Is it weird as a Celtics fan to be a little saddened by Kobe Bryant's ruptured Achilles?

For much of my lifetime of NBA fandom, Kobe Bryant was public enemy #1.  While in recent years LeBron has easily overtaken him for this spot, it occured to me earlier this season that I now have a bit of admiration for Kobe.  The things he was still doing this season at his age and this far along into his career were pretty amazing.  And because it became clear a while ago that the Lakers were not a threat to win the title this year, I was sort of intrigued to see what they might do in the playoffs.

What if they could somehow rally behind Kobe and knock off the Spurs in round one?  The thought of a possible Lakers vs Clippers series (where all 7 games would be played in the same building) in the second round was very exciting.  For the first time in the history of those two franchises the Clippers would actually be the favorites.  But now that's all gone.  Late last night Kobe let loose a rant on his facebook page:

This is such BS! All the training and sacrifice just flew out the window with one step that I’ve done millions of times! The frustration is unbearable. The anger is rage. Why the hell did this happen ?!? Makes no damn sense. Now I’m supposed to come back from this and be the same player Or better at 35?!? How in the world am I supposed to do that??
I have NO CLUE. Do I have the consistent will to overcome this thing? Maybe I should break out the rocking chair and reminisce on the career that was. Maybe this is how my book ends. Maybe Father Time has defeated me…Then again maybe not! It’s 3:30am, my foot feels like dead weight, my head is spinning from the pain meds and I’m wide awake. Forgive my Venting but what’s the purpose of social media if I won’t bring it to you Real No Image?? Feels good to vent, let it out. To feel as if THIS is the WORST thing EVER! Because After ALL the venting, a real perspective sets in. There are far greater issues/challenges in the world then a torn Achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.
One day, the beginning of a new career journey will commence. Today is NOT that day.
“If you see me in a fight with a bear, prey for the bear”. I’ve always loved that quote. That’s “mamba mentality” we don’t quit, we don’t cower, we don’t run. We endure and conquer.
I know it’s a long post but I’m Facebook Venting LOL. Maybe now I can actually get some sleep and be excited for surgery tomorrow. First step of a new challenge. Guess I will be Coach Vino the rest of this season. I have faith in my teammates. They will come thru.
Thank you for all your prayers and support. Much Love Always.
Mamba Out

Many people are criticising him for this, but I admire him for it.  It's a perfectly normal and human response, and I respect the fact the he's willing to tell the world exactly how he feels; it's not something you see very often from high profile athletes today.

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