Saturday, April 13, 2013

Is Kobe’s career over, or can the ‘Black Mamba’ beat the odds?

The question is, can a torn Archilles retire Kobe?

We now know he’s human, and even his body can only take so much. He just surpassed Wilt Chamberlain in scoring a week ago to become # 4 - All-Time Scorer in NBA history.

(Kobe Bryant, before hitting his final free throws of the 2012-13 season (Getty Images)

As a fan for 50 years, I’ve had the opportunity to see some Laker greats in live games. I never got to see Kobe in one, however. My PTSD and resulting uneasiness in crowds, ended my live viewing experiences before Kobe was even in the NBA.

Yet, I feel like I know him – and even relate to his stubborn will power. I don’t want to start comparing Kobe to other Laker greats until the day he actually hangs up his jersey (#8 or #24?).

Watching the game on TV last night, I never dreamed he was injured that badly. As he limped off after making his last two free throws (in the NBA?), I thought he’d somehow overcome the mysterious injury that stopped him for the first time. Little did I suspect the Lakers would win by the margin of those two free throws

Because he’s been bigger than life, it’s like watching superman lose his power and stumble for the first time ever. Almost shocking. It’s never going to be easy figuring out Kobe the man. He has his demons like the rest of us. He’ll never be remembered as a warm and cozy kind of guy. More likely the Laker organization will put up a statue of him in front of Staples Arena – jaw thrust out in the Black Mamba challenge with one first raised defiantly in the air.

Finally, I’d like to share this Snippet from Kobe Bryant’s FaceBook Page last night:

“This is such BS! All the training and sacrifice just flew out the window with one step that I've done millions of times! The frustration is unbearable. The anger is rage. Why the hell did this happen ?!? Makes no damn sense. Now I'm supposed to come back from this and be the same player Or better at 35?!? How in the world am I supposed to do that??

I have NO CLUE. Do I have the consistent will to overcome this thing? Maybe I should break out the rocking chair and reminisce on the career that was. Maybe this is how my book ends. Maybe Father Time has defeated me...Then again maybe not! It's 3:30am, my foot feels like dead weight, my head is spinning from the pain meds and I'm wide awake. Forgive my Venting but what's the purpose of social media if I won't bring it to you Real No Image?? Feels good to vent, let it out. To feel as if THIS is the WORST thing EVER! Because After ALL the venting, a real perspective sets in. There are far greater issues/challenges in the world then a torn achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.

One day, the beginning of a new career journey will commence. Today is NOT that day.

"If you see me in a fight with a bear, prey for the bear". Ive always loved that quote. Thats "mamba mentality" we don't quit, we don't cower, we don't run. We endure and conquer.

I know it's a long post but I'm Facebook Venting LOL. Maybe now I can actually get some sleep and be excited for surgery tomorrow. First step of a new challenge.

Guess I will be Coach Vino the rest of this season. I have faith in my teammates. They will come thru.

Thank you for all your prayers and support. Much Love Always.

Mamba Out”

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