NBA: At memorial, Kobe Bryant’s parents silently grieve

By Martin Sadongdong

The world was shocked by the tragic death of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash last January 26 in Calabasas, California. The crash also killed Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others. Though almost everyone grieved, if there are those most devastated by the grim incident, it must have been those who brought the Los Angeles Lakers great into this life: his parents.

Bryant’s parents, Joseph or Joe — a former professional basketball player himself — and Pamela or Pam, attended the memorial service in honor of their son, granddaughter and the seven other crash victims on February 24 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

Per multiple reports, Joe and Pam were seen sitting alongside their two daughters, Sharia and Shaya; in the same row as Kobe’s wife Vanessa and their three daughters, Natalia 17, Bianka 3 and Capri seven months old — a heartwarming sight for many as if it was a manifestation of both families’ willingness to set aside past issues. Known to the public, Bryant had a falling out with his parents dating back to his early marriage with Vanessa in 2001. According to People.com, Joe and Pam did not attend the wedding of their son in April 2001.

However, the old adage “time heals all wounds” proved to be true for them as the relationship between Kobe and his parents reportedly improved when the Lakers star and his wife gave birth to their first child, Natalia, in January 2003.

In 2013, the relationship suffered anew as Kobe’s parents allegedly tried to auction off some of his basketball memorabilia without their son’s permission.

The incident led to a court case before it was eventually sorted out. Kobe and his parents reportedly had a much better relationship until his retirement from professional basketball in 2016.

Moments before his death, Kobe was reportedly still making contacts with his parents to completely mend the ties, as per The Sun.

While Vanessa and Bryant’s close friends took the centerstage and shared stories about the “Black Mamba” and “Mambacita” during the memorial service, Joseph and Pamela chose to stay away from the spotlight — opting to sit quietly while listening testaments about their son.

Silently grieving, even.

This, however, does not mean that they didn’t have their own tale to tell.

Joe and Pamela were “traumatized” and “devastated” by their son and granddaughter’s sudden death, according to multiple reports quoting Los Angeles Lakers legend Jerry West.

“His personal family is just traumatized and devastated, as any family would be,” West was quoted as saying in an online site called Extra. “My thoughts, my prayers, my hopes are with his family because they’re the ones who need it most.”

In a separate report by The Sun, an unnamed family business associate said that Kobe’s parents “want to be there” for his grieving family.

“Currently, [Kobe’s] parents are grieving deeply, but want to be there to support their grandchildren. In the short term, there is hope that the problems can be set aside for this moment,” the source said.

While only time could tell when Bryant’s own family will fix the strained relationship with his parents, several celebrities took to social media to honor Joe and Pamela.

On Tuesday, American rapper Snoop Dogg posted a photo of Kobe’s parents on Instagram and thanked them for “giving us Kobe.”

“Sending love and prayers to momma and pappa Bean Bryant. Thank you for giving us Kobe. We love y’all and praying for your strength as parents to keep moving on,” he said.

In the comments section, the famed rapper added, “Prayers to the Bryant sisters. You have a brother in me.”

Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe’s former teammate and long-time friend, remembered Joe, Pamela, Sharia and Shaya during the memorial service.

“To Vanessa and the kids, Kobe’s parents, sisters, and the families who lost a loved one on that tragic day, we grieve with you,” O’Neal was quoted as saying by online site Pop Culture.

“We are forever changed on January 26th.”

Source: Manila Bulletin