As we know, 41-year-old Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, John Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Ara Zobayan, and Christina Mauser died in a helicopter crash on Sunday, January 26, 2020. Many people were devastated by the loss of Kobe Bryant because he has had a big impact on so many people. In reaction to the incident Jamal Crawford– a fan of Kobe Bryant– tweeted “Kobe has to be the new NBA logo…”.
A petition was created on change.org by Nick M. As of February 4, 2020 the petition has 3.1 million signatures supporting the removal of Jerry West as the logo and the placement of Kobe as the new logo. Jerry West was a player for the Lakers from 1960-1974, and his silhouette was chosen for the NBA logo in 1969. In 2003, Kobe Bryant was accused of sexually assaulting a 19 year old girl in Colorado. This is most likely the main reason the NBA won’t change the logo. Jerry West–the figure in the current NBA logo– has a squeaky clean record.
People are very emotional at Kobe Bryant’s passing, he has been an inspiration and idolized by so many people, so most feel that he should be the new logo from respect for his legacy. “I think it’s sad people want to change it after his death because they should have wanted to change it before[his death], but he is the epitome of what the NBA stands for. Hard work, dedication, and will to win– I think nobody displays these traits better than Kobe.” said Amani Kearney, sophomore.
Some people who have signed the petition have the same opinion as Kearney. Most people in the comments of the petition said the reason they signed the petition is because he died and he deserves to have his legacy live on forever.
However there also have been many people who do not agree with Kobe being the new logo. Jayln Edwards, a junior said: “Personally it’s not terrible if they do it; I understand he was a huge role model to many and changed many lives. Not even that but changed the way people view the game. That’s a big deal, but he’s not the only player in the league who’s busting their butt to do the same thing. He’s monumental, but we can’t change the logo everytime one of the greatest players dies. It’s a sensitive topic because it’s not that he doesn’t deserve it, it’s just that there are so many that are deserving of the same thing.”
Edwards has a valid point which has not been brought up often. People are afraid to make it seem like they are disrespecting Kobe Bryant by disagreeing. If I am being completely honest we can’t keep switching the logo everytime a legend dies. What will happen when Lebron James dies? When any other influential athlete dies will people show the same love and gratitude? Will people want to change the logo then?
I think he has influenced many people’s lives including mine, but I think changing the logo is taking things too far. Kobe’s legacy wasn’t for him to become the logo, his legacy lies within not only the statistics of the games he’s played, but it also lies in the many ways he has helped and gave back to his community.
