Kobe’s Public Life, Private Persona

Re “Finding the Real Bryant Was Never Easy Search,” July 19: It has been said repeatedly that we cannot know the “real” Kobe Bryant based simply on his public persona. And taken to its logical extreme, this is certainly true. At a more personal level, who would know him better than his wife, and she surely must have been taken by surprise by his admission of infidelity and criminal charges being filed against him.

On the other hand, when looking at patterns of behavior, who among us has been subjected to the same level of intense scrutiny in all aspects of his or her life as Kobe has? He is one of the most recognizable athlete-celebrities on the planet, and if he had engaged in violent actions against women in the past, wouldn’t these stories have been told or have emerged now, as he faces charges? We’ll never know the real Kobe, but you will have to excuse me if I withhold judgment and wonder how a man of such stature could be guilty of such a heinous crime.

Christopher J. Orenic

Manhattan Beach

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Everyone is talking about the Bryant case. But why isn’t anyone talking about the misplaced idolization and worship of professional athletes by the American public and its impact on our children? When was the last time a professional athlete invented a new life-saving drug, developed a new technology, negotiated the end of a war or participated in something that truly improved the human condition? We encourage our children to emulate these athletes at the expense of their studies, only to end up in menial jobs when they somehow don’t get drafted into the big leagues. This is truly a disservice to society, as it leads our children away from exercising the most important muscle -- the brain.

Yes, many professional athletes give back to society, and we sure enjoy watching them play and rooting for them. But for goodness sake, American priorities are truly upside down. I guess geeky scientists and frazzled schoolteachers just aren’t sexy enough. Children should strive to participate in achievements that will truly benefit society. I don’t count the Laker three-peat as one of them.

Sam Pro

Chatsworth