Empty the Bench

Get ready to hear a lot of hot air blown across the Internet and sports talk radio waves today.

Just when you thought Kobe Bean’s so-called badboy image had been swept back under the rug, the league’s MVP makes a confession about his post-game plans that are bound to reinforce the idea that he’s a flawed, hard-to-market superstar.

Indeed, there’s plenty to talk about today in regards the Celtics’ historic 97-91 win that essentially clinched the 2008 NBA Championship… and I just really, really hope that 95% of the talk revolves around the Celtics’ heroics and not Bryant’s honest, if not a bit unpalatable to The Great NBA Marketing Machine, assessment of how he’d be dealing with the loss:

“Lot of wine, lotta beer, couple shots, maybe like 20 of them, digest it and get back to work tomorrow. Nothing you can do,” he said.

OMG–a grown man is going to cope with his team blowing a 24-point lead and a real chance at coming back to win this series by having a few alcoholic beverages! Gasp! Nooooo!!

I have a suspicion that a few well-known NBA writers are going to make Bryant’s suds-centric comments from a mole hill into a mountain, which really is a shame. ESPN talking heads will be talking about this as yet another example of him being a poor role model, of him having questionable character, and about how he’s still not the kind of mature leader everyone expects him to be. I hope I’m wrong.

True–he’s the reigning MVP of the Association, one of its most enigmatic personalities, and a guy David Stern would love to employ as a dignified spokesman. But while he maybe could have chosen his words a bit more carefully, Bryant is human just like you and me. He was devastated by the loss and with his personal contributions to the loss (6-19 FG), and damnit if I wouldn’t be thinking about having a few drinks if I was in the same position too. After all the hard work it took to get here, Bryant and his Lakers were this close to turning the tide, only to see a surefire win slip through their fingers and their chances at a title with it.

It was a tough day at the office for Kobe Bryant. A really tough one. The man shouldn’t be faulted for thinking about downing few beers and.. well.. I guess a lotta wine and about 20 shots too.

Kobe Bryant Photo Credit: Icon SMI

Related: Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Postcards from LA, Boston Celtics