Remembering the Life of Kobe Bryant

Remembering the Life of Kobe Bryant

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Kobe Bryant was a husband and father of four daughters, just like me. Unlike me, he was one of the greatest basketball players to ever live.  He played his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers and won 5 championships. He ranks 4th on the list of most points scored in the NBA.

On Sunday, his helicopter flew into a hill and Kobe died, along with his 13-year-old daughter and 7 other individuals. In fact, he was on his way to coaching his daughter in a basketball game. Kobe was retired from basketball, but he was in the prime of his life.  There is not much I can add to the story that hasn’t already been said.  The story is utterly tragic.

 

Joe’s Perspective: This young audience does not remember the controversy from 2003 when Kobe was accused of raping a woman in a hotel room in Denver. It was a stain on his career. Many thought his image would never recover and some thought it would end his career. Many turned their back on him. To be honest, it is the reason he was eliminated as a subject on my Role Models book that I wrote in 2004.

However, one mistake or a lapse in judgment doesn’t define a person. If it did, we would all be doomed. We all screw up. If you haven’t, don’t worry, your time is coming. Kobe just kept grinding. He kept doing the right thing. He kept making good decisions. In time, that 2003 lapse in judgment became a blip on the radar screen. Kobe ended up being a positive role model, not just a great basketball player. This is why everyone mourns his death. Americans knew he was a great, yet flawed human being. He was a tremendous cultural icon. In retirement, he was on his way to becoming a truly successful businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Your Turn: What are your thoughts on the passing of Kobe Bryant?

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  1. I think Kobe Bryant should always be remembered. He taught many people perseverance and that’s more than anyone can ever teach you.

    1. Kobe should be remembered not only as a great basketball player, but also as a great person and a great father. He will be missed, but his legacy will continue to live on.

    2. Kobe should be remembered not only as a great basketball player, but also as a great person and a great father. He will be missed, but his legacy will continue to live

  2. He we a good person and didn’t deserve this or the other people in the plane and his daughter , he will always be remembered as a legend.

  3. It’s awful what happened to him, his daughter, and the others. I feel bad for all the families, I couldn’t imagine loosing my dad and sister. It’s just heart breaking.

  4. It is heart breaking and no one should go through what the families are going through of losing more than one family member at once.

    1. This is really sad, I would never want to lose my father or sister or my husband, well is I was married. I hope all the victims families take there time with the grieving and not bottle it all up and keep going. I wish the best to all the families and it’s terrible about what happened to everyone.

      1. Kobe Bryant was one hardworking legend.I don’t think he should’ve did this early.He cared about supporters and his family and he is in gods hands. Rest up Kobe and his Baby girl GG.

  5. It’s heart breaking no family should go through something like that and the worse part is that the Bryant family didn’t just lose one person in the family but two. Kobe Bryant wife is about 7months pregnant what if the baby one day say mommy where’s daddy how can you explain that to your little girl that daddy passed away from a plan crash it’s just heart breaking.

  6. He should always be remembered. He was a good father and man. Many people looked up to him and his death affects more then just friends and family but people that watched him play basketball throughout his NBA career.

  7. Kobe should be remembered not only as a great basketball player, but also as a great person and a great father. He will be missed, but his legacy will continue to live on.

  8. this is such a world wide tragedy 🙁 Kobe wasn’t just a basketball player , he was a man who inspired a whole generation , he will live forever in many peoples hearts

  9. Kobe Bryant should always be remembered as a great basketball player and a father. It sucks that it happened but he was doing what he loved, playing basketball and being with his family. He is an inspiration to the game of basketball and just a person.

  10. Kobe was a great basketball player and father, it’s so sad to see him and his only 13 year old daughter die. I had never even heard about the alleged rape story. All I know is Kobe was a hard worker and a great dad.

  11. Not sure about most families but besides this tragedy Kobe Bryant was a house hold name in my family of basketball lovers . Although he is famous and people see celebrities as perfect nobody is perfect and just like Kobe we should still do are best and be the best we can be without the past holding us back.

  12. It is very sad because he made such a big impact on my favorite sport and he was really fun to watch. He was also more than a great player he was also a great person off the court and things like this are hard to overcome.

  13. Even though I was never a basketball fan I would always hear Kobe’s name at some point throughout my day and when the news got around about his accident i could tell everyone was effected because he influenced so many people

  14. the passing of kobe has been hard on me lately, kobe was an amazing basketball player and coach, and a huge role model to everyone and to see someone have that much an impact on people to be taken from us to early is very heart braking

  15. Kobe Bryant was one of the most inspirational leaders my siblings and I grew up with. It’s hard to believe someone so influential is gone so soon but it allows us to remember all of the lessons he has left behind. He’s gone but never forgotten.

  16. Kobe and the others didn’t know that that day would be their last. I think this opened the eyes of so many people about the value of life. I feel that Kobe made the most of his life and was a great person in all to children teens and adults he was very inspirational world wide.

  17. I believe that Kobe has taught others that family is important along with hardwork. How you should always have a positive mindset to where you wanna go.

  18. Kobe Bryant was one of the most inspirational leaders my siblings and I grew up with. It’s hard to believe someone so influential is gone so soon but it allows us to remember all of the lessons he has left behind. He’s gone but never forgotten.

  19. the passing of Kobe Bryant is very emotional. He was such a big inspiration of with his words and love to the game. The legend will always live!

  20. I feel like his death was a devastating tragedy , and the fact that his daughter died with him was even more sad . But Kobe Bryant was a great inspiration to alot of people in the basketball community or just anyone he was a great motivator and was just a great person .

  21. He was an amazing person and it’s tragic he died so soon. Neither him or his family deserves this but he will always be remembered

  22. kobe was and always will be remembered for his big accomplishments and his inspirational speeches. personally i didnt know much of him
    before this event but i wish the best for the families that lost people due to this accident.

  23. kobe was such a good person, inspiration and role model for many people, he will always be remembered. And it is so sad because when they found him and his daughter Kobe was holding on to his daughter and that shows how much he cared for his family

  24. Kobe will always be remembered as a good person. And it is so sad because when they found him and his daughter Kobe was holding on to his daughter and that shows how much he cared for his family

  25. he was such a good person. He was a inspiration to many and a role model. He cared so much for his family, that is why he got a plane in the first place, so he can go watch his kids play and go to their school activities

  26. This is very sad loss all around the world he wasn’t just a basketball player he was a mentor for a lot of people that looked up to him. I just couldn’t imagine loosing my dad and sister all in one day.

  27. I think that the death of Kobe is very sad for many people. Many teammates and family members as well as regular people looked up to him. But it also reminds us that we never know when it is our time. So it is important to live every day like it’s your last.

  28. I think what makes Kobe stand out the most was his overall impact he made; not only on the court but in fact more so off the court. His passing affected everyone not just those who watched him play first hand. Kobe resembled hard work and a heart felt success story, something we can all look up to.

  29. He was a great a player , a great father , a great husband but overall he was an inspiration to everyone. It was such a unexpected turnover for everyone. Kobe is a legend and his legacy will always live on. #mamba #24 #8. and RIP to the others on the plane, their lives was just as important

  30. Kobe Bryant has and will always leave a significant legacy in the eyes of all who looked up to him and the person he was. He will he missed by everyone on the planet which is a miraculous achievement to be loved by so many and you know you are doing things right from all of the people he impacted on the court and off the court with his Mamba Mentality, Kobe has touched everyone of us and he will be missed and the world will never be the same without him.

  31. I am really sad about the passing of the legend Kobe Bryant and I would be devastated if my family passed so I imagine what the life of there family is without him and his daughter.

  32. I think Kobe was a great person. He never gave up, and he was the perfect role model for kids that wanted to be a great basketball player. Kobe was an inspiring person and he always did everything he could to make his family happy. Kobe will always be remembered.

  33. Kobe was a legend and he will always be remembered as one. His death was a shock to us all, he was such an influential person.

  34. My thoughts about kobe’s passing was that he was one of the best basketball players of all time and that he died so young it is just sad to think that the second best shooting guard of ALL TIME has passed.

    1. Kobe was a legend and it was very sad that he passed away. He was not only an amazing basketball player but he was inspirational and a great father. His legend will never pass away because legends never die.

  35. My thoughts on passing Kobe Bryant is sad because he had died is a horrible accident. So did his daughter but now they are in a better place. They are watching over their family. No matter what it will be a sad time but they both will be remembered.

  36. I am really sad about the passing of the legend Kobe Bryant and I would be devastated if my family passed so I imagine what the life of there family is without him and his daughter. He was an inspiration to others and I hope everyone remembers him

  37. This is so sad kobe was a legend in i always looked up to him R.I.P Kobe.llk llg only if kobe was still alive i rlly didnt watch alot of him i just picked his number cause he was a good player in enspire.

  38. Kobe Bryant was an inspirational person. He was a great role model, and impacted a lot of people with his mindset. His death was a tragedy to everyone, even if they didn’t watch basketball. He impacted people on and off of the court. He coached his daughter, and she looked up to him a ton.

  39. I am so very very very sad about Kobes passing not only because he was one of the best basketball players EVER but also because he was a huge influence on me to be better and to try harder and to hustle all of the time not only in sports but also in school and in real life. Kobes daughter Gianna also passing is extremely sad because she almost inherited the mamba mentality and was amazing at basketball and i would’ve loved to see her play in college or in the WNBA.

  40. I think Kobe was an amazing person/athlete. He never gave up, and he was the perfect role model for any kid who wants to be like him. He had a great personality. He was inspiring and he did everything he could to make his famly and his fans happy. He will always be remembered.

  41. Rest in Peace Kobe Bryant. You are a legend and you’ve helped so many people in the world. This was the most tragoc death. Rest in Peace to Gianna Bryant.

    1. Rest in Peace Kobe Bryant. You are a legend and you’ve helped so many people in the world. This was the most tragic death. Rest in Peace to Gianna Bryant.

    2. Kobe will always be remembered, he wasn’t just a basketball player. He was a role model for everybody and his kids. He even supported women’s basketball & not many men coaches do,& he went hard for them. So this really hit home and was so sad.. rest up to him & his daughter ad the others on that plane. Gone BUT Never Forgotten.

  42. I feel very sad because he was one of my favorite basketball players and to hear the news say that he was dead It was very nerve racking for me to believe that it actually happened. I really miss him and his daughter they were great people and legends that would have gotten far but sadly couldn’t .

  43. I believe that it was a very sad time when kobe bryant died because of how much of a inspiration he was and how much he taught people and should always be remembered

  44. I think Kobe Bryant should be remember because he displayed perseverance and he always stayed confident. He was known as one of the best players in the NBA.

  45. I feel that Kobe Bryant will always be remembered by all of his family, friends, and fans. I also feel that his family is devastate of his pass.

  46. I think Kobe Bryant should be remember because he displayed perseverance and he always stayed confident. He was known as one of the best players in the NBA. Even people who don’t watch NBA or basketball knew who he was.

  47. Of course, for many sports fans, Kobe’s death was a tragedy because he was a legend. But, since I am not really a fan because I don’t know Kobe that well, it was a tragedy for me because he was so young when he died in such a horrible way. His death was very sad, but I found it even sadder and harder to believe that his daughter, Gianna, died at only the age of 13. You don’t normally think of a child dying that young, so it’s hard to believe.

  48. Kobe Bryant’s passing was very sad to hear because I remember watching him on TV and it pains me to hear he passed away along with the other passengers on that airplane.

  49. Even though I am not a basketball, when he died I was so surprised. And with his daughter, I heard that when they died they were hugging. It was just a very sad day for everyone.

  50. RIP legend. I love basketball and I always have. Kobe really inspired me to be the best I can. Hearing that he passed really struck the sensitive part in me. I’m deeply sorry to his family for experiencing this tragedy. RIP legend Kobe the legend lives forever in our hearts.

  51. I think its very sad that Kobe and his daughter along with the other 6 people aboard died on a helicopter. Kobe and his daughter gg left leaving a wife and daughters to live off his legend.

  52. Kobe taught so much people perseverance and he did not deserve to die we will always remember him and he will live in NBA history forever

  53. Kobe taught so much people perseverance and he did not deserve to die we will always remember him and he will live in NBA history forever. Rip kobe

  54. Sounds like Kobe was not only a great and amazing basketball player but a caring and loving father. He was an idol and monument of what happens when you work hard. He will forever be remembered.

  55. Kobe passing away was really tragic to me even though I wasn’t a big fan of him it really hurt me since he died with his daughter. I can’t imagine what his wife is thinking since her loved ones passed away. Kobe was amazing and Gianna too, they were legends and deserve respect.

  56. I think Kobe Bryant should always be remembered. He taught and inspired so many and for that his legacy should live on. RIP

  57. it was heartbreaking for many people mostly the family. it was one of the most awful things i have heard that happened i just feel so bad

  58. Rest in peace Kobe. I think Kobe should always be remembered. He taught me to persevere and even if things are bad they could always be better.

  59. Kobe is a person who should never be forgotten because he showed mamba mentality, which is to never give up in anything that you do.

    1. I think that the life of Kobe should always be remembered cause he left a mark in the basketball community and inspired many people.

  60. It’s so sad that an idol and role model to so may people died so young as long as one of the future generation, but that’s why we have to carry on their legacy and massage.

  61. Kobe was not only a great and hard working basketball player, he was inspirational. Inspirational to his kids family and others. He will always be remembered. He was truly a legend.

  62. He’s a legend and will be remembered on and off of the court and will be remember his daughter and the 7 other that was on the helicopter

  63. He should be remembered because he inspired many kids and adults whose dreams are to become a basketball player and his daughter was an amazing example of someone that he inspired.

  64. It’s so unfortunate what happened to all of the people who passed from this accident and I hope all of their families recover from this tragedy.

  65. this is such a sad tragedy, kobe shouldn’t only be remembered for being a great basketball player, but for being an amazing instaperation for so many people.

  66. Kobe Bryant was an very inspirational person. He was the best basketball player to live, and he deserved to live. Gianna also was an very good basketball starter. They were very great people.

  67. I think this was kind to make so he will be remembered. This made me feel sad that he is gone and happy for what he has done. He and his daughter were a great people.

  68. I think he died in a very tragic way, and that he didn’t deserve to die like that, but at least he is at a better place now 🙂 ( also why is people not worried by the pilot he also died so… bruh :v)

  69. it was such a tragedy how something he did often was the death of him. he and his daughter had magical moments together and they will never be forgotten. He was apart of a family and I feel so bad for them. They lost a lot in the crash. RIP Kobe.

  70. I think that the passing of Kobe Bryant is very sad and that should teach people to be appreciative of what they have because it can be taken away in a blink of an eye.

  71. I think that the passing of Kobe Bryant is very sad and that should teach people to be appreciative of what they have because it can be taken away in a blink of an eye. R.I.P. Kobe Bryant and the 8 others that were involved in the helicopter crash.

  72. Kobe Bryant will always remain a legend. From being drafted straight out of high school, to scoring 81 points in a game, the numbers 8 and 24 shall always be lifted high and have great respect and remembrance.

  73. I think Kobe Bryant should be remembered, because he seemed like even with all the fame, he tried to stay humble and teach people, and especially kids important, and life long lessons.

  74. I think Kobe Bryant should be remembered as a great person and role model. He strived to be a great dad, husband, and person. He was a great basketball player but he was also a very passionate, and a good leader. He tried helping many people, and showed his daughter the game and helped her get better.

    1. I think that Kobe Bryant should be remembered as a role model. Kobe Bryant was an inspiration to many and influenced theri lives for the better.

  75. i think that kobe bryant should be remembered because he was a great role model and throughout his fame he maintained to stay humble.

  76. I think Kobe Bryant and his daughter should be remembered because they were great people and he was a role model to some people.

  77. It is so sad how him and his daughter died in such a tragic way. Gigi had a full life ahead of her and Kobe was a legend. I think Kobe should be remembered as a legend that was selfless and always liked to help other people. He also strived to be the best.

  78. I think that Kobe Bryant should be remembered as a role model and an inspirational person that changed many people’s lives.

  79. Kobe Bryant will be honored and remembered as a legend and role model. He inspired many and well be cherished.

  80. I think Kobe Bryant should always be remembered because of his basketball skills and how he was a role model to other people

  81. kobe should always be remembered. he was a role model to many kids and adults. He was always a good person and he was always there for his kids.

  82. I think that it is really sad because his family and friends and supporters would always remember him and what he did during his life

  83. When he crashed in the helicopter, wasn’t Kobe hugging his daughter at least that’s what I heard of his death.
    He deserves to be remembered.

  84. When he crashed in the helicopter, wasn’t Kobe hugging his daughter? At least that’s what I heard of his death.
    He deserves to be remembered.
    Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant.

  85. I was shocked when I heard the news, and I still can’t get over how it happened, but people will move on and Kobe will forever be remembered.

  86. Kobe and Gianna made such an impact on the world. For some people even if they had not met them they were like family.I send prayers to Kobe’s family and that they are doing ok in this time of sadness.

  87. Kobe was an amazing star and was an idol to many people. He inspired many people and little children everywhere. Kobe didn’t deserve this, and his daughter too, but I think they are in a better place now.

  88. Kobe was an icon that will alawys be rembered in the basketnall community as a leader and ahall of famer and espically an amazing dad

  89. Kobe Bryant is very important to our history and should be remembered forever as a leader that taught everyone a good lesson.to perservere and wok hard.

  90. Its Very sad.I feel bad for his family Kobe and Gigi didn’t deserve that. Rest in Peace Kobe and Gigi.

    Mamba Out.

  91. His death and his daughters death was very tragic to many people including me, and his legacy should always live on 🙂

    stan bts 🙂

  92. i dearly miss kobe and we all have him and his daughter, and other people that were in the helicopter in our hearts. blessings

  93. I think Kobe Bryant was big deal to a lot of people and now that he and everyone else on the helicopter is gone, many of us are very sad and may their souls rest easy in heaven playing basketball. R.I.P.

  94. This is really sad that Kobe died he is a inspiring person he was some people role models and still is to this day. Off the court Kobe is a kind respectful man he was definition of a leader and he took good care of his family. This is really sad that Kobe died.

  95. I think it is devastating. They were both taken too soon. All of them were. It breaks my heart that he went through that, and my love goes to all of their families.

  96. Kobe Bryant was one of the most inspirational athletes in the world and should always be remembered in the sports world because of his worth ethic and the positive attitude he brought to the court every game.