The Bryant family has suffered another devastating loss. Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69. Joe Bryant, a former professional basketball player himself, had a significant influence on Kobe’s life and career. His death, which occurred just four years after Kobe’s tragic passing in a helicopter crash, has added another layer of grief to an already heartbroken family.
A Life Steeped in Basketball For Kobe Bryant’s Family
Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, right, has a laugh with his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, prior to participating in a pickup basketball game at Loyola Marymount on July 5, 2007
Joe Bryant’s life was deeply rooted in basketball, both as a player and coach. A forward who played in the NBA for teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Diego Clippers, he spent the latter part of his playing career in Italy.
Where his young son Kobe honed his basketball skills. Kobe often credited his father’s professional experience for shaping his own path to NBA stardom. After retiring from playing, Joe transitioned into coaching, including stints in Japan and the WNBA.
The Challenges of Father-Son Relationships
Kobe Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, Gianna Maria Onore and Natalia Diamante at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards 2016 held at the UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion in Westwood, USA on July 14, 2016.
Though Joe and Kobe shared a passion for basketball, their relationship wasn’t without its challenges. Tensions between the two grew in the early 2000s, reportedly due to Kobe’s decision to marry his wife, Vanessa, at a young age.
Despite these difficulties, the two reconnected later in life, especially after Kobe became a father himself. Joe Bryant’s passing leaves a complicated legacy, both as a father who lost his son tragically and as a man whose basketball journey mirrored Kobe’s early years.
Tributes from the Basketball World
Following the news of Joe Bryant’s passing, tributes have poured in from across the basketball community for the Bryant Family.
Former colleagues and players have shared memories of Joe’s approachable personality, basketball knowledge, and how he made a positive impact on and off the court. His coaching career, particularly with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, left a lasting influence on many young players. “Joe was a true basketball mind,” a former colleague said. Reflecting on the depth of his knowledge and his unique ability to mentor young talent.
A Legacy Carried by the Bryant Name
Joe Bryant’s death marks another chapter in the complex yet significant legacy of Kobe Bryant’s Family. From the streets of Philadelphia to the courts of the NBA and beyond, Joe’s life had a profound impact on those who knew him.
His influence, both in Kobe’s career and in his own right as a player and coach, will be remembered by many in the basketball world. His passing is a reminder of the personal and professional sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to the game.
Final Farewell
As the basketball world mourns the loss of Joe Bryant, his memory will continue to inspire the next generation of players.
Both for his contributions on the court and his role in shaping Kobe Bryant into the icon he became. The Bryant family’s strength and resilience in the face of repeated tragedies is a testament to their enduring legacy in the sport and beyond.
Sources
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, father of Kobe Bryant, dies at age 69” ESPN. July 16, 2024.
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, father of Kobe Bryant, dies at age 69” ABC News. July 16, 2024.
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, Kobe Bryant’s father, dies at 69” USA Today. Scooby Axson. July 16, 2024.
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, father of late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, dies at 69” LA Times. Steve Henson. July 16, 2024.
Travis Kelce’s ex, Kayla Nicole, responds to online attacks from Taylor Swift fans, saying, “You’ll never make me hate myself.”
She’s had enough.
Travis Kelce’s ex, Kayla Nicole, fired back at Taylor Swift fans who have been criticizing her looks online because of the singer’s relationship with the NFL star. A fan page posted unedited pictures of Kayla without makeup, getting her hair done. The person who shared the photos commented sarcastically, saying “Very pretty,” and added a puking emoji.
Travis Kelce’s ex, Kayla Nicole, responded to Taylor Swift fans who have been criticizing her looks online.
A fan page shared unfiltered photos of Kayla Nicole getting her hair done without makeup. She responded by retweeting the post and writing, “YOU WILL NEVER MAKE ME HATE ME. Hang it upppppppp bookie.”
Other fans quickly supported her on X, with one saying, “You’re beautiful…this is so weird??!” and another adding, “I’m confused.. because you look gorgeous here.. true flops all around.”
“YOU WILL NEVER MAKE ME HATE ME. Hang it upppppppp bookie,” she tweeted the hater.
Many fans defended Kayla Nicole, telling her she’s “gorgeous” with or without makeup. One person tweeted, “Not them making a fan page just to hate on you. It’s getting weird.” Another fan said, “Girl, you are absolutely gorgeous. Forget the haters. ”
Kayla has been facing online hate ever since Travis Kelce started dating Taylor Swift last September.
She has been dealing with online hate since her ex Kelce went public with Swift last September.
In October 2023, Kayla Nicole, founder of Tribe Therepe, wrote an open letter to “Black women specifically,” responding to the criticism and embarrassment she’s faced since her ex, Travis Kelce, started dating Taylor Swift.
In her letter, Kayla urged her followers not to get involved in the drama, saying, “Don’t engage in this difficult and often unfair situation.” She added, “Protect your heart, even when others judge you or push your limits. You don’t have to respond because there’s power in staying silent.”
In April, she addressed the Swifties ahead of the release of the “Cruel Summer” singer’s 11th studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department.”
Kayla Nicole tweeted, “Just know everyone has a breaking point & would love for ‘yall’ (because you know who you are) to leave me alone.”
In January, she seemed to call out Taylor Swift’s fans in a TikTok video, saying, “Fake page, s–t talking, cult following, keyboard warriors – maybe take the year off babe?”
A few months later, before Swift’s new album “The Tortured Poets Department” came out, Kayla addressed the Swifties again, tweeting on April 18, “I’m unproblematic. Mind my business. Never respond to the constant hate.”
Nicole dated the tight end on-and-off from 2017 to 2022.
Kayla Nicole dated Travis Kelce on and off from 2017 to 2022. Over a year after their final breakup in May 2022, Kelce went public with his relationship with Taylor Swift.
Kayla, frustrated by the situation, said, “I’m strong and don’t need recognition for it, but everyone has a breaking point. I’d love for ‘yall’ (you know who you are) to leave me alone.”
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