Kobe's will and honesty get a grown-up test

dwilson

I've always been a fan of Kobe Bryant. His strong will and determination on the basketball court, and his mild demeanor off the court, have made him a likeable person.

But I'm not sure anyone else will be a Kobe fan after this situation is over.

It was tough to see Kobe, after learning of his charges, speak Friday evening. He showed courage by even wanting to address the media, people who are sure to pick him apart over the next several months.

His strong will that's always so evident on the court was gone, hidden behind teary eyes and a choked-up throat that vowed a fight. But his vow seemed more desperate than determined as he sat next to a woman he betrayed.

While his wife has said she will stand by her husband to help him through this, it must be in the back of Kobe's mind that she could leave him and take everything.

But don't feel sorry for Kobe just yet. This is sure to get worse as the facts begin to pile up and the rumors get ugly.

No matter how the trial plays out, it is sure to make Kobe Bryant a stronger person off and possibly on the court. His critics say he has always lacked the maturity required to lead a club on his own, but he'll be growing up a lot over the next several months.

Monday

Does anyone deserve more recognition for his play this year than Albert Pujols? Cardinal fans don't think so, and neither does Memphis. The Memphis Redbirds are giving away Albert bobbleheads to the first 1,500 fans at Auto Zone Park. The Redbirds host the Colorado Springs Sky Sox at 7:05 p.m.

Wednesday

Ohh, baby! The Gateway Grizzlies are giving a tribute to Blues television announcer Ken Wilson. The Grizz host the Rockford Riverhawks at 7:05 p.m.

Friday

The American Legion District 14 tournament begins Monday at 5 p.m. and is scheduled to conclude Friday with the championship game at 8 p.m. All games will be played at Chaffee.

The Cardinals host the Pirates at 7:10 p.m., and I hope someone tells Fred Bird to stay clear from the Pirates dugout after what happened to that poor sausage in Miller Park. I've seen what Randall Simon does to red meat, and there's no telling what he might do to poultry. Nevertheless, the first 25,000 fans ages 16 and over will receive a stretch-to-fit baseball cap from Southwest Airlines.

Saturday

I don't want to beat a dead horse here -- or should I say sausage -- but it's Christian Family Day at Busch Stadium. That means no mascot beatings for Randall Simon. The Cardinals host the Pirates at 1:10 p.m.

Down the road

Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, Kyle Petty, Kenny Schrader and Kenny Wallace will be at I-55 Raceway near Pevely, Mo., on July 30. Visit www.i55raceway.com for details or read The Week Ahead a week from today.

David Wilson is a student at Central High School and a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian.