Sports Ethics
Tattoos, cornrows, baggy jeans, and poor diction are all characteristics of the superlatively talented basketball superstar, Allen Iverson. Regardless of his skills, one will look at him, and almost certainly judge him, as the pragmatic 'bad boy' in the NBA. It goes without saying; he is not and does not claim to be, a positive role model for children, as he has had numerous run-ins with law and represents a self-quoted "Thug Life". Despite his hard facade, he remains the most profitable athlete in the NBA. Kobe Bryant on the other hand, is a well-spoken, clean-cut, talented player, and more importantly a great citizen. Any general manager's dream, or, so one would think? This simple thesis, contradicts the fact, that Allen Iverson is the more beloved and therefore more marketable player. Both possess equally extraordinary abilities on the court, but are poles apart in regards to their personalities and lifestyle. Perhaps the typical, 'good guy' in sports is becoming outdated by a more edgy, thrill-seeking character, as fans seek almost a soap opera like drama within
In this sense we admire him and his composed behavior, but unlike Kobe Bryant, we see he is prone to make mistakes like any human being. This particular community does not take too kindly to Kobe Bryant's privileged up bringing, as they feel he is soft and has had life too easy. In this case we see the greatest difference between the two; Allen gives us an escape from all other athletes as he opens us up to his failures and successes, while Kobe lives through a filtered life, where we are only open to the positive aspects. This quality makes people more at ease with putting on an Allen Iverson sneakers or jerseys as opposed to Kobe Bryant's. Whether it is his purpose or not, his influence, is far greater than any donation of money to a community, as he shows by example, that the youth does not have to get involved in gang banging and drugs, as there are other means of escaping that lifestyle. It is quite clear that Kobe possesses extraordinary skills as well, but does not elicit the same exhilaration from fans as he lacks the flare for the game and possibly more importantly to the fans, the flare in life. Allen Iverson always appears cool and calm under pressure; he never seems to be rattled and is always in control of the situation. They see him as too perfect and therefore are turned off by him. ' This can be described as respect and admiration for Iverson's battle through a life-long struggle, of escaping the projects, guns, gangs, fights, drugs, and his rise to a multi-million dollar home in the suburbs of Virginia. Young adolescence from the projects and urban areas see Iverson as a guiding light, an inspiring figures for success. Kobe appears to be living a sinless existence, perfectly executing his life in an almost mechanical like manner. The differences in lifestyles are what lead one player to be more beloved by fans. We as common people can empathize with Iverson, as we see him as a human first and athlete second. The phenomenon with Iverson is unexplainable to some, but to me, one word describes it all, charisma.
Common topics in this essay:
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Kobe Bryant,
Bryant Iverson,
Iverson Regardless,
Kobe Bryant's,
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Life Despite,
allen iverson,
Allen Iverson's,
kobe bryant,
common people,
kobe bryant's,
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Acceptance Essays
