Travel Sports and the Kobe Bryant Helicopter Crash

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree that the helicopter was a regular means of transportation for Kobe. But flying into heavy fog that grounded police and sheriff helicopters in the area, was an excessive and unnecessary risk. It just shouldn't have been done for an AAU basketball game. There was a game on Saturday, so they could have stayed in a hotel Saturday night. My point is that all the risks we take in terms of driving in poor conditions; speeding; and texting while driving simply aren't worth it for these travel games.

Oh shut up.

Life is full of woulda shoulda couldas.

The pilot, Kobe and the FAA that allowed the flight to take off all wish they had a redo on this. It could have been a wedding he was going to or a work engagement. It is't AAU's fault. All of us at one time or another have over estimated our own skill versus the risk. IT was an error in judgement with tragic results, but really nothing more than that.

Life is full of lessons too. Perhaps the lesson here is that we need to slow down. Running around to these games just isn't worth it. Same for weddings (See the JFK, Jr. crash) and work engagements.

If you think life is better slower good for you but don't begrudge those who want to do as much as they can while they can. Nothing wrong with either but it isn't your place to judge in either event.

Not judging anyone other than maybe myself and reflecting on the risks I have taken to get to these games. Thankful that no one got hurt. I hope you stay safe too.

[Anonymous]

i ABSOLUTELY agree, that it was a very high risk to take this flight! We are not talking here about a few clouds, there was no sight, and police have all grounded their choppers due to the bad weather conditions!

It's like going for a swim, when the ocean is wild, and the sign says, NO, no swimming due to storm!

as somebody who flew frequently, I cant imagine Kobe wasn't aware of this weather condition!

to say the pilot wanted to do them a favor is complete BS! Is it a favor now, that everybody is now dead? Including the pilot? It should have been his duty, to stand up, and say N0! I am not taking this risk, too much involved here! So sad, innocent children were taken away, not to mention the loss of everybody. And of course Kobe Bryant, I am very upset, about the whole thing, which happened due to taking unnecessary risks!

Obviously, the pilot could also have stopped the aircraft and land, when he saw, that he lost his orientation, but instead decided to fly right on, with a very high speed, instead of slowing down or even landing. It doesnt speak for the pilot, alot of very costly mistakes being made, and now all their lives are lost! Nobody comes back, once you are gone! But obviously people always think, oh flying is safe, nothing will happen! but no, if you dont see anything, and speed, and loose your orientation, that is exactly what happens. This tragedy could have been avoided!!

Yes, life is full of dangers, but if you can prevent unnecessary risks, where you can choose it, and can control it, its always first priority! It was a high risk and very unnecessary! Kobe Briants death could have been avoided! As well as the precious lifes of all the people on board, and the innocent children, it is very upsetting. I pray for everybody!!!

With a more reflected decision taking and sound examination of the current situation, everybody would still be alive now!! So sad and devastating!

[Anonymous]

I agree with you OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree that the helicopter was a regular means of transportation for Kobe. But flying into heavy fog that grounded police and sheriff helicopters in the area, was an excessive and unnecessary risk. It just shouldn't have been done for an AAU basketball game. There was a game on Saturday, so they could have stayed in a hotel Saturday night. My point is that all the risks we take in terms of driving in poor conditions; speeding; and texting while driving simply aren't worth it for these travel games.

Oh shut up.

Life is full of woulda shoulda couldas.

The pilot, Kobe and the FAA that allowed the flight to take off all wish they had a redo on this. It could have been a wedding he was going to or a work engagement. It is't AAU's fault. All of us at one time or another have over estimated our own skill versus the risk. IT was an error in judgement with tragic results, but really nothing more than that.

Life is full of lessons too. Perhaps the lesson here is that we need to slow down. Running around to these games just isn't worth it. Same for weddings (See the JFK, Jr. crash) and work engagements.

But wouldnt you prefer them running around to flying around? I thought that this was what this is about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree that the helicopter was a regular means of transportation for Kobe. But flying into heavy fog that grounded police and sheriff helicopters in the area, was an excessive and unnecessary risk. It just shouldn't have been done for an AAU basketball game. There was a game on Saturday, so they could have stayed in a hotel Saturday night. My point is that all the risks we take in terms of driving in poor conditions; speeding; and texting while driving simply aren't worth it for these travel games.

Oh shut up.

Life is full of woulda shoulda couldas.

The pilot, Kobe and the FAA that allowed the flight to take off all wish they had a redo on this. It could have been a wedding he was going to or a work engagement. It is't AAU's fault. All of us at one time or another have over estimated our own skill versus the risk. IT was an error in judgement with tragic results, but really nothing more than that.

Life is full of lessons too. Perhaps the lesson here is that we need to slow down. Running around to these games just isn't worth it. Same for weddings (See the JFK, Jr. crash) and work engagements.

I've been thinking of JFK Jr. too after what happened with this helicopter. Something else that keeps coming to mind is the other passengers, probably so thrilled and honored to be riding with Kobe in his personal helicopter to a game. I wonder if I'd have passed it up....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree that the helicopter was a regular means of transportation for Kobe. But flying into heavy fog that grounded police and sheriff helicopters in the area, was an excessive and unnecessary risk. It just shouldn't have been done for an AAU basketball game. There was a game on Saturday, so they could have stayed in a hotel Saturday night. My point is that all the risks we take in terms of driving in poor conditions; speeding; and texting while driving simply aren't worth it for these travel games.

Oh shut up.

Life is full of woulda shoulda couldas.

The pilot, Kobe and the FAA that allowed the flight to take off all wish they had a redo on this. It could have been a wedding he was going to or a work engagement. It is't AAU's fault. All of us at one time or another have over estimated our own skill versus the risk. IT was an error in judgement with tragic results, but really nothing more than that.

Life is full of lessons too. Perhaps the lesson here is that we need to slow down. Running around to these games just isn't worth it. Same for weddings (See the JFK, Jr. crash) and work engagements.

I've been thinking of JFK Jr. too after what happened with this helicopter. Something else that keeps coming to mind is the other passengers, probably so thrilled and honored to be riding with Kobe in his personal helicopter to a game. I wonder if I'd have passed it up....

JFK Jr. was a plane and he was the pilot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:i ABSOLUTELY agree, that it was a very high risk to take this flight! We are not talking here about a few clouds, there was no sight, and police have all grounded their choppers due to the bad weather conditions!

It's like going for a swim, when the ocean is wild, and the sign says, NO, no swimming due to storm!

as somebody who flew frequently, I cant imagine Kobe wasn't aware of this weather condition!

to say the pilot wanted to do them a favor is complete BS! Is it a favor now, that everybody is now dead? Including the pilot? It should have been his duty, to stand up, and say N0! I am not taking this risk, too much involved here! So sad, innocent children were taken away, not to mention the loss of everybody. And of course Kobe Bryant, I am very upset, about the whole thing, which happened due to taking unnecessary risks!

Obviously, the pilot could also have stopped the aircraft and land, when he saw, that he lost his orientation, but instead decided to fly right on, with a very high speed, instead of slowing down or even landing. It doesnt speak for the pilot, alot of very costly mistakes being made, and now all their lives are lost! Nobody comes back, once you are gone! But obviously people always think, oh flying is safe, nothing will happen! but no, if you dont see anything, and speed, and loose your orientation, that is exactly what happens. This tragedy could have been avoided!!

Yes, life is full of dangers, but if you can prevent unnecessary risks, where you can choose it, and can control it, its always first priority! It was a high risk and very unnecessary! Kobe Briants death could have been avoided! As well as the precious lifes of all the people on board, and the innocent children, it is very upsetting. I pray for everybody!!!

With a more reflected decision taking and sound examination of the current situation, everybody would still be alive now!! So sad and devastating!

Relax.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree that the helicopter was a regular means of transportation for Kobe. But flying into heavy fog that grounded police and sheriff helicopters in the area, was an excessive and unnecessary risk. It just shouldn't have been done for an AAU basketball game. There was a game on Saturday, so they could have stayed in a hotel Saturday night. My point is that all the risks we take in terms of driving in poor conditions; speeding; and texting while driving simply aren't worth it for these travel games.

Oh shut up.

Life is full of woulda shoulda couldas.

The pilot, Kobe and the FAA that allowed the flight to take off all wish they had a redo on this. It could have been a wedding he was going to or a work engagement. It is't AAU's fault. All of us at one time or another have over estimated our own skill versus the risk. IT was an error in judgement with tragic results, but really nothing more than that.

Life is full of lessons too. Perhaps the lesson here is that we need to slow down. Running around to these games just isn't worth it. Same for weddings (See the JFK, Jr. crash) and work engagements.

I've been thinking of JFK Jr. too after what happened with this helicopter. Something else that keeps coming to mind is the other passengers, probably so thrilled and honored to be riding with Kobe in his personal helicopter to a game. I wonder if I'd have passed it up....

JFK Jr. was a plane and he was the pilot.

This helicopter meaning Kobe's. I know the JFK Jr. circumstances, thank you.

[Anonymous]

JFK Jr was a different situation. He was told it was unsafe and flew anyway.

In Kobe's case, the pilot was given permission to fly. He clearly should have decided not to, but he was given permission.

[Anonymous]

Yes, we need to chill on the sports craziness.
Why not?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:JFK Jr was a different situation. He was told it was unsafe and flew anyway.

In Kobe's case, the pilot was given permission to fly. He clearly should have decided not to, but he was given permission.

I bet the people that gave that permission are feeling awful right now.

I think since he had been using that helicopter like a car for well over a decade and he had flown with that pilot countless times there was perhaps a trust there that he could easily get them through this. I agree that the families on board were probably thrilled to be on that helicopter and maybe also didn't hesitate to question the conditions. I am a terrified flyer so it wouldn't matter to me what level of celebrity was taking me up.

But, it really does nothing to assign blame to the deceased, especially when it doesn't bring them back. I do question the control giving them permission to fly. I also wonder if celebrity was at play there. Would they have grounded just your regular old business man, but since it was Kobe, let it slide?

It is just heartbreaking. Such a loss for so many people...and those poor kids that lost both parents and a sibling. Omg.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Yes, we need to chill on the sports craziness.
Why not?

How about we ease up on the work schedules. Relatively speaking, I'd rather travel for kid sports than work.

[Anonymous]

This is not a commentary on KB situation, this is a comment on travel sports and the insanity/hysterics it can create in some families causing them to never question authority.

There is a pack mentality in travel sports parents. If somebody else is doing something, they must do it too. They can't be left behind. If everyone else is willing to go out and drive on icy roads to make it to a 10-year old's practice then we better do it too. I'm not risking banging up my car or killing us. If they have a practice that runs until well after 9pm and then be on the road at 5am to make it to a tournament game the next morning, they don't question it. I don't care if my kid doesn't start the first half because of missing that practice. When everyone else is playing like sh*t because of lack of sleep, they are soon playing the entire game the rest of the tournament.

I stopped that sh*t. Guess what, my kid still plays. You can be the voice of reason. If there is a coach or a club that makes threats and ignores what is best for child development, you do not need to play for them. I don't care if this is DA level or Rec. You just don't. This goes beyond 'dedication' and being a 'team player'.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:i ABSOLUTELY agree, that it was a very high risk to take this flight! We are not talking here about a few clouds, there was no sight, and police have all grounded their choppers due to the bad weather conditions!

It's like going for a swim, when the ocean is wild, and the sign says, NO, no swimming due to storm!

as somebody who flew frequently, I cant imagine Kobe wasn't aware of this weather condition!

to say the pilot wanted to do them a favor is complete BS! Is it a favor now, that everybody is now dead? Including the pilot? It should have been his duty, to stand up, and say N0! I am not taking this risk, too much involved here! So sad, innocent children were taken away, not to mention the loss of everybody. And of course Kobe Bryant, I am very upset, about the whole thing, which happened due to taking unnecessary risks!

Obviously, the pilot could also have stopped the aircraft and land, when he saw, that he lost his orientation, but instead decided to fly right on, with a very high speed, instead of slowing down or even landing. It doesnt speak for the pilot, alot of very costly mistakes being made, and now all their lives are lost! Nobody comes back, once you are gone! But obviously people always think, oh flying is safe, nothing will happen! but no, if you dont see anything, and speed, and loose your orientation, that is exactly what happens. This tragedy could have been avoided!!

Yes, life is full of dangers, but if you can prevent unnecessary risks, where you can choose it, and can control it, its always first priority! It was a high risk and very unnecessary! Kobe Briants death could have been avoided! As well as the precious lifes of all the people on board, and the innocent children, it is very upsetting. I pray for everybody!!!

With a more reflected decision taking and sound examination of the current situation, everybody would still be alive now!! So sad and devastating!

I agree. I believe the weather was also foggy when JFK,jr crashed. The pilot should have refused.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh FFS. Kobe has said he wanted to be able to work out and train with his team at full steam and be able to do carpool pick up for his kids. So he started commuting by helicopter. Cutting a 90 minute commute (no traffic, ha ha) to 25 minutes.

He also said the wear on his body from years of basketball prevented him from being able to sit in a car for 2 hours.

I missed that. So he couldn’t sit through anything for two hours? A cross country flight? A movie? A show?
That seems like a huge trade off to play sports.
Regardless, I think OP is stretching with linking this to sports craziness on travel teams.