I don't know if I was the baddest. People kind of saw me in that light.

For me, the bold jazz of John Coltrane and Miles Davis reflected the bold attitude in African-Americans finding their political identity and voice.

Kobe's an incredibly talented athlete, and there are many more like him among today's players.

I could have skated by as an athlete, but the world is so much bigger and more interesting than any one thing. I didn't want to be pigeonholed as just a jock. I'm also an author, a student of history, and I collect memorabilia from the Wild West. I'm also a son, a father, and a friend.

When a rap song glorifies violence, death and sadness and loss is inflicted because of the violence.

I rooted for the Dodgers when they were in Brooklyn.

The transition was difficult. It's hard to stop something that you've enjoyed and that has been very rewarding.