Kobe Bryant‘s high school jersey was back home for a ceremony honoring the late NBA legend, three years after it was stolen.
On Saturday, the coveted jersey was unveiled during a ceremony at Bryant Gymnasium, named after the late athlete whodied in a Calabasas helicopter crashon Jan. 26. Bryant’s cousin John Cox, his old high school coach, and a former teammate were among those in attendance.
“That was kind of an iconic moment when the spotlight went on that jersey. It was just tremendous,” Lower Merion coach Gregg Downer told NBC Philadelphia. “It was major irony, almost, how we’ve been waiting for that jersey for a long time. For a long time we didn’t know where it was. To have it back, it’s a fitting ending to a tough week.”
But not long after receiving the package, Liu noticed something wasn’t right — the jersey seemed to match the picture of one that had been stolen from a display case that also featured Bryant’s Parade All-American plaque and five pairs of his signature Nike sneakers, he told theoutlet.
He eventually sent the jersey back to the school, who handed it to the Lower Merion Police Department, before it was then taken to a memorabilia dealer in New Jersey, who ultimately confirmed it was indeed the missing one, according to ESPN.
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During Lower Merion’s first home game after the NBA legend’s death, principal Sean Hughes shared a sweet speech in honor of Bryant to the 1,600 people gathered.
“Because of Kobe, Lower Merion High School is known all over the globe,” he said, per NBC Philadelphia. “Despite his international fame, Kobe kept very close to our hearts. He returned here to meet with beloved teachers, and of course, coach Downer. He helped make this gym the wonderful facility it is. He was a strong supporter, not only of our basketball teams, but all of Aces Nation.”
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Last Friday night, the Los Angeles Lakerspaid an emotional tributeto Bryant during their first game at the Staples Center since the fatal helicopter crash.
The Staples Center was transformed into a sea of gold as each seat in the stadium was covered with either Bryant’s No. 8 or No. 24 jersey, which the thousands of fans wore to honor the fallen NBA star.
AfterUshertook center court to sing “Amazing Grace,” the crowd broke into chants of “Kobe” and then “Gigi.” They then stood for a 24.2-second moment of silence for all nine victims in the helicopter:John,KeriandAlyssa Altobelli,Payton and Sarah Chester,Christina MauserandAra Zobayanin addition to Gianna and Bryant.
Usher.Adam Pantozzi/Getty Images
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Last week, Vanessa, 37, announced that the Mamba Sports Foundation has set up a charity for the seven other victims of the helicopter crash. The NBA has announced that they would bemaking a $100,000 donationto the foundation in partnership with the National Basketball Players Association.
If you would like to help the families of the victims of the crash, consider donating to theMamba on Three Fund. Contributions to theMamba Sports Foundationwill help support youth sports.
source: people.com
