Truth & Rumors > NBA

Kobe pans Stern's concept: 'Stupid,' 'dumb'

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08:10 AM ET 07.18 | Kobe Bryant has ratcheted up his stance on a hot-button topic. After saying in Las Vegas that he hopes NBA pros will continue to represent their countries in the Olympics, [Bryant] voiced his dismay with the 23-and-under concept floated by NBA commissioner David Stern in even stronger terms Tuesday. ... "It's a stupid idea," Bryant told local reporters at the reception to welcome them to Manchester in advance of Thursday night's exhibition game here against Team Great Britain. "It should be a (player's) choice." Asked how much he and his Team USA teammates have talked about Stern's proposal since getting together in Vegas on July 5, Bryant said: "Our discussion is this: Basically, it's just a dumb idea and we (discuss) it that way."

ESPN.com

Kobe Bryant, Getty Images Kobe Bryant, Getty Images
Comment #1 has been removed
July 18, 2012  08:22 AM ET

Kobe, just shut up.

You were at least funny comparing this team to 1992. This isn't even funny.

July 18, 2012  08:25 AM ET

which star is under 23 ?

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July 18, 2012  08:39 AM ET

Maybe a younger team won't struggle as much against a team like Brazil? If anyone watched that game these guys were so inconsistent it wasn't even funny. Will be interesting when they go up against Spain.

July 18, 2012  08:43 AM ET

23 and under is a Great Idea! I for one like to see competition!

July 18, 2012  08:43 AM ET
QUOTE(#4):

I am for some sort of restriction on NBA players playing-especially these stubborn dudes like kobe who have more wear and tear on their bodies than Gloria (for you lost)they need to be protected from themselves, as pathetic as that sounds

Its true. And how do the owners feel when a player comes back from the Olympics with injuries that linger throughout the year? These guys barely take a vacation, then head to the Olympics, then come back and start training for the new season. It's a lot.

July 18, 2012  08:47 AM ET
QUOTE(#4):

I am for some sort of restriction on NBA players playing-especially these stubborn dudes like kobe who have more wear and tear on their bodies than Gloria (for you lost)they need to be protected from themselves, as pathetic as that sounds

Hahahah... thank you for breakfast. I can understand both sides. Stern wants competetion parity with the rest of the world like the soccer program where each country sends players under age 23 and three extra players over that age. From that perspective I can understand Stern's view. But him being commissioner you can trust he has other motives which in this case is to please the owners... that's where he's totally wrong and that's where I agree with Kobe's perspective. Nonetheless Kobe went over the line by using abusive words to voice his opinion. Stern is way older so Kobe needs to be respectful and cautious with his diction instead of going off like someone that didn't have parental upbringing...

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July 18, 2012  08:54 AM ET

I can't see the USA limiting themselves while the other countries are free to do what they want. Either the IOC puts an ages restriction on, or the USA should continue to field their best, no matter what their age.

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July 18, 2012  09:00 AM ET

The "Dream Team" concept was created because Americans got tired of seeing other countries' pro athletes compete against our college athletes. Kobe is right. The under 23 concept is stupid because the US would be the only country following that guideline.

July 18, 2012  09:02 AM ET

I tought these guys we're supposed to be athletes? Athletes should shut up and play. What are professional, paid athletes doing at the olympics anyway? It should be for 23 and under, unpaid athletes. Shut up Kobe, go mind your own broken house!

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