump on Facebook and everywhere to post news like this because...
...it's mere gossip. Something new to talk about besides the "hows the weather up theres?" that will be of interest to people. Generally speaking, I wouldn't get offended if people don't care any more than I'd be offended if they said "Beats me, I'm not there" when people do their b.s. small talk about the weather.
Posting things like "rips" or "thoughts and prayers" are equally as valuable as "likes" on a post about hungry homeless people. Pragmatically, they only make the individual posting it feel slightly better, they don't actually do squat. (Millennial/Generation Z/Boomer/etc.)Did my duty as a good person today, I said RIP and pressed "like"....
If you really want to appreciate a deceased person whom you respected - do something respectful in their honor that they would've appreciated today, which actually has meaning. (e.g. pay it forward).
Last edited by FoxtArt; 01-26-2020 at 19:46.
He may have been a philanthropist later in life but he was an admitted multiple adulterer. As an apology he bought his wife a $4 million dollar diamond.
There was the alleged rape he committed, later admitting it was non-consensual.
As for basketball, he was a great scorer. That's it. He was not a great teammate, as evidenced by most former teammate's comments. Selfish, arrogant, obstinate and as Steve Nash says, as asshole.
In my opinion as a basketball fan, he was a chucker. 33,600 points is a lot. He put it in but he also took 30 to 50 shots a night to average his 30 something points.
And very few assists. Yuk. He also gave himself the awful nickname, The Black Mamba. Double yuk.
I feel bad since his kid was killed. It's always horrible when a kid dies.
The player? I am not one to worship celebrity and find it difficult to understand people showing up at the Staples Center crying.
I cried when my parents died and I am sure I'll cry when my dog dies but a basketball player? I don't get it.
Last edited by eddiememphis; 01-26-2020 at 17:11.
Was just reading that there was a pilot and 8 passengers on the helicopter.
Liberals never met a slippery slope they didn't grease.
-Me
I wish technology solved people issues. It seems to just reveal them.
-Also Me
This thread should be renamed, "Post your list of reasons why it's okay that Kobe Bryant is dead."
No one seems to be saying, "I never paid attention to that 4 year-old that got shot in the head, so who cares?" Weird.
Are you saying it is not okay he died? Who makes that judgement?
It IS okay he's dead. The world will keep on spinnin'.
..."that 4 year-old" wasn't a celebrity. Nor was it a Hall of Fame basketball player, thus less coverage.
However, the child I think you are talking about- the little boy that was shot in the head in Indiana- has been discussed. And personally, I think a child's life lost is much more tragic than an adult celebrity's.
Especially this particular celebrity. See my above post.
Last edited by eddiememphis; 01-26-2020 at 20:26.