Remembering Kobe Bryant: From the 'Mamba mentality' to his final interview
This was supposed to be a week of anticipation ahead of Super Bowl LIV. Instead, the news of Kobe Bryant's death has shocked the sports world. We begin here this week with the sadness of the reactions and tributes from celebrities and sports figures all over the world.
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REMEMBERING KOBE BRYANT
In news that shocked the entire sports world, Kobe Bryant, who won five championships and countless honors in a 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, died Sunday in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. He was 41.
In addition to Bryant, the crash claimed the lives of the other eight people on board. That included Bryant's 13-year-old daughter Gianna, as well as Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli and two members of his family.
There was no shortage of reaction and fallout as the sports world grappled with the loss of a true legend:
- Final interview with Kobe offered a window into his motivation to be memorable.
- Shaq said he was "sick" after learning the news.
- Fans mourned Bryant at his alma mater ...
- And at the Mamba Sports Academy ...
- And in Southern California at large.
- Former President Barack Obama and President Donald Trump both paid tribute to the late Lakers star.
- Tennis stars Nick Kyrgios, Coco Gauff honored him from the Australian Open.
- As did the best player in women's college basketball.
- And Derek Jeter.
- Perhaps no tribute was as emotional as the one delivered by Lakers legend Jerry West.
- Carmelo Anthony fought back tears discussing Kobe.
- As did Doc Rivers.
- Mitch Albom plainly states the obvious: This is not how it was supposed to end.
- Though the NBA never seriously considered postponing Sunday's games, there were in-game tributes to the legend throughout the league.
- Kobe's influence was not just limited to the NBA – though his impact on the Association will be felt forever.
- The Dallas Mavericks are honoring Kobe by retiring the No. 24.
- The highlights and quotes we will remember Kobe most for.
- Kobe Bean Bryant was one of a kind, even in retirement, our Dan Wolken wrote.
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SUPER BOWLS, BY THE NUMBERS
Our Nate Davis has been quite busy the last few weeks, sifting through the past 53 Super Bowls to find the best teams, moments, players, and more. Enjoy the fruits of his labor below:
- Ranking all 53 Super Bowls.
- Greatest Super Bowl players.
- Greatest moments, led by Malcolm Butler's shocking interception.
- Ranking the best teams, and not all were winners.
- And, looking ahead to Sunday, here are 32 things to know.
THE *OTHER* SUPER BOWL
That's right, we're talking commercials! Paste BN is back again with its Ad Meter, and YOU can become a panelist to help choose this year's best and worst ads. Here's a taste of some of our Ad Meter content so far:
- Best Super Bowl commercials of the past 25 years.
- Porsche's new Super Bowl LIV teaser takes the audience on an iconic chase.
- Best Super Bowl commercials featuring animals.
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ELI SAYS FAREWELL
The expected news of the week was the retirement of Giants quarterback Eli Manning. After 16 seasons in the league and two Super Bowl titles, Manning decided to call it quits with an emotional ceremony at the team facility.
Art Stapleton went deep inside Manning's announcement, tracing his legacy back to his first season with the team.
QUICK HITS
- A 'Bachelor' contestant was stripped of the $1 million prize she *thought* she won during wild-card weekend.
- Katie Sowers will make history when Super Bowl LIV kicks off.
- JOE MONTANA CAN'T LOSE!
- Bill Self takes *some* of the blame for the 'negative cloud' hovering above the Kansas basketball program.
- Tim Tebow has tied the knot.
- The next Mike Trout?
- Derek Carr is tired of Tom Brady rumors.
- Philadelphia Flyers mascot 'Gritty' may be in some hot water.
- Why Maya Moore is skipping the 2020 Olympics.
- Nick Kyrgios had a *bit* of an outburst Saturday at the Australian Open.
MORE MUST-READ STORIES FROM OUR NETWORK
- A small California college is making a new kind of major leaguer, and it starts in the classroom.
- The odd connection between Professional Bull Riders and Border Patrol agents.
- Dan Wolken on why President Trump has made it tough to 'stick to sports.'
- A fast-acting trainer saved the life of an Iowa basketball team manager.
- Mike Jones on how educating NFL owners will bring about more minority hires.
- We take a look at the NBA all-star snubs.
- ‘He's still Superman in our eyes’: How an ex-Penn State football player fights on despite ALS.
- Jack Nicklaus has accomplished a lot in his career. But, Steve DiMeglio writes, his greatest achievement came off the course.
- Jeff Zillgitt on just how staggering LeBron's stats could be.
- Tom Schad on how the XFL plans to revamp the rules of football.
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