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March 1st, 2006

Is Karl Rove Consulting for Nike Now?

Sometimes we wake up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night, bolt from our bed linens and scream out, “They hate us for our freedom! They hate us for our freedom!”

Such is the effect of the White House’s relentless use of that simplistic explanation for Arab animosity toward the U.S.

We noticed that Nike is taking a similar tack in its new Kobe Bryant commercial, in which Kobe says of those who dislike him:

Love me or hate me, it’s one or the other. Always has been.

Hate my game, my swagger.

Hate my fadeaway, my hunger.

Hate that I’m a veteran. A champion.

Hate that. Hate it with all your heart.

And hate that I’m loved, for the exact same reasons.

Um, these are the reasons that Kobe is hated?

How about a reality-check version:

Hate my selfishness.

Hate my lies, my infidelity.

Hate the fact that my high-powered attorneys got me off and humiliated my accuser when I was charged with rape.

And hate that I’m loved, because America only cares who wins the damn game.

Hmmm…still pretty powerful. And at least honest.

Technorati tags: Kobe Bryant, PR, Public Relations, Advertising

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 1st, 2006 at 2:58 pm and is filed under Media Orchard. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Comments to “Is Karl Rove Consulting for Nike Now?”

Make the logo bigger says:

March 1, 2006 at 11:40 pm

Too true.

Kobe still doesn’t get it. No one I know ever doubted the game or the skillz on the court. It was the off-the-court antics.

But nice try with the ‘HE-HATE-ME/world out to get me‘ thing to get him fired up. (Also nice to see it’s still all about him and not the team.)

All that I recall anyone saying about his game is that he can’t win a championship without Shaq. Has he?

When critiqued in Adweek, it was said of the spot: “It “smartly emphasizes the negative…rather than trying to cover up or sugarcoat a thing.”

I’ll say it again: unless they addressed ‘sexual assault’ or ‘trial’ in the spot, then they sugarcoated it.

John Vajra Clifford says:

March 2, 2006 at 4:09 pm

It reflects what Nike’s ad agency thinks the buyers of Nike products value. Honesty is not the highest value. Another example is the dishonesty shown by the writer and publisher of the Million Little Pieces,a bestseller full of lies that is sold as non fiction. If you value honesty and integrity you could protest this dishonesty wherever it shows up.

Anonymous says:

March 2, 2006 at 4:19 pm

Ha! You must be one of the people who’s always at the game yelling yelling Kobe sucks! Oh man, where do I start?
You are the audience this was intended for- IN FACT- you re-writing the words simply lends credence to the truth that the words in the ad allude to.
You don’t have to like his personality, nor does the ad attempt to say that he’s likeable. It’s simply all about ball, his dedication to the sport, his work ethic and so on and so forth. I don’t necessarily like Kobe Bryant, I couldn’t care less about his off-court life, but on the court, I can’t help but marvel at his level of play. I do that for one simple fact - for the love of the game.
So keep hating, but also realize that in doing so, you continue to prove how absolutely truthful the AD is.

SB says:

March 2, 2006 at 4:24 pm

Yes, Karl.

Make the logo bigger says:

March 2, 2006 at 5:11 pm

” Ha! You m… you continue to prove how absolutely truthful the AD is.”

Anonymous comments. The bastion of the internet.

Re-read the post. I recognize the skillz. Like Kobe, you are exactly the supporter/fan that doesn’t get it though. I grew up as a huge OJ fan and saw him play. But after what happened with his trial? No way I could believe in him the same way again.

Based on your logic, either Kobe’s untouchable or you just turn a blind eye, just because he can ball. Nice principles.

Guess Pete Rose should also get into the HOF, or OJ should be back on the air broadcasting games. I mean after all, who cares what they did off the field right? You probably even watched a few of Mike Tyson’s last fights even?

An athlete who dominates on the field/court and uses that as an excuse to do what they want off of it, and which results in criminal behavior, has no honor or integrity, and is only really half a person.

I’d have more respect for him if he was at least honest like Barkley was and said he’s no role model.

Denise says:

March 2, 2006 at 5:25 pm

Actually it seemed to me that Kobe’s accuser humiliated herself by getting caught with another man’s semen stain on her underwear during her “rape” exam, and then claiming she just hadn’t “washed them” from a previous encounter. It also would appear that she chose to scurry out of her lawsuit before her text messages bragging about how “big” Kobe’s penis was released to the public.

Neither you nor myself knows what actually went down in that hotel room and we probably never will so the fact that people seem to absolutely despise that Kobe and his fans have moved on is ridiculous. You then had the audacity to say that we should hate him for his infidelity? I’m sure either yourself or someone somewhere in your life has committed the same sin, do you hate them as well?
The truth of the matter is when you are completely brillant at doing something that not too many other people can do you will indeed forever have people that “love you, or hate you.” When Kobe was constantly booed at the 2002 All-Star game in his own hometown of Philly, was he accused of rape then? No. That and the fact you even wrote something like this is the type of things that the commercial is alluding to.

Funny how Nike also makes Michael Jordan commercials but I am unable to find your rewrite for his. Afterall shouldn’t we hate him for his infidelity as well? Get a life.

Denise

P.S. To the person that wrote “All that I recall anyone saying about his game is that he can’t win a championship without Shaq. Has he?” Please refresh my memory on how many championships Shaq has won without Kobe, for some reason I can’t recall them.

SB says:

March 2, 2006 at 5:29 pm

Denise: If you’re going give advice, you could at least be more specific. Where I am supposed to get that life you were talking about?

Anonymous says:

March 2, 2006 at 6:05 pm

You people don’t know what you’re talking about. Kobe was hated way before the sexual assault case. They hate him because he is too good. And that rewrite is bogus, if you guys can’t realize that Kobe is innocent then you’re fooling yourself. The girl slept with how many guys within 3 days? What one? No. Two? No. But yes… 3! I think that says it all. And Kobe only has to hog the ball because his team isn’t exactly up to par. If Odom would be more aggressive and if the rest of the team would help Kobe out, then maybe he wouldn’t have to hog the ball. You need to put things into perspective before you start hatin.

SB says:

March 2, 2006 at 6:07 pm

I don’t hate Kobe. But Shaq does. And I like Shaq (even though he’s pretty good, too.)

Make the logo bigger says:

March 2, 2006 at 10:00 pm

Kobe apologists (KA’s) keep coming out of the woodwork. Sweet. I know you guys SO desparately want this to be about ‘haters’ (KHers) only being jealous of his ability, and that’s it’s an ‘all-or-none, B&W no-gray area’ thing. It’s not. For some, it may be.

(Btw Denise, the knock on Kobe about Shaq and not winning a ring was said by a lot of people in and out of the league, from former players, coaches and us fans.

Shaq’s been a more dominant player than Kobe has for a longer time. But since we’re keeping ring scores, they both didn’t get over the championship hump until Phil took over. (Why Kobe forced Shaq out is a topic for another time, but that ‘I’ in team thing starts looking real good.)

As far as Shaq, well currently, the Heat are in first place and the Lakers are playing .500 ball, so I guess we’ll see who’s got a better shot in the playoffs.

“You then had the audacity to say that we should hate him for his infidelity?”

Thanks. I do have audacity actually, but I never said that. Who or what you hate is none of my concern. And re-read the post. Again, did I specifically say I hate him? I implied his character was in question.

“When Kobe was constantly booed …..like this is the type of things that the commercial is alluding to.

Wow. This thread is a target-rich environment. Sorry to ruin a blanket statement like that, but, uh, no. I didn’t have a problem with him prior to his legal troubles.

I thought him getting booed at the All-star game was actually a pretty bush league thing to do, especially from his hometown. At one point in his career, I thought he was going to take over where Jordan left off too.

“The truth of the matter is when you are completely brillant at doing something that not too many other people can do you will indeed forever have people that “love you, or hate you.”

Your point wrongly assumes the love-hate for him is just about hoops.

Regardless of who Kobe’s accuser is or her past was, the minute he let her come into the room, (which I believe he already admitted), then what more do you need to know?

“Funny how Nike also makes Michael Jordan commercials but I am unable to find your rewrite for his. Afterall shouldn’t we hate him for his infidelity as well? Get a life.

My life’s just fine without your help, but thanksfor the offer. I don’t recall Nike doing a spot having to save Jordan’s image, just Kobe’s. And this isn’t the first spot Kobe’s had run about him addressing his attitude over the years either.

Since the more important question keeps getting ignored: do you think it’s ok to do what you want off the court/field just because you may be briliant on it?

Based on ability though, wouldn’t OJ then be deserving of the same consideration? After all, he was acquitted. What’s the cut-off point for being a hata btw? Is it when the athlete is actually convicted of a crime or…

What’s next? Martha Stewart: Only reason people hate her is because she’s a woman in power. Discuss!

Anonymous says:

March 3, 2006 at 12:12 pm

It wasn’t Kobe’s “high-powered attorneys” that put the semen of three different men into his alleged rape victim’s panties within a one-week period.

Thanks for believing in our judicial system.

It really isn’t a great thing about our country that when you’re a public figure you are a ciminal just because you are accused of a crime.

There is a hatewagon here; why jump on it? Kobe’s wife still loves him. Kobe works harder at his job than any player in the NBA. You don’t have to love him, but bashing him for something that may or may not be true is simply a reflection of your own eagerness to tear down those who have achieved greatness.

Make the logo bigger says:

March 4, 2006 at 4:47 pm

Is adultery now a key component of a person who achieves greatness? Because that’s what I’m tearing down, not his game. Or there’s no distinction between the two?

Most celebs/athletes are given a HUGE benefit of the doubt in a criminal investigation. Look at OJ and how much disbelief there was on the part of everyone.

I believe in the system, innocent until proven guilty, and all the rest of it. Regardless of anything that may or may not have happened later, or her mental state, I question his judgement letting her into his room late at night in the first place. From that point, what good was going to come out if it? Was she selling cookies?

All rookies in every league are told to watch out for just this kind of thing. Groupies trying to trap you. Financial scams. Con artists. etc. And what do all athletes say though: “It’ll…never…happen…to… me”.

Only two people really know the truth here. But I believe an innocent person would scream ‘I didn’t do it.’ A guilty person apologizes to his wife in public and buys her a rock that would make The Donald go “Damn!”.

What bugs me is when an ad agency runs a spot telling me/fans the reason we hate an athlete is because of his game, when in fact, I don’t hate the guy’s game, and I know my reason is because of that hotel incident, nothing more. I don’t need W+K telling me what I think.

Guess it’s ok to do whatever you want as long as you’re great at your job.

Anonymous says:

March 6, 2006 at 6:06 pm

You claim to believe in the system - this and that and all that other mess yet you’re talking about. If you do, why don’t you let it go??
FYI I DO know some people who hate Kobe just because he IS that good. I have healthy debates with people like that (funny they all end up tryna spin it just like you are). In fact the only difference I see between them and you is that they stick to their argument which usually is: They hate him cause he’s that good/ or be it because he committed adultery.
You on the other hand appear to be all over the place; talking about w+k telling you what to think, that was after you made arguments about how funny it’s ALL about Kobe etc. Oh and about getting a life, I think you know the answer to that
You question his judgement for him letting the girl come into his room - Ha! you know from the way you act, it could almost be percieved as you implying you make the best decisions, always right and not wrong. Take the log out of your eye before pointing at the speck in someone else’s eye.
Here’s some advice: If you’re watching TV and the commercial comes on, change to a different channel. (Good luck to you if you think the chances of you running into another show that’s probably trying to change your way of thinking is lower)

Just let it go, the man was found not guilty, Nike (and other companies now) certainly think that he’s worth something, and Shaq STILL hasn’t won another ring.

Oh and before I forget, yes, the Lakers ARE playing .500 ball- considering the supporting cast Kobe’s got, the inconsistencies that the team has … I’d say they’re doing much better than was previously thought. Shaq and company BETTER be playing well, with Toine, Payton, Zo, Wade, Jason etc… they have no choice but to do so.

Dwayne Wade and A.I. both commented on the commercial when asked what they liked about it…and they said it was REAL. That’s what they said.

I’VE ALWAYS SAID THAT KOBE SHOULD STOP TRYING TO BE A NICE GUY!!!
If he were to embrace the “darkside” and become let’s say “The DARTH VADER” of the league…People would love him for it!!
HE’LL BECOME MORE POPULAR THAN ANYBODY IN THE HISTORY OF SPORTS…..

” RISE….LORD VADER…RISE!”

(qoute from a worthy comrade of mine).

SB says:

March 6, 2006 at 6:09 pm

Anonymous:

Well, you summed it up yourself –

YOU: For Kobe Bryant and Darth Vader.

ME: Against.

Anonymous says:

March 6, 2006 at 7:41 pm

Funny how that’s ALL you managed to comment about was the Darth Piece.

I can only imagine how much it must hurt for you (and other’s who share your belief) to read Coach K insist on Kobe take the leadership role for the World Championship Team USA.

FYI:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11683382/

SB says:

March 6, 2006 at 7:58 pm

Anonymous: From what I can tell, you don’t really have an argument. You REALLY think I don’t like Kobe because he’s a great player? Well then, how do you explain the fact that I love TMac? And Shaq? And Stack? And Dirk? And Jet? And dozens of other great players in the league. Kobe was disliked by his teammates, and has earned a lot of people’s animosity, for reasons OTHER than the fact that he’s a great player. I would think you would not ever try to debate that.

Anonymous says:

March 7, 2006 at 10:33 am

Those guys that you talk about are great players yes, NO question about it. I didn’t say you didn’t like Kobe for the fact that he’s got game (I simply likened you to those that do); YOU don’t like Kobe because you (who are of great moral statue and are always perfect) question his judgement on his decision to welcome that girl into his room. You (who totally believes in the judicial system etc) have a problem because he was awarded a NOT GUILTY verdict. Funny how you’re all over the place with that. It bothers you that he was not found guilty and because there’s not much else you can do to effect change upon that, you try to spin it as Nike and Co tryna tell you HOW to think. Face it, you believe he was guilty and that’s the source of your contention. Well I’m glad that you’re not judge, jury and executioner- Lord only knows what would happen. In a nutshell… don’t buy the shoes, don’t watch the commercial - IN FACT don’t even watch a Lakers game cause I think it’s just going to get worse for you. He’s repairing his image and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Ha! I don’t have an argument?? Gimme a break

SB says:

March 7, 2006 at 10:46 am

We’ll let you have the last word, Vanessa

Anonymous says:

March 7, 2006 at 1:02 pm

LOL… good call. I love healthy debate.

SB, I think Vanessa already made up her mind and she’s got a very LARGE pink diamond reinforcing that decision

Anonymous says:

March 12, 2006 at 6:14 pm

kobe is just a jerk… even on the court. i remember when he and atkins missed 4 three’s in a row. they laughed… not the behavior of a multi-million ball player. he missed a free throw a few minutes ago in the seatle game, and kicked the ball at the seatle players. real professional. he’s too inconsistant, not a team player, and an a-hole. kobe is no role model, he’s no man, and he’s no ball player.

Anonymous says:

March 17, 2006 at 3:39 pm

Before Kobe was accused of raping some girl he had the perfect image. And still people hated him so don’t say that it’s because his off the court antics. Kobe Bryant is the best player in the NBA and thats all I care about. He scored 81 points. That is the most remarkable accomplishment that any one player has ever done in the NBA. It wasn’t 100, but if you have seen that game then you will know what really happened. It seemed that the other team just let him have his 100. Kobe brought his team back in the 4th quarter and scored 81. He can win a championship without Shaq. The management just needs to put someone around him I mean seriously, who can win a championship with Lamar Odom, Chris Mihm, Smoosh Parker and Kwame Brown as the other starters. I like them but get real, those people dont even belong in the league. All they need is a big man. Chris Mihm is not getting it done. to send off just remember “he didn’t do rape anyone, he commited Adultery”

The_Cleric says:

March 23, 2006 at 12:14 pm

kobe is just a jerk… even on the court. i remember when he and atkins missed 4 three’s in a row. they laughed… not the behavior of a multi-million ball player. he missed a free throw a few minutes ago in the seatle game, and kicked the ball at the seatle players. real professional. he’s too inconsistant, not a team player, and an a-hole. kobe is no role model, he’s no man, and he’s no ball player.

3/12/2006

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Oh my goodness… I thought this was quashed…. but obviously not. It was by chance I decided to check and see how far the debate had gone (if anywhere at all)- and I run into comments like those outlined above- you’ve gotta be kiddin’ me!!!
Real mature too “Kobe is an A-Hole…” this and that … I’ll just say one thing… when you’re averaging 34.X points per game that must make you inconsistent. Geez… what an ingnorant comment. I would love to go into a rebuttal of that blog posting but it’s just not worth the time. Nobody asked you to like Kobe - IN FACT it’s folks like you that he’s addressing in his commercial (which I believe this blog was all about before genius started throwing derogatory comments). YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIKE HIM… but understand that “his inconsistency” is the exact same reasons why he’s loved…

The_Cleric says:

March 23, 2006 at 12:15 pm

kobe is just a jerk… even on the court. i remember when he and atkins missed 4 three’s in a row. they laughed… not the behavior of a multi-million ball player. he missed a free throw a few minutes ago in the seatle game, and kicked the ball at the seatle players. real professional. he’s too inconsistant, not a team player, and an a-hole. kobe is no role model, he’s no man, and he’s no ball player.

3/12/2006

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Oh my goodness… I thought this was quashed…. but obviously not. It was by chance I decided to check and see how far the debate had gone (if anywhere at all)- and I run into comments like those outlined above- you’ve gotta be kiddin’ me!!!
Real mature too “Kobe is an A-Hole…” this and that … I’ll just say one thing… when you’re averaging 34.X points per game that must make you inconsistent. Geez… what an ingnorant comment. I would love to go into a rebuttal of that blog posting but it’s just not worth the time. Nobody asked you to like Kobe - IN FACT it’s folks like you that he’s addressing in his commercial (which I believe this blog was all about before genius started throwing derogatory comments). YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIKE HIM… but understand that “his inconsistency” is the exact same reasons why he’s loved…

Anonymous says:

March 28, 2006 at 12:02 am

Hating kobe is stupid, its dumb to think that girl actually got raped. She went into a room with an nba player like she didnt no what was going on, she was willing and wanted to make money after. And its even stupider to change the words of the commercial to say hate my lawyers for getting me off and embarassing that girl, honestly if she got raped i dont think she wouldve ran out in the days after and sex again, usually thats not how rape victims act they tend to shy away from being touched especially sexually. So let go of this dumb shit and realize that excluding michael jordan kobe is probably the best nba player to ever live.

kobe_fan119 says:

March 28, 2006 at 12:03 am

kobe didnt rape that girl and hes the best baller since jordan so let it go

Anonymous says:

April 1, 2006 at 10:02 pm

wow, you people are really naive. what girl wouldnt want to brag about screwing a star and getting some money too? im talking about shitty personality people, because if you have some you have the ambition to become something else then a hotel employee that arranges people bed’s. Of course, he is kinda stupid for cheating and staying with a gold digger. I suppose if shed love him wouldnt just stay there like nothing happened when he was talking about the rape. On court he is great. I admire his ambition and determination. Off the court he seems pretty smart(how many NBA players are bilingual?), but naive in some matters. Again, the commercial isnt about how Kobe is off the court as none of the commercials -if it would have been people with high ethics would be in commercials and not athletes. And now… i bet all i have that 90% of the bball players cheat on their wives.

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