Kobe had as many supporters as he did haters, but it did not seem to bother the jocular young teenager. This type of public perception was very common, and it happened to players like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. Despite the fact that these players had amazing careers, they were hated by opposing teams and fans. However, in the summer of 2003 Kobe Bryant reached the nadir of his career.
Bryant had been accused of sexual assault, and was put to trial for the nefarious act. Bryant had admitted to conducting adultery, but he pleaded not-guilty to raping a 19-year old woman. This topic is a very sensitive issue and is something many Lakers fans try to ignore. Although the charges were dropped, the events that took place in Eagle, Colo. ruined Kobe Bryant’s reputation.
After the trials concluded, the Los Angeles Lakers’ team was slowly falling apart. Despite their three NBA championships, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal began to fight over the spotlight in Los Angeles. In the summer of 2004 Bryant’s image took another blow when he was suspected of forcing the Lakers to trade Shaquille O’Neal.
In the middle years of decade, Bryant became the face of the Los Angeles Lakers; but this time he was the only star on the team. Although Kobe was an offensive juggernaut, the fans were not willing to forgive him. Kobe was by far the best player in the league, but his previous actions made him lose his supporters and his sponsorships. Kobe dropped nearly 35 points per game, but no one wanted to praise the young man.
If those great superstars were able to deal with controversy in their careers, but had been forgiven, why can’t the world do the same with Kobe Bryant? Every person deserves a second chance and so does Kobe.