Kobe tied with Tiger Woods for most popular athlete - Laker Nation

Kobe tied with Tiger Woods for most popular athlete

Kobe is finally getting the respect he deserves.

L.A. Times: Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is tied with golfer Tiger Woods as the favorite American Sports star, according to the findings of a Harris Interactive poll released Tuesday.

The poll results reveal more about the fickle nature of sports fans than it really shows about the player himself. LeBron James dropped from third to sixth after facing nearly universal criticism by announcing his decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat in an hour-long special on ESPN. Woods dropped in popularity after reports surfaced about numerous affairs preceded his struggles on the course. And Bryant jumped from four to a first-place tie after winning his fifth NBA title.