Mamba Legend Lives On
Stories of a man who was so much more than basketball.
Yesterday we lost a sports legend, Kobe Bryant. Today, we’re sharing with you why Bryant is being mourned by so many - he was so much more than basketball. He was a man who wasn’t perfect, but never claimed to be. He was one of the best in the history of the game and inspired generations of basketball players, athletes and go-getters around the world.
Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife Vanessa, daughters Natalia, Bianca and Capri and the families of all the victims. We hope you take the next three minutes to read a little bit more about Kobe “Black Mamba” Bryant who was just starting his second act.
Still in shock,
The Last Night’s Game Team
NBA (National Basketball Association)
Kobe Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna “Gigi” were amongst nine victims who died yesterday in a helicopter crash. The basketball loving father-daughter duo were en route to Gigi’s basketball game. His career accomplishments are awe-inspiring - five-time champion, MVP, all-star, gold medalist and the list goes on. He remains the only person in the NBA to have two jersey numbers retired (8 and 24). GONE TOO SOON
Overtime
Bryant was a man of many talents. He was raised in Italy and spoke three different languages. He would occasionally pick up another, like Slovak, to talk trash. Once, he wanted to learn how to play the piano for his wife but instead of hiring a piano teacher, which was the easy way out, he taught himself. He put on headphones and listened to Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" on repeat until he perfected it. WHAT COULDN’T HE DO?
Sideline stat
On Saturday night LeBron James passed Bryant to overtake third place on the NBA’s career scoring list. Before the game, James wrote "Mamba 4 Life" and "8/24 KB" (a tribute to Bryant’s jersey numbers) in gold marker on his shoes to honor the legend he was about to surpass. In his final tweet, Bryant took to Twitter to congratulate James on his accomplishment saying “Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644.” RESPECT
Coaches’ corner
Bryant was known for his love of the game but it extended beyond the NBA. He was a vivacious supporter of the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) and a friend and mentor to women’s basketball players from his daughter’s team, to the college level and of course, the WNBA. PROUD PAPA
What to watch
As part of his second act, after leaving basketball Bryant turned his passion toward entertainment, founding Granity Studios, where he won an Oscar for “Dear Basketball.” TELL THE STORY
We’ll bring you Super Bowl coverage on Wednesday. Until then, channel the "Mamba mentality" and be fearless like Kobe.
Here We Go
The Super Bowl is set, why 40 seconds isn’t long enough and who was riding dirty?
The Super Bowl is set. Get your game face on.
Let’s go Monday,
The Last Night’s Game Team
NFL (National Football League)
Demi Lovato, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira aren’t the only ones heading to the Super Bowl. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs and Jimmy Garoppolo and his San Francisco 49ers will be joining them. While the Chiefs celebrated their first trip to the Super Bowl since 1970, the 49ers celebrated by wearing shirts featuring their quarterback in his underwear. (Because why not)?
According to Vegas odds, the Chiefs are the slight favorites to win the game. Super Bowl 54 will take place in Miami on February 2. We'll have more big game insight leading up to it. BUT WILL THERE BE SNACKS?
Overtime
Somehow Rob Lowe became the most interesting part of the 49ers - Packers game. He was likely in the stands to promote his new TV show that aired after the game on the same network. But it was his hat, not his show, that sent the internet into a frenzy. MUST TRY TO BLEND IN
Sideline stat
Conor McGregor stepped back into the octagon Saturday night looking for his first win since 2016. His UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) fight against the all-time wins leader Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone wasn’t at all what anyone expected. McGregor took him out in 40 seconds. Be glad you didn’t pay for it on Pay-Per-View. END OF STORY
Coaches’ corner
NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) driver Kyle Larson has had a pretty decorated racing career including a win at Daytona. But his greatest victory, according to him, was this weekend at the Chili Bowl in Tulsa where he finally won the illusive dirt track title. He’s proof that you should try and try again - it was his 13th time driving in this dirt-race event. The NASCAR season starts with the Daytona 500 on February 16. RIDIN’ DIRTY
What to watch
The tennis season began yesterday (U.S. time) with the Australian Open. The tournament down under is the first major of the season (aka a Grand Slam Tournament). The Grand Slam schedule includes the four most important tournaments of the season - the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open. LOTS OF LOVE FOR AUSTRALIA + TENNIS
Unlike Any Other
This isn’t just any old Monday with tonight’s national championship game, why they’re going to need more fireworks in Kansas and Serena pays it forward.
Today’s not just any old Monday, it’s a very special Monday with the College Football National Championship Game and “The Bachelor” on tonight.
*Sets up two TVs,*
The Last Night’s Game Team
PS - Don't forget to set your Bachelor bracket picks for tonight's rose ceremony. Want to join? Please do.
College Football
The college football season will come to a close tonight. Whether you're excited for the season to end or if you’re breaking out the tissues, LSU (Louisiana State - 1) and Clemson (3) will take the field in tonight’s College Football National Championship Game. We can tell you who is ecstatic for the game – the students at LSU. Since the game is essentially a home game for the team (it’s in New Orleans – an hour and a half away from campus in Baton Rouge), the school has cancelled classes for Monday and Tuesday. Maybe if they win, they’ll get the whole week off? ENROLLING IN LSU NOW
Tonight’s game will include a coach who might love crawfish more than his players, live tigers and conspiracy theories. Check out our five things you need to know about the national championship game.
Overtime
A persistent Serena Williams has finally ended her three-year title drought, winning at the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Auckland Classic this weekend - her first win since becoming a mother. She celebrated her victory with her daughter Olympia and then paid it forward, donating her prize money to the victims of the Australia Bushfires. Williams could make history at the Australian Open next week. It’s the first major (i.e. Grand Slam Tournament) of the tennis season. KEEPING IT ALL IN PERSPECTIVE
Sideline Stat
The Houston Texans (NFL - National Football League) came out hot in their playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs and then the Chiefs turned the ship around. They staged a comeback for the ages that even led to a lineman dumping beer on himself in celebration. The Chiefs ran the score up so high (51 points) that the stadium ran out of fireworks. GOOD PROBLEM TO HAVE
The San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans and the Green Bay Packers (where fans lined up to help shovel snow for the game) all brought home wins. Next weekend’s games will determine the two teams in the Super Bowl on February 2.
Coaches’ corner
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and in Charlie Woods' case, it looks like that could be true. Rare footage surfaced of Tiger Woods’ son Charlie, 10, playing in a golf tournament in Florida. And he’s pretty darn good. Of course, dad was there as his caddie. BIG SHOES TO FILL