Kobe Bryant Doesn’t Like The Phillies

There seems to be an uproar lately surrounding Kobe’s baseball allegiance. If you follow sports at all, you know that the Los Angeles Dodgers are playing the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Championship Series.

At the Dodgers’ home games, Kobe can be seen on the sideline next to the mayor, cheering for…the DODGERS.

If you know Kobe, you know that he was born and partially raised in Philadelphia/the Greater Philadelphia area. To Philadelphia fans, this is treason of the highest degree. How can one of the most famous sons of Philly turn on them?

In a recent article on Philly.com by John Gonzales , Kobe’s treason can be blamed on his massive ego, or maybe on his “Hollywood” persona. According to Gonzales, “Bryant gave a very large, very public middle finger to Philadelphia.”

However, let’s not forget that there are two sides to every story. Let’s not forget February 10, 2002. You don’ t remember February 10, 2002? It was the NBA All-Star game in Philadelphia. 

Of course, Kobe Bryant was participating. But not only did he participate, Kobe dominated. Every time Kobe touched the ball that game, he dazzled. Every time Kobe touched the ball, he put on the show. Every time Kobe touched the ball, he was booed by the crowd.

Yes, booed by his home city of Philadelphia. 

The city of Philadelphia betrayed and embarrassed Kobe in front of his fellow NBA players and the nation. They ruined his 31 point, five rebound, five assist performance.  

When asked if it hurt his feeling Kobe simply said, “I don’t know, I mean, I don’t know what to say. It was something that I can’t really describe the feeling that I have when it happened. I’m happy to win MVP in Philadelphia. The booing was just hurtful.” 

So why would Kobe “turn” on Philly? Maybe because Philly turned on him first. Maybe Philadelphia put the metaphorical middle finger first. Don’t blame Kobe for not representing the city that chastised him.

Would you lovingly embrace a dog that has bitten you? No. Scars don’t heal easily. Kobe is embracing the city that loves him…Los Angeles. LA loves Kobe to no end. They buy his t-shirts and defend him to the grave.

Philly had their chance to show Kobe the same love and chose to do the complete opposite. Philly had their chance to hold on to one of their most prized asset. Instead they let Los Angeles take him.

You missed your chance Philly. Get over it.

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