<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">After each negative statement -- "selfish'" "uncoachable," "outcast," and "stubborn" among others -- the ad alludes to how Bryant responds: curls, sit ups, lunges and free throws. Bryant had signed a $45 million deal with Nike shortly before his arrest. McDonald's and Nutella both dropped Bryant from their roster of celebrity endorsers after his arrest. David Carter, principal of the Los Angeles-based Sports Business Group and a professor of sports business at the University of Southern California, said Nike's decision should not be a surprise. "The companies that are closest to the athletes, footwear and apparel, would be easily the most likely to come back and embrace him, sooner than the traditional consumer products,'' said Carter. "Athleticism trumps character flaws. Great athletes that perform well, that tends to overcome any other trouble they have had, be it with teammates, or communities, or even issues relating to the police blotter,'' he said. Cynthia Stone, spokeswoman for the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, criticized Nike's decision. "Mr. Bryant was never convicted of a crime, but he certainly did admit some culpability in the apology that he released after the criminal case,'' said Stone. "Corporations like Nike play a huge part in creating role models for millions of young athletes. It would be a great inspiration to those young people if the endorsers were not only accomplished athletes, but also had a reputation for positive and ethical conduct.''</div> Source
Kobe Bean Bryant IS a role model. Simple as that. Obviously since no one is perfect, he isn't either. But we can't judge him on that; we don't know him. All we know of Kobe Bryant is his intense love and passion for the game, god given talents, and his undying focus to be the best and win. His dedication is something everyone should strive for; he is the perfect example of if you know what you want, work hard enough and never give up you can acheive amazing things. I've always been taught that "if you do your best and want it bad enough, you can acheive anything" there is no better example of this than Kobe Bryant. I hope someday I can thank him personally for the inspiration he has been to me, not just in basketeball but in life. I can't wait to see him "shine again".
I think he is a role model. I guarantee that if you ask any kid which NBA player they would want to be like they would say Kobe. He may have had his legal problem, but the charges were dropped because HE DIDN'T DO IT!!! I don't love him and I don't hate him, but he is a role model for many young basketball fans.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting ilive4ball:</div><div class="quote_post">Lamont- so we should all NOT want to be the best player in the world? Good call.</div> That's funny i thought the best player in the world should at least make the tenth seed... Honestly though they could have at least dropped the "just do it" from the ad i mean come on...thats asking for it.
In terms of individual accomplishments and hard work to become an incredible athlete, Kobe is an excellent role model. Although I would not look up to Kobe in all areas of life. I'm sure that Nike has spent time and has thoroughly researched the safest and best way to market Kobe. They don't seem to be foolish enough to throw away 45 million dollars.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting DMKfromTPL:</div><div class="quote_post">Still letting Baiter's in the laker Forum... Nice Job Mod's</div> god forbid a debate on one of the more controversial athletes in recent memory...
Just for the record- People ARE allowed to have their own opinions. Just because it is different than yours DOES NOT MAKE IT BAITING. If you have an issue with that....post it in the ADMIN DROP BOX. Keep it off the boards. Thank you.
Oh, i did MOD. And it was HUNTER if i recall and he said the baiting would stop. Obviously it hasnt guy.
Kobe has had great seasons and great accomplishments, just because he didn't shine that much this season doesn't make him bad. He was in the top 5 in scoring this season so he still played good but he was underated because his team didn't make the playoffs. LeBron is a great player and his team didn't make the playoffs, Steve Francis is a great player and his team didn't make the playoffs, and he had the help of Grant Hill and Dwight Howard.
The arguement isnt whether or not hes good enough for nike to endorse its should they push him as a role model.All that work ethic stuff about Kobe is great,but im pretty sure theres alot of kids in elementary school that could tell you Kobe cheated on his wife.
Kobe Bryant deserves criticism for what he did, especially cheating on his wife. However, there comes a time when you have to give him a second chance. Despite cheating on his wife, he is still married and has worked through his huge mistake. I'd like to also point out he has no pre-nuptial agreement with his wife, so if she wanted to leave for money she is entitled to half of everything Kobe has earned. This ad is a great first step for Kobe to rebuild his image. A lot of today's role models have come from a dark past, America loves to push the underdog. Whether you think it's right or not is a matter of personal opinion, but the ad is brilliant regardless if you like Kobe or not.
Work ethic the ad reflects how kobe actually works out, i think that work ethic makes him a great role model..although one article suggests that kobe might be portrayed with a "bad boy" attitude..i don't think so.
They are not going to push any kind of badboy image on Kobe. One- it's not him, before this whole allegation, he was portrayed as an all american family man. There's no way he could pull of badboy, nor would he want to. Secondly- There's a diff. between badboy thug/gangsta (AI) and being accused of rape. This ad is a peak at how they are going to endorse Kobe. They are brilliantly going to shy away from his personal traits and just show his work ethic which is admirable whether you like him or not. Like someone else said- this was a great ad to re-introduce him, and we'll surely see commercials soon. Be sure to check out nikebasketball.com on 7/20 for the opening of Kobe's Training room.
yeah i've been visiting nikebasketball.com often for any updates on kobe's training camp.. although right now they're still featuring lebron james'. btw, does anyone have the new huarache for kobe? i was thinking of buying one but it looks so heavy..although they say it's a lightweight shoe.
I haven't swooped it yet. I'm gonna wait til I see what's in the training room, to get the official "kobe". We all know hurache was supposed to be his shoe...
Kobe - He'll never be Jordan no matter how hard he tries. Role Model - never, but I'll still rock his Lakers rookie jersey!
