RIP Kobe and Gianna
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Andrew Rosario
It has been more than 4 weeks since the stunning, tragic news that a helicopter crash took the life of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, his 13 year old daughter Gianna and seven other passengers. The news stunned the world, not just the sports world. At 41 years old, Bryant was in the process of establishing the second phase of his life. The 18 time All Star and 5 time NBA champion accomplished everything he wanted to on the court (except for tying his idol Michael Jordan’s 6 rings) and now took on the full time journey of being a husband and father. His wife and his girls were the lights of his life.
The event was hosted by late night host Jimmy Kimmel who fought back tears as he mentioned the individual names lost in the tragedy. “I don’t think any of us could have imagine this. Everywhere you go, you see his face, his number. Gigi’s face and number. All we can do, is be grateful for the time we had with them.”
The more than 20,000 fans that attended the ceremony was filled with current and ex-players from all sports along with celebrities and entertainers. Vanessa Bryant spoke first of her relationship with her older daughter and the love they shared. “She was very thoughtful and always kissed me good night and good morning. Gigi was very competitive like her daddy but she had a sweet grace about her. Her smile was like sunshine. I am so proud of Gianna and she was kind to everyone she met for the 13 years she was here on earth.” She then turned her attention to her “soulmate” Kobe. “Kobe and l have been together since l was 17 and a half years old. I was his first girlfriend, his first love, his wife, his best friend, his confidant and his protector. He was the most amazing husband. Kobe loved me more than l can ever express or put into words. He loved being Gianna’s basketball coach. He was thoughtful and always wrote the best love letters and cards. God knew they couldn’t be on this earth without each other. He had to bring them home together.”
“Kobe left it all on the floor,” said a weeping Michael Jordan. “What Kobe Bryant was to me was the inspiration that someone truly cared about either the way l played the game or the way he wanted to play the game. He wanted to be the best basketball player he could be. And l as l got to know him, l wanted to be the best big brother that l could be.” Then, Jordan brought the house down. “ Now he’s got me. I have to look at another meme (of crying). I told my wife l wasn’t going to do this cause l didn’t want to see this for the next 3 or 4 years. That is what Kobe Bryant does to me.”
Shaquille O’ Neal and Kobe were teammates and was part of the last team that won three straight NBA championship. Shaq spoke of their relationship which at times was very contentious leading to Shaq getting traded. They both mended fences as time went on. After one practice, teammates approached Shaq complaining that Kobe was selfish and not passing the ball. Shaq approached Kobe sharing those concerns. “Kobe, their is no “I” in team,” he expressed to Bryant. “I know,” he responded. “But their is a “m-e”, in that mutha effer. That is the day Kobe earned my respect.”
Beyonce Knowles, Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera performed in front of individuals that included Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez. Diana Turasi, Rob Pelinka and Geno Auriemma shared stories of their relationship with the Bryant family.
“There are hundreds of murals painted by artist who are inspired not because he was a basketball player but because he was artist too” said Kimmel. And not just in L.A. but across the country, in Kobe’s hometown in Philadelphia, in Italy, in India, the Philippines, China, New York. In places where Kobe would be booed on the court. Kobe will be missed.”
The NBA announced they will wave the 5 year rule and induct Kobe Bryant in the 2020 Naithsmith Basketball Hall of Fame.
