Sunday, Dec. 19, 2004
Kobe Bryant
He showed amazing athletic prowess by starting some days in court and ending them on court. But amid the Lakers' play-off swoon and his sexual-assault case, it was Bryant's image that took the real beating. After his accuser chose not to testify, Bryant still had his freedom. And after getting Shaquille O'Neal and coach Phil Jackson shipped out, Bryant has the team to himself. With it comes the spotlight, which, all smiles aside, isn't reflecting too well off this poster boy for athletes' arrogance.