ABOG Salutes The Life & Legacy Of One Of
Basketball’s GOAT Kobe Bean Bryant
AKA “Black Mamba”
We here at ABOG are sad to report the tragic loss of one of the greatest
basketball legends in history Kobe Bryant who perished in a horrific
helicopter crash that also claimed the lives of eight others including his
13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant. The crash occurred on the morning
of January 26, 2020 while the entourage traveled to a practice session at
Bryant’s Mamba Academy in Thousand Oaks, Ca.
According to reports, all nine on board perished after the pilot began to
encounter dangerous weather conditions, namely heavy fog, resulting in
the chopper crashing into the side of a mountain in Calabasas, Ca. bursting
in flames.
The fire also developed into a quarter-acre brush fire, which was subsequently contained by the Los Angeles County Fire Department who was also accompanied by Paramedics who had rappelled from a
helicopter in attempts to rescue any survivors. This news has devastated fans worldwide who in disbelief tried to wrap their minds around the news of Kobe’s passing.
“Kobe” named by his parents after the famous beef of Kobe, Japan began playing basketball at the age of 3. His favorite team was the Los Angeles
Lakers, a team he would subsequently play his entire NBA career before retiring. A native of Philadelphia, Kobe attended high school at
Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, a suburb of Lower Merion where his star shined as he gained national recognition, earning many titles, breaking countless records and leading the team to its first championship in 53 years. At 17 Kobe made the decision to go directly to the Pro’s from high school becoming the sixth player in NBA history to do so. In 1996 Bryant became the first guard ever drafted directly after high school signing a three-year rookie contract totaling $3.5 million.
People would be surprised to know that Kobe Bryant not only had a talent for the game of basketball, but he was also an excellent scholar, scoring as high as 1080 on the SAT. He was also fluent in Italian and Spanish. He learned Italian after living in Reggio Emilia, a city in northern Italy, where he considers his “best childhood memories were made”.
Outside of basketball, where he has made a name for himself through countless endorsement deals including business ventures with Coca Cola, McDonald’s, Sprite, Turkish Airlines and others, Kobe has made strides in the Music & Entertainment industry as well, once being signed to Sony Records. He has collaborated with Brian McKnight, Tyra Banks, Shaquille O’Neal, and others. He also founded his own label, “Heads High Entertainment”.
His dedication to community was in his commitment to organizations like After School All-Stars an American Non-Profit that provides after-school programs throughout the U.S. as well as his work with The Kobe Bryant China Fund which raises money for education and health programs, and the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation (KVBFF) which helps young people in need in areas of Social, physical,(Especially in sports) and homelessness.
Kobe’s 5 championship wins, awards and accolades are far too numerous to mention here. His contribution to the sport can never be contested. His dedication and desire to make an impact on disadvantaged youth will continue on through his organizations. But most importantly his legacy will be forever felt through the past, present, and future generations to come.
ABOG Salutes the life and legacy of the “Original Baller” Kobe Bean Bryant AKA The “Black Mamba” and send Godspeed Comfort & Condolences to the entire Bryant family as well as the families of those that also perished in this tragic accident.
Lamar Coaston Jr. is Director of Internet Marketing for www.alwaysbeog.com For all media requests as well as info on being featured on our site, contact him directly at [email protected]
