Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of the late Basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, has passed away at 69, as reported by La Salle University’s athletics department.
According to La Salle men’s head basketball coach Fran Dunphy, The Philadelphia Inquirer noted that Joe had recently suffered a stroke, although the exact cause of death has not been confirmed.
La Salle University, where Joe both played and coached, released a statement saying he “was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed.”
Joe was an accomplished basketball player in his own right, having been drafted as the 14th overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 1975 NBA draft. He played four seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, three seasons with the San Diego Clippers, and one season with the Houston Rockets, in addition to his time playing in Europe.
The 76ers honored Joe as “a local basketball icon, whose legacy on the court transcended his journey across Bartram High School, La Salle University, and his first four NBA seasons with the 76ers from 1975-79.”
His sudden passing comes four years after the tragic deaths of his son Kobe and granddaughter Gianna, who were killed in a helicopter crash alongside seven others.
Kobe’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, shared her condolences on Instagram, saying, “We hoped things would’ve been different. Although the times we spent together were few, he was always sweet and nice to be around. Kobe loved him very much.”
Doug Young, a former teammate of Kobe, praised Joe as the perfect role model. “Joe was our JV coach at Lower Merion, and I could not have asked for a more positive mentor, teacher, and role model,” Young told ESPN. “It’s difficult to overstate how much he influenced me and my teammates. He made basketball fun and inspired us all to be better; he believed in us. I’ll never forget his infectious smile, his bear hugs, and the incredible bond he shared with Kobe. Growing up in Lower Merion, there was no family we loved and admired more than the Bryants, and that started with Joe.”
Arn Tellem, vice chairman of the Pistons and formerly Kobe’s agent, expressed his sorrow over Joe’s passing and joined the basketball community in mourning a true Philadelphia hoops legend. “Our friendship opened the door for me to represent Kobe as he entered the NBA, a memory I’ll always cherish. Joe was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose warmth touched everyone he met.”
May he rest in peace.
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Mom Sells Stillborn’s Crib And A Week Later The Buyer Returns It Restructured Into A Bench
In the most heartbreaking moments of our lives, some people can break through and truly bring some much-needed comfort.
Valerie Watts was devastated when she gave birth to a stillborn boy. It’s something no expectant mother should have to go through.
As time passed, the Cokato, Minnesota, woman eventually decided to set up a garage sale. She was ready to move forward and had mustered up the courage to get rid of the baby’s things, including his crib.
The grieving mother sold the crib to a man named Gerald and his wife, but little did she know the crib was about to return to her in the most unexpected way.
Gerald learned that Valerie had lost her baby. Instead of keeping the crib, he did something truly incredible.
As it turned out, Gerald is a carpenter. He brought the crib home to his workshop and transformed it into something Valerie could hold onto and cherish for life.
Much to her surprise, Gerald returned to Valerie’s home the following week to present her with his creation, and she broke down sobbing on the spot. The video has been millions of times, and you’re about to see why.
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