Martin Lurther King Jr., Reginald F. Lewis, Arthur Ashe, Jonny Cochran, Tupac Shakur, and Nipsey Hussle - all of them had something in common, they died at their prime when the world was expecting the best of them. Now, is Kobe Bryant - a Genius, Dreamer, and Visionary he was. And within a short time of retirement from the game he loved, he proved beyond every atom of the doubt to the whole world that indeed black guys can think and use their brain, too.
Truth is, I wasn't really a devoted fan of Kobe. But in the past few days, I cried each time I listen to his speeches. I didn't know he was that deep. And I can now see the reason for his aggressive approach to the game of Basket Ball. He brought such unusual electricity and acrobatic maneuvering to the game. On and off the pitch, his competitive spirit was unparalleled and above those of his peers. If you can't give it all your best, it means you are yet to find your passion. That was his philosophy. It was training, training, training, and nothing but training, even when no one was watching or pushing him to train.
He was not a regular NBA player and he didn't belong to the usual crowd. And that sense of detachment was a reflection of his great intellect and a vivid portrayal of the man in him. Once, he tried what is cultural (philandering) in the sport and entertainment industry globally and he got cut. But was saved and atoned for his sin. Putting that ordeal behind him, he became a changed man, a devoted father, a loving husband, and an unpretentious ambassador of the game he loved to play.
He was such a gifted communicator, imbued with an amazing reservoir of the words of the English language. An attribute that is very rare within the 'Brothers" in sports and entertainments in the United States. What I find most appealing about him is that never a time he searched for words to express himself whenever he addressed the press. Nothing like "em em" or "you know what I mean" or "you know what I'm talking about."
He had a firm grasp of the issues and what he talked about. Like David Chappelle, Lebron James, and Will Smith, he was never in want for words or expressions to put his messages across. And that's wisdom. And that's reading. And, indeed, it made the man. So, I am not surprised that within a few years of retiring from the NBA, he won an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film.
He looked "Wall Street", sharp, and corporate whenever he appeared on suit and tie. His dressing and giat at public gatherings and social functions were simply out of the ordinary.
He had so much ahead of him, for his community, his family, a business empire in the making, and the Mamba he never stopped to glorify. And may his legacy lives on. So long, brother. You were such a rare gem. Much much luv.
Truth is, I wasn't really a devoted fan of Kobe. But in the past few days, I cried each time I listen to his speeches. I didn't know he was that deep. And I can now see the reason for his aggressive approach to the game of Basket Ball. He brought such unusual electricity and acrobatic maneuvering to the game. On and off the pitch, his competitive spirit was unparalleled and above those of his peers. If you can't give it all your best, it means you are yet to find your passion. That was his philosophy. It was training, training, training, and nothing but training, even when no one was watching or pushing him to train.
He was not a regular NBA player and he didn't belong to the usual crowd. And that sense of detachment was a reflection of his great intellect and a vivid portrayal of the man in him. Once, he tried what is cultural (philandering) in the sport and entertainment industry globally and he got cut. But was saved and atoned for his sin. Putting that ordeal behind him, he became a changed man, a devoted father, a loving husband, and an unpretentious ambassador of the game he loved to play.
He was such a gifted communicator, imbued with an amazing reservoir of the words of the English language. An attribute that is very rare within the 'Brothers" in sports and entertainments in the United States. What I find most appealing about him is that never a time he searched for words to express himself whenever he addressed the press. Nothing like "em em" or "you know what I mean" or "you know what I'm talking about."
He had a firm grasp of the issues and what he talked about. Like David Chappelle, Lebron James, and Will Smith, he was never in want for words or expressions to put his messages across. And that's wisdom. And that's reading. And, indeed, it made the man. So, I am not surprised that within a few years of retiring from the NBA, he won an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film.
He looked "Wall Street", sharp, and corporate whenever he appeared on suit and tie. His dressing and giat at public gatherings and social functions were simply out of the ordinary.
He had so much ahead of him, for his community, his family, a business empire in the making, and the Mamba he never stopped to glorify. And may his legacy lives on. So long, brother. You were such a rare gem. Much much luv.
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