By Josh Fleer
Sports Assistant
They’ll do anything to get to Laker standout Kobe Bryant. He’s pursued from all angles, hunted down in remote places and badgered to give away his time. They’ve probably even snuck into his hotel room, invading his privacy, his peace and quiet.
I’m talking about reporters.
And now even Bryant’s personal phone line has erupted into a danger zone.
The final question of Jim Gray’s interview after Bryant lashed out against Shaq effectively threw the ball back in Bryant’s court.
Just as Tommy Boy asked Richard, “What’d you do?” Gray concluded his interview, “Why not resolve this behind closed doors? Why is this so public?”
Good question. Why is this so public?
The paparazzi received the blame for Princess Diana’s tragic car accident leading to her death. Their relentless pursuit just to capture the English royalty’s image went too far.
This same paparazzi-style of reporting made its way into sports long ago. Instead of the English royalty covering our tabloids, American sports dominate our news. Our interest goes beyond what happens on the field, ice, ring or court.
We want the intricate details of the lives of our sports heroes. To satisfy our curiosity, reporters prevent the doors from closing and turn private matters into public knowledge.
Gray created controversy a few years ago with his interview of Pete Rose after the All-Century Team festivities during the 1999 World Series. Unlike Bryant, Rose decided to keep his lips sealed while Gray relentlessly pursued a confession on national TV.
Gray: …admit that you bet on baseball….
Rose: …that didn’t happen….
Gray: …the overwhelming evidence…!
Rose: No. This is too much of a festive night….
Gray: The Dowd Report….
Rose: Why…?
Gray: You acknowledged the ban…
Rose: Yeah, but…
Gray: …You have been your own worst enemy and continue to be…
Rose: what…?
Gray: ACKNOWLEDGE…!
Rose: …you’re bombarding me…
Gray: …get it over!
Rose: This is a prosecutor’s brief, not an interview, and I’m very surprised at you.
Gray: …take this opportunity!
Gray failed to get what he wanted out of Rose. Subsequently snubbed by the Yankees in the World Series and by sports fans nationwide, Gray somehow managed to turn a villain into the victim as sympathy mounted for Rose.
This time he hit the jackpot with Bryant.
The same day Phil Jackson ordered his Lakers team to cease their feuding in the media, Gray connected with the NBA superstar on his cell.
As if a friend, a confidant or a mediator, he used a personal touch to get the scoop from Bryant. Once connected to the private line, Gray pressed just the right buttons and grabbed a shovel to pitch in when Kobe started digging, dangling Shaq’s previous comments out there.
Most of Bryant’s answers to Gray’s probing questions may be accurate. Shaq is fat and he’s greedy. The criticism stung because of its merit.
But Bryant missed on the final question. Phil Jackson is not to blame for the controversy’s public nature. Neither is Shaq’s “unprofessionalism” to blame.
Our paparazzi appetites caught Bryant in the spotlight again.
Everywhere this hoopster turns he is pursued, whether it be for a moment in his presence or to make an effort to track down the superstar. Women wanted into his hotel room. Reporters seek juicy quotes from him.
At just 25 years old, living a life being constantly hunted cannot be an easy task.
Bryant better change his cell number before Gray comes back for a rape confession.
October 30, 2003
