Take a look at the silhouette you see here. It’s the official logo of the National Basketball Association.
The NBA world is grieving — indeed, so is the rest of the international sports world — at the death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, who was among nine people who perished in a fiery helicopter crash in California; Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, also died.
I am heartbroken, too, at the pain that the families of all the victims must endure. Kobe leaves behind his wife and three daughters.
Now comes word that a petition drive is building to change the NBA logo. Bryant’s fans want the silhouette to represent their iconic sports hero. The logo already represents another NBA icon, a fellow named Jerry West, himself a damn good athlete and role model.
Don’t misunderstand me. I would not consider it the end of the world as we know it if the NBA were to change its logo to reflect Kobe’s image instead of Zeke from Cabin Creek.
I just want to caution against reacting prematurely in this moment of profound sadness. The emotional inertia of the moment is a difficult force to resist. I understand that. It strikes me the same way I feel when I hear about legislative bodies enacting new laws in direct response to tragedy.
Yes, the sports world is suffering. Kobe Bryant had much more to accomplish in his post-NBA life.
Should the NBA do what this good man’s legion of fans want? If so, then the world should first let its emotions simmer.
