The reactions to Kobe's death are over the top. I turned on the tubes this morning and both ESPN's were still non-stop coverage. "My last interview with Kobe...." "Kobe meant so much to so many....".
When I saw the news the other morning, I admit there was a "Wow" factor. The guy was a huge star in his own right and when someone like that passes, especially at an early age, relatively speaking, there's a natural curiosity to know what happened and yes, hear some of the things people thought and said about him.
I get it to a point. Great athletes, musicians, even actors have an effect on our lives, most often in a positive way. We remember the great moments in sports, and the music or performances that moved us. So, when one of them passes, it's something that hits home a little and we pay attention. But there comes a point when it does go over the top and borders on idol worship. I addition, it cheapens the loss those whose deaths weren't any less impactful to family and friends.
Obviously, there are those who fight and lose courageous battles with diseases every day. Some are lost in the line of duty, both in the military and here at home wearing the blue. There were 8 other people on that helicopter who lost their lives, a couple of whom were college coaches. Did they have any less actual impact on the lives of the student athletes they coached than a multi-millionaire who was great at basketball?
It's fine to recognize the man and pay tribute. ESPN is about entertainment and he was one of their top performers for a lot of years. But keep it in perspective and don't put his death in the national tragedy category.
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