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I never liked Kobe Bryant. I thought that he was arrogant and aloof, a product of his privileged upbringing. I don’t think that he was ever a “Philly guy”, but none of that is relevant anymore.
I believe that his greatest work will be done posthumously. He was one of the greatest athletes ever. He was a successful businessman and was wealthier beyond any need, but his final revelation to the world was that of a devoted father. That impression of him and the example he provides will be his greatest legend, in my opinion. He will forever exemplify what the world needs now.
The men of his/my generation have not lived up to the examples provided by those that have come before. Too many men refuse to work and stand up to their responsibilities. A man is supposed to provide leadership by example. Talk is cheap. Too many men think they are filling the father role by gaming the social assistance system. Too many men don’t live with their children. Too many men don’t even know their children. Too many men take undeserved credit rather than reflecting credit on others. Narcissism is a plague.
The image of Kobe Bryant that will be forever etched in the consciousnesses of the world is that of him sitting court side with his daughter, sharing his knowledge. More men will be better fathers because of that enduring vision, above and beyond just putting the hash tag #girldaddy after a social media rambling.
Kobe’s basketball days were behind him, as a player. His life as a businessman was in the first quarter. His days on this Earth are done, but his impact on his generation and those to come, will matter most.