Kobe speaks up about Darfur

The news broke last Tuesday. Folks using Miracle Ear powered by a nuclear reactor probably didn't hear.

Anyway, there was Kobe Bryant, one of the NBA's rock stars, not talking about his new shoe, but using words like murdered and mutilated. He was wearing a black sweatshirt, talking about changing the world.

Bryant recorded a public service announcement for Aid Still Required, a non-profit group attempting to raise awareness about Darfur, and, ultimately, a peaceful resuscitation of the country.

Joining Bryant are Steve Nash, Tracy McGrady, Baron Davis and a dozen other NBA players. Each recorded a PSA for the group.

Taking a political stance is rare territory for professional athletes these days, though there has been a recent uptick in their societal participation.

Former Cleveland Cavalier Ira Newble was the first to lend his name in an effort to better the situation in Darfur. Last season he wrote a letter to the President of China, Hu Jintao, asking the Chinese to influence the situation in Darfur. China has been accused of supplying weapons in exchange for Darfur's oil, which it denies.

Twelve of Newble's teammates signed the letter. The notable of three exceptions is LeBron James. James said at the time he needed more information. Apparently his Internet connection is still down.

But James' choice not to participate isn't a surprise. He's the face in the middle of Nike's dollar bills. As Nike and the NBA push to expand in China, speaking out against government activities is a tricky situation for him.

Equally unsurprising is the lack of media coverage. No mention on SportsCenter. No mention on the nightly news. Kobe dropped 52 on Dallas Sunday, and we all heard about that. He went ballistic against Sacramento two days later, and we heard about that, too.

Nothing about the PSA.

Interesting this happened in the NBA. You know that league, the one supposedly full of thugs, gangsters and all those (gasp!) tattoos.

The league mandates certain charitable and community works by its players. Some of it is contrived, causing consternation among those who think professional athletes are spoiled rich kids (which, at times, is the case).

Often, there are good deeds gone unpublicized, though not unnoticed.

Regardless, we always want more from our athletic heroes. More points. More rebounds. More wins. More action.

Speak up. Take a stand. Use your celebrity to endorse a cause instead of well-packaged beverages.

It's questionable if that's fair. Are all the fans changing things for the better at a comparable level? If your voice can reach five people, are you using it?

Many athletes are less educated than the average citizen. Many are not. Yet we feel they are beholden to the public trust because of their unfathomable financial status.

Maybe they should be. Maybe that money and fame makes them more responsible for others' well-being.

Maybe they shouldn't be. Bank account size is the basis for human responsibility? Responsibility level is parallel with global reach?

James does charity work, required and otherwise, though he is dropping the ball here. Nike will still love him. His ultimate financial status will not be challenged were he to join up with the Darfur cause. As the co-dominator of NBA headlines, he could make a push.

Regardless, Bryant is in. Nash is in. McGrady, who actually traveled to Chad refugee camps last summer, is in. Luol Deng is in. Derek Fisher is in. Grant Hill, Emeka Okafor, Andrew Bynum, all in.

It's time everyone was.