I remember when Payne Stewart's plane crashed back in late October 1999. Like a lot of other golfers who followed him back during that time, I watched the last moments of his life play out in real time, via CNN. That was a bit more profound for me given the nature of how those events were heartbreaking in real-time as they happened, but nevertheless still on the same wavelength of sadness that I felt today after hearing the news about Kobe.
I also recall Dale Earnhardt's fatal car crash at the Indy 500 back in 2001, and happened to see the crash replayed on ESPN within moments after it had occurred. Again, not quite as profound for me because I wasn't a huge nascar fan, although most everyone recognized his name and his legend in auto sports racing.
I followed Kobe early on to about the middle part of his career, as my interest in pro hoops began to wane considerably shortly thereafter. But I was immediately reminded of Jordan when I watched him play... his mannerisms, his skill, his indomitable will, and the respect he commanded from his opponents. Hell, he even sounded like Jordan in his postgame interviews.
The highlights of his career will play nonstop over the coming week on various sports channels. His former teammates, opponents, and coaches will talk about the skill he owned and the passion he played with. Those who were inspired by him and became professional basketball players in due part because of his dominance will relate some of the memories of him that fueled their ambitions to make it to the bigs themselves.
But all that is left now is the memories of a phenomenal athlete who died much too young. I pray for his family tonight.
RIP, Kobe.