The Tribune

By Inigo ‘Naughty’ Zenicazelaya

Here’s what’s been tickling my brain all weekend. You see, we have some of the most fickle fan bases when it comes to sports in this country.

Everyone loves a winner. It’s obvious and “jumping ship” from one’s present franchise to the trendiest or favourite-to-win-it-all is done without conscience or shame by oh so many in this country.

I am one of a dying breed of sports fan, one who stays loyal to his team - win, lose or draw. Also, those who know me will probably agree that I will go to painstaking lengths with no regard for feelings or personal friendships to defend my team.

That’s why it amazes me every time I see a “jump” occur. It’s like a weird SciFi flick - thrilling, suspenseful, comical and tragic all in one.

I witnessed one such “jump” at a birthday party for GianLuca, one of my son’s little league teammates and certified homeboy. It was an awesome party by the way; most of us parents enjoyed it at least as much as, if not more than, the kids. The rides and slides and food and candy ensured happy and exhausted kids when I finally got them home that evening. Thumbs up to the host parents, Scott and Dorel, on a job well done.

But apart from the festivities I got to catch up with some veteran sportsmen and sports aficionados at the party, which is always a pleasure - especially when my Lakers are in the proverbial toilet like they are right now. Going in, I knew the common denominator amongst this particular group was their known disdain and hate for one Kobe Bean Bryant, aka “The Black Mamba.”

The group conversation started off with a lively discussion of Queen’s College winning the BAISS Track and Field Championships, breaking St Augustine College’s 26-year ‘Vulcan grip’ on the title. (Speaking of Vulcans, RIP Leonard Nimoy aka Mr Spock, who we lost this past week.)

Those QC Comets pulled off quite a feat and as a proud St Andrew’s alumnus I tip my hat to them; after all, my enemy’s (SAC) enemy is my friend.

It was entertaining to watch the SAC alumni in the group almost choke while eating humble pie. To escape having to swallow a third helping, and temporarily divert the QC alumni in the group, the topic of Kobe Bryant’s Showtime documentary “Muse” quickly became the hot topic. (A must-see if you haven’t already.)

Here’s where I, being a born and bred ‘Laker-for-life,’ anticipated some turbulence. I had to dig in and be ready to fire counter points to defend my favourite basketball player on the planet, Kobe Bryant, who, in my opinion, ranks No.2 as the greatest player ever behind Michael Jordan.

To my surprise, a pleasant one at that, the critics and naysayers, the haters and the lifelong bashers - including a few distinguished members of the ‘We Hate Kobe Fan Club’ (Bahama Chapter) - all sang his praises in unison.

I had to check pulse to see if I was still alive!

The commentary was respectful and positive for a player who has thrown many a fatal dagger in the heart of their favourite NBA team en route to his five NBA championship titles.

So shocked was I to see these former Kobe-haters wax poetic about my favourite player I had to pull a few to the side and ask if their behaviour and kind remarks were sincere, a bi-product of the festive atmosphere or just an attempt not to embarrass their wives in public.

After much banter back and forth, I realised the penny had dropped in the NBA universe and many of its fans have somehow grown to respect and admire Kobe’s passion, desire, competitiveness and overall unquestioned and unrivalled love for the game.

The realisation that Kobe is in the twilight of his career and injuries have been unkind to his body in the last two years have softened the hearts of even the coldest Bahamian ‘Laker haters’. This turnabout, while entirely welcome, did leave me chuckling at how Bahamian fans, when it comes to sports, were neither loyal in their love nor hate.

The minute Kobe retires there will be a void in the NBA for both the Kobe fans and antagonists. The only difference is, we fans will have championship memories, 81-point single game outbursts and numerous slam dunk memories to attempt to fill it.

So until Kobe comes back next season, as he will for his last hurrah, I’m going to sit back and enjoy these “jumpers” and all their Kobe Bryant praise and Jordan comparisons.

All the while waiting for the perfect moment to say “I told you so!”

• Naughty presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ on KISS FM 96.1 from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday.