http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/plain...ndard.xsl?/base/sports/101437389316547259.xml Witness says Bryant hit teammate 02/22/02 Apparently, Kobe Bryant has more than a solid jumper and a quick first step to the basket. Bryant also has a good right jab. According to a witness on the Los Angeles Lakers team bus, Bryant hit teammate Samaki Walker in the eye following joking between the two players that turned into a one-punch boxing match. The incident happened as the team bus was parking in the tunnel of Gund Arena before last night's Lakers-Cavaliers game. When asked, Bryant didn't confirm or deny the altercation. Walker, meanwhile, said: "I don't know what everyone's talking about. Do you think Kobe would've played tonight if he would've hit me?" Walker, who is on the injured list with a hyperextended right elbow, wore a bandage under his right eye that appeared swollen. He wasn't wearing the patch nor did he appear to have any swelling during the team's shootaround yesterday morning. - Branson Wright kobe bryant is a jerk
awww baby got booed at the all-star game in his hometown in front of his friends and family...waaaaaaaaaah
Thank you, CK. Just saw this thread and the first few replies and was about to post the exact same thing.
Actually my judgement of Kobe, whether he hit Walker or not, would still be that he blows gerbils. I wasn't basing it on that one incident but I was basing it on his piss-poor attitude.
That, or he's a cocky b****. RM95's Girl was watching some all-star weekend stuff, and said the same thing without any comments from me. I was actually reading a book at the time, and she tugged me and said, "who does this guy think he is?" after he was making some sort of his usual "I'm a badass" face.
Well, if Kobe was such a great "team player", he wouldn't have resorted to violence on one of his own players, even if he was provoked. Even if Walker called him out in front of the team, pushed him, or whatever, a true team leader finds a way to make his point without violence. Typically, punching players on your own team doesn't make for good chemistry.
Hey, I'm no Kobe fan, I just think it's funny that this article is used as support to the assertion of "Kobe is a jerk." puh-leeze. It doesn't proove anything when you have next to no info on what happened other than the result. Cat, I never said anything about him being a "team player". I know he's probably selfish, and definitely very cocky. So are most of the players in the NBA. Big deal. If there was really that bad of a rift between the 2, Walker would not be on the team anymore. He's a scrub.
There's a big difference between doing it as an 18 year old college freshman and an NBA player in his 5th or 6th season. You'd think after all those seasons in the NBA, Kobe could be more mature than a freshman in college.
That's absolutely hilarious coming from someone who likes Latrell Sprewell. Especially when you have no flipping clue what happened.
Latrell Sprewell made his mistake three or four years ago. Part of the reason I like him so much is that he really has turned things around, and seems to have a totally different personality. I guarantee you, if Kobe avoids another similar incident for three to four years, I won't blame him for this. The past is the past, though. Sprewell got his criticism for his mistake, and has recovered. I gave him criticism as well. Kobe's now made his mistake, and he should be criticized for it. It was a very silly decision.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Los Angeles Lakers downplayed an incident between Kobe Bryant and Samaki Walker that left Walker with a black eye. Lakers coach Phil Jackson said Bryant and Walker were horsing around on the team bus before Thursday's game at Cleveland when Bryant hit Walker in the eye. "It's just kid's play, it's juvenile stuff," Jackson said. "This is an isolated incident. To be honest, I didn't feel it was of any importance, but there was a noticeable mark on Samaki." Walker, who is traveling with the team despite being on the injured list, wore a bandage over his right eye while on the bench Thursday night. The bandage was off before Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Bryant had little to say about the event, and seemed surprised there was so much interest in it. "It wasn't a punch out," Bryant said. "It's not a season-turner." Walker, meanwhile, said: "I don't know what everyone's talking about. Do you think Kobe would've played tonight if he would've hit me?" Walker is on the injured list because of a hyperextended right elbow.
So does Shaq, so does McGrady, hell Francis and Mobley do too. In fact just about every star/good player in the NBA has that face. It's just that the Lakers are on all the time, so you it more from Kobe than anyone. Don't blame Kobe for NBC and TNT showing all their games.
