Not personally liking Kobe Bryant or the Lakers is a preference. An opinion. That’s it. Its sports. And in sports we all have our preferences and opinions. And we respect each other for it. We argue. We debate. It keeps us (particularly men) entertained and sane as we go throughout our work days. But then, there are Kobe Haters!
Kobe Haters Are A Different Breed
Kobe Bryant haters are of a different planet. They are not just sports fanatics. They are oddly obsessed with the tearing down at any opportunity of perhaps one of the greatest athletes we have ever seen. A perfect example of this was during the 05-06 season when Kobe scored his memorable 81 points in one game. While sports fans across the world were “buzzing”, Kobe haters were hiding in their basements manufacturing statistics and opinions on why it was a bad thing.
“He only shot in the mid 40% range” they cried. Odd? Yes. Very odd!
Recently sports writer Hadarii Jones over at Bleacher Report wrote an article about The Anatomy of A Hater. A good read and I suggest it. It has prompted me to write this. The 4 personality traits of every Kobe Bryant Hater. They are:
1. Intelligent
Let’s start off on a positive note here. Kobe haters are traditionally very intelligent. But let me be clear here. They are intelligent more with statistics and have a very low understanding of the game itself. Many of these guys were the ones on the bleachers spectating during High School. Nevertheless, these haters are smart with their basketball statistics and will use those stats any chance they get.
2. Hypocrite
Kobe haters are quick to call out personal things that Kobe Bryant has either done or been accused of. They go to far in their statements and often cross the line. They use personal attacks on Kobe’s personal life that have nothing to do with the game of basketball. These personal attacks are used the most often as a means of proving why Kobe is not the greatest. As the reader they assume that we assume, they are perfect human beings and have never made any mistakes.
3. Ignorant
These people are very intelligent with sports statistics, but very ignorant when it comes to Basketball IQ. They don’t understand the intangibles of the game. Things like leadership, heart, killer instinct etc. You can see why they hate Kobe. It’s because these are the traits that make Kobe so special. But because Kobe haters don’t acknowledge this aspect of sports they only focus on everything else.
They also are ignorant to the fundamental details of the game of basketball that make it so special. Things like ball handling, shooting, footwork, court vision etc. All they see is dunks and 3 pointers!
4. Obsessive
Kobe haters can be scary! Obsessively scary. They go far out of their way to write “hateful” things about Kobe Bryant. To say hateful things in to their friends and peers. Almost as if Kobe Bryant had personally attacked them somehow. I’m not a psychologist, so i’m not sure where this obsessiveness comes from. But it’s strange to say the least.
Did I miss any? Comments are welcome!
