Do. When it comes to this situation, (in my opinion), let those who feel sad be in peace. While I think we put athletes on a pedestal, I try to remember how they were important to their family and how I view them is irrelevant to the situation.

Also, I lost 2 of my professional mentors in the last 3 months. How is that any different? It’s not, Kobe was a big part of many people’s lives. I can have a spirit of sorrow for those who were affected by him, just like I feel the loss of my mentors. My mentors changed mine and my family’s life forever! Kobe did the same for some as well. Gordon Hayward for one, after working with Kobe went on to sign a contract worth a ton, Mitchell after the “in the mind of Kobe” you could see the confidence he gained. Jayson Tatum is another.

Anytime someone feels the need to criticize, we should stop and think what if it was me, or someone close to me. We as humans are lacking in charity for our fellow man. All human life is precious and the loss of any human before their life is “over” is sad.