Mad Props to Kobe...

In light of my last post, I thought I'd share a little tib-bit of the Olympic coverage I caught was just great, and at the same time, very sad. NBC's Chris Collinsworth was doing a little op-ed piece about Kobe Bryant. Now, I'll admit, I've never been a huge fan of Kobe Bryant. I'd admire his ability, but have always been a tab put off by his attitude, so I was fully expecting his answers to fall a little short of what I would expect and hope for.

Now there are two facets to this interview. First, of course, are Kobe's responses, but even more interesting, and mildly disturbing, are the questions. The segment of the interview in question reads as follows:

Collinsworth: Where does the patriotism come from inside of you? Historically, what is it?

Kobe: Well, you know it’s just our country, it’s… we believe is the greatest country in the world. It has given us so many great opportunities, and it’s just a sense of pride that you have; that you say ‘You know what? Our country is the best!’

Collinsworth: Is that a ‘cool’ thing to say, in this day and age? That you love your country, and that you’re fighting for the red, white and blue? It seems sort of like a day gone by.

Kobe: No, it’s a cool thing for me to say. I feel great about it, and I’m not ashamed to say it. I mean, this is a tremendous honor.

Now, first of all, I was really amazed at this specific line of questioning. Not specifically that this sentiment exists, because I know it does, but that instead that it would rear its head in the context. I just never thought I would hear something like that hidden within American Olympic coverage. I just really don't understand the way reporters are going out of the there way to be beyond objective. When I'm listening to a Cubs game on the radio in the Chicago area, I don't expect Ron Santo to go out of his way to compliment the Brewers or Cardinals. I want him to be all about the Cubs, so likewise I would much prefer a similar style of reporting when it comes to our great country, and our athletes. Anyways, I gained a lot of respect for Kobe. I don't know what he's like on a personal level, but this is the kind of thing I want all the little impressionable little boys watching T.V. to hear. Thanks a lot Kobe.

P.S. Kobe also mentioned how great it was to first get his jersey for Team U.S.A. He said he put it out on his bed and just gazed at it. He may be cocky but he's humble when it counts.