Kobe Bryant is no longer America’s most popular athlete

Every year, Harris Interactive conducts a poll to list America's most popular
 sports stars. While popularity can be a fungible concept, the results remain
somewhat instructive, especially in terms of which players have reached a level
 of fame beyond their sport's diehard audience.

Last season, Kobe Bryant(notes) found himself at the top of the list of male stars.
 Now, he's dropped to No. 3 in a tie with Michael Jordan, and behind
 Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and new champ Derek Jeter of the
Yankees. 

You can access the poll directly here if you have concerns about methodology.
 While Jeter is the new champ, Serena Williams is listed as the most popular
female athlete for the third year in a row. Better luck next time, Abby Wambach.

It's not a surprise to learn that Bryant and James have dropped on this list,
 because popularity in America is often tied to winning at the highest levels.
 In the past, both players have been divisive, to the point where they've
 only been considered likable when they win championships. With the
Lakers losing to the Mavericks in the second round of the playoffs,
 Bryant is no longer the league's golden god. James, obviously,
 is largely seen as a bratty loser. As such, they're no longer at the top
 of this vaguely scientific heap.

Maybe next year they'll see their fortunes change. Or, perhaps,
 Derrick Rose(notes) (No. 9 this year) will move higher after another
 long playoff run. Worse yet, maybe there won't be an NBA season
and the poll participants won't name anyone from the league. And then
this post will end up on Shutdown Corner, and you can substitute
Tom Brady in for Bryant and read the same post. The world works in mysterious ways.