The Kobe Bryant retirement tour is now in its twilight phase. There are just eight chances left for fans to catch one last glimpse of the NBA legend in action.
For fans able to watch Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in person, there is a chance you could be walking out of the arena with some history. During Monday’s game between the Lakers and Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, that history came in the form of a sweaty shooting sleeve launched into the crowd by Bryant.
What you choose to do with such a piece of history is obviously up to the individual. However, that freedom can lead to some pretty obtuse behavior. Observe.
You know you’re a legend when you have fans doing this ⚫️🐍#MambaFarewellCountdown: 8 gameshttps://t.co/gZTtfwOShh
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 29, 2016
There are a couple things wrong with this video. First, those Laker fans snatched that sleeve from our man in the camouflage jacket like greedy, spoiled children. He may not have had a burning desire to hang on to the sleeve, but watching that sort of behavior get rewarded is unnerving.
Secondly, once the sleeve was in their possession, those Lakers/Bryant fans proceeded to gross out everyone around them and the TV commentators calling the action by inhaling the sweat and odor from the just-worn sleeve. Just when you thought you could not despise these people more, they go and do that. In the span of 3o seconds, these two demonstrated themselves to be among society’s greatest monsters.
Bryant is already known for having one of the most devoted and irrational fanbases of any athlete, so things are likely to get a little strange as his career comes to a close. If Monday night’s events in Salt Lake City are any indication, brace yourself for what’s to come the rest of the way.
