Kobe Bryant announced his retirement on Sunday and there’s been an outpour of love for the NBA legend. Many former and current players and fans have been showing their love, respect and appreciation for Bryant but J.R. Smith remembers when it wasn’t always this way and called out the hypocrites on his Twitter account.
Kobe has always been one of the most popular players in the league but he also has as many haters and detractors. There’s been numerous reports over the years that the Lakers can’t land free agents because no one wants to play with him. It’s been said that Bryant’s cold demeanor and ball hogging ways have been the basis of players deciding not to play in La La land.
As you know, Bryant also had a rape case. He was accused of sexual assault by a 19-year old hotel employee in Colorado in 2003. Bryant admitted to the adulterous affair with the woman but maintained that it was consensual. The case was later dropped after the complainant refused to testify but she also filed a civil suit against Bryant which was settled out of court.
Bryant was also blamed for Shaquille O’Neal leaving the Lakers with tensions mounting between them and Bryant “snitching” on O’Neal. Many said Kobe would not be able to win without Shaq on the team but he went on to win two more championships.
Smith addressed all this in his mini Twitter rant.
*photos in gallery above*
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