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It’s hard staying silent during a riot.
The tragic death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant on Sunday, January 26, 2020 shocked the world. Bryant, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, who was a talented basketball player, Gianna’s AAU basketball teammates Alyssa Altobelli, along with her parents John and Keri, and Payton Chester, along with her mother Sarah, Mamba Academy basketball coach Christina Mauser, as well as pilot Ara Zobayan all died in a helicopter crash that morning. After several news outlets confirmed the occurrence of this incident, people worldwide began holding vigils, sharing heartfelt messages, and grieving over the victims.
Due to his notoriety Bryant received the most attention, with mainstream media dedicating tributes to the NBA legend and remembering his life, achievements, and legacy. He was a man of many abilities and accomplishments, and positively influenced numerous individuals worldwide. However, some media figures chose to also speak on or highlight his troubled past. For example, during a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, dedicated to Bryant, host Jimmy Kimmel began with an opening monologue, where he said the following:
“Yes, I know he was not a perfect person. I understand that. My intention is not to canonize him or make judgments about things I don’t know…
