NBA identity crisis

J's World, by Jeremiah Bartz

The National Basketball Association has long had an identity crisis.

The league is constantly in search of an athlete that is not only a super star, athletically, but who's name appears in the box score more than the police

blotter.

For nearly two decades Michael Jordan has been the poster boy for what is good about the NBA and Kobe Bryant was slated to be Sir Michael's heir apparent.

The NBA has taken several blows in the past months, first with the retirement of Jordan and his dismissal from the Washington Wizard front office.

The league has now received a potential knock-out punch as Bryant faces sexual assault charges.

The NBA poster boy of the 21st century now is facing his tarnished image and potential jail time.

On Friday Bryant was charged with one count of sexual assault of a 19-year-old Colorado woman.

If convicted Bryant could receive a minimum of four years in prison.

The allegations stem from his stay at a Colorado resort where the woman worked as a desk clerk.

While the majority of the details are unknown to the public, officials have said that Bryant allegedly assaulted the woman on June 30. Bryant surrendered to authorities on July 4.

In a statement to the public, Bryant denied assaulting the woman but did admit to committing adultery.

Bryant's legal troubles are just the latest in a long roster of NBA All-Stars to have run-ins with the authorities.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damon Staudamire was recently busted for trying to sneak a bag of weed aboard an airplane, Atlanta Hawks forward Glenn "Big Dogg" Robinson may have to change his name to "Crime Dogg" after he was arrested for slapping around his wife, and Orlando Magic guard Darrell Armstrong was recently nabbed for resisting arrest and trying to strong-arm a female cop outside a Florida nightclub.

The troubled NBA stars don't just get in trouble off the court. Boston Celtics forward Antoine Walker faced prosecution for an altercation with a fan during the league playoffs.

One of the league's most celebrated stars, Allen Iverson, is constantly in trouble.

Most are not surprised when Iverson's name is heard on a police scanner. An Iverson arrest is becoming just as common as a Tim Duncan double-double.

But Bryant is a different story. In the minds of most, a Bryant arrest is about as likely as Greg Ostertag winning the NBA scoring title.

Once an 18-year-old boy wonder and now one of the most popular icons, Bryant has only been seen hitting jumpers on the court or scarfing down Big Macs in one of his countless McDonalds commercials.

Bryant's reputation is not the only thing in jeopardy. His bank account could also take a hit, as endorsement deals for alleged sex offenders are not readily available.

The next in line to be an immense NBA superstar is Lebron James. The youngster has not even stepped on the court for an official NBA game and he is already hyped as the best thing to for the league since Jordan dunked from the free throw line.

James has the potential to be not only the best player in basketball but an ambassador for the league and the sport. He is surprisingly level headed for an 18-year-old with a net worth of over $100

million.

With his cash flow and status, James has the potential to be the most corrupt man since Bill Clinton. If I were NBA commissioner David Stern, Cleveland Cavs president Gordon Gund or Cavs head coach Paul Silas, I would make sure that James is surrounded by only the best of character. I would get a restraining order not allowing Iverson or his posse within 500 yards of James.

The only person more corruptible than a congressman is a young athlete with millions of dollars and no life experience.

Surround James, keep him out of trouble and the NBA may be able to solve their identity crisis.