I haven’t come to a decision on the above question myself, but a few other outlets have. From Ms. Underestimated via News Busters via Juiced Sports comes video of Cris Collinsworth interviewing Kobe Bryant over the weekend. At one point Collisworth asks Kobe if it’s “cool” for him to say that he “loves his country” and then throws a wry smile after doing so. Take a look for yourself….
Kobe: Well, you know it’s just our country, it’s… we believe is the greatest country in the world. It has given us so many great opportunities, and it’s just a sense of pride that you have; that you say ‘You know what? Our country is the best!’
Collinsworth: Is that a ‘cool’ thing to say, in this day and age? That you love your country, and that you’re fighting for the red, white and blue? It seems sort of like a day gone by.
Kobe: No, it’s a cool thing for me to say. I feel great about it, and I’m not ashamed to say it. I mean, this is a tremendous honor.
The point of contention seems to be with that brief smirk that Collinsworth gave after asking the question to Bryant, and while I understand how that could be taken, that’s really Collinsworth’s M.O. all the time. Even when he’s not being sarcastic, he tends to come off that way. Still, it was an odd question to ask someone and it really had no business being asked at all. I don’t know if CC was trying to show Kobe’s good side, or just show him up, but either way good job by Bryant to stick to his guns.
I also have no idea what the whole “historically” part meant in the previous question. Cris Collinsworth really should have just sat that whole exchange out.
NBC’s Collinsworth Questions Kobe’s Patriotism (VIDEO) (Ms. Underestimated)
NBC Questions Kobe Bryant’s Pride of Being on Team USA (News Busters)
I Finally Respect Kobe Bryant (Juiced Sports)
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