Tag: Obituary

Cowboys legend, HOF tackle Rayfield Wright passes away at age of 76

‘Big Cat’ made five Super Bowl appearances over a decorated 13-year career; he had been battling dementia for the last decade. | From @ToddBrock24f7

One of the brightest stars in the Cowboys firmament has dimmed. Pro Football Hall of Famer and Ring of Honor member Rayfield Wright passed away Thursday at the age of 76.

The offensive lineman was diagnosed with dementia in 2012. Several members of the Cowboys family, including the legendary Gil Brandt, had been asking fans on social media to keep Wright in their prayers in recent days.

“Over the past few weeks, it has become abundantly clear the love that so many Hall of Famers and others around the NFL felt toward Rayfield, his wife, Di, and the extended Wright family,” Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said in a statement. “His gentle nature away from the game belied his commanding presence on the field. All fans, especially those of the Cowboys, will remember fondly his dominance on the offensive line in the 1970s and how he took protecting Dallas quarterbacks as his personal mission.”

Wright grew up in the tiny town of Griffin, Georgia and attended nearby Fort Valley State University on an athletics scholarship. To keep his education funded, the school expected the 6-foot-6-inch basketball star to also play football, despite not making his high school squad. He went All-Conference in both sports; chosen as an early NBA draft pick, he elected to stay in school to earn his degree.

Brandt and the Cowboys made him a seventh-round selection in 1967, one of the first players ever plucked from a historically-Black college. He took the first airplane ride of his life to sign his $55,000 three-year contract, which also came with a $10,000 signing bonus and a Pontiac Bonneville.

After forays at tight end and even defensive end, Cowboys coach Tom Landry moved Wright to tackle. He was knocked out cold in his first game at the position by the Rams’ Deacon Jones, but Wright played on, eventually winning the game ball that afternoon.

The ‘Big Cat’ went on to earn six straight Pro Bowl nods starting in 1971 en route to the franchise’s first Super Bowl title, and he grew to become one of the most immovable lineman of his era. Men like Jack Youngblood, Carl Eller, and L.C. Greenwood, the greatest pass rushers of the day, all placed Wright among the best they ever faced.

“If he got beat,” quarterback Roger Staubach famously said, “I don’t remember it.”

Wright was on the field for some of the Cowboys’ most iconic moments: The Ice Bowl, the Hail Mary, and five Super Bowl appearances over his thirteen-year career.

But all the blows absorbed over those years took a brutal toll.

“Sometimes, I walk into the kitchen and forget why I went there,” he once told the New York Times. “I’ve gotten into several car accidents because of seizures. Totaled two cars. My memory is not good. There’s a big fight within myself.”

Wright was one of a host of retired NFL players- and several high-profile Cowboys- to file a 2012 lawsuit accusing the league of ignoring a link between concussions and permanent brain injuries.

At the time of the 2014 Times piece, one of the greatest and most decorated linemen in NFL history was making less than $2,500 per month, including $82.20 in pension from the league.

“Looking back, my instinct was to always take the easy road,” Wright said at the time of his long-overdue Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2006, the same year as Troy Aikman. “But the easy road never came my way.”

The flag at the Hall of Fame in Canton will fly at half-staff through services for Wright to be held next Friday.

Cowboys Wire told Wright’s incredible life story in February 2021.

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Ralph Neely, Cowboys OL for four Super Bowl teams of ’70s, passes away

R.I.P. Ralph Neely, a four-time All-Pro at left tackle who moved to the right side to make way for eventual Hall of Famer Rayfield Wright. | From @ToddBrock24f7

The Cowboys have lost another integral member of the 1970s dynasty. Offensive lineman Ralph Neely has passed away, less than a week after his former Dallas teammate Dan Reeves.

Neely’s 13-year career included the Cowboys’ first four Super Bowl appearances; the team’s dominating win over Denver in Super Bowl XII was his final game as a pro. And while Neely is less celebrated than many Cowboys from that same era, Neely’s contributions to the early years of the franchise- and the unique part he played in the merging of two rival leagues- are worth remembering.

Neely starred for the Oklahoma Sooners on both offense and defense. A sought-after prospect coming out of college, the All-American was a second-round draft pick in November 1964 of both the NFL’s Baltimore Colts and the Houston Oilers of the AFL. He signed with Houston, as the Arkansas native preferred to play in the South. Houston’s offer also included a real estate job and ownership rights to a local to-be-built gas station (in the days when players routinely needed offseason jobs and pursued non-football business opportunities), but Neely asked that his signing be kept quiet to allow him to play in his college team’s bowl game in January. Word of Neely’s deal did get out due to how the contracts were dated, and he (along with future Cowboys wide receiver Lance Rentzel) were declared ineligible for the 1965 Gator Bowl.

Meanwhile, the Colts had traded Neely’s NFL rights to the Cowboys. That news- plus the belief that the Oilers had been to blame for the Gator Bowl debacle- caused him to reconsider his options. He entered into negotiations with Dallas, returning his contract papers and $25,000 bonus check to the Oilers. A bitter lawsuit erupted between the two teams.

After an outstanding first season that saw Neely named to the NFL’s All-Rookie Team as the Cowboys’ right tackle, the NFL and AFL began the process of merging the two leagues. One of the sticking points, incredibly, was Neely’s flip-flop from the Oilers to the Cowboys. The two Texas franchises settling their courtroom war would be a requirement for the merger to move forward.

The Cowboys were forced to send four draft picks to the Oilers and pay all associated court costs. They also agreed to a series of preseason games against Houston- in the brand-new Astrodome- as a way to help buoy the struggling franchise’s attendance numbers. The Cowboys and Oilers competed for what was eventually named The Governor’s Cup, but for those first few years after the ruling, it was colloquially called “The Ralph Neely Bowl.”

On the field, Neely was a force, good enough to later be named to the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade Team. He moved from right tackle- where he was a two-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro- to right guard to cover for an injured teammate, then switched again to left tackle as Rayfield Wright came to prominence on the right side in 1970.

“It was one of the great sacrifices in sport,” Cowboys president and general manager Tex Schramm said years later. “Ralph moved to the left side because we needed it. There’s no question that, to some extent, it hampered his effectiveness. He made a great contribution, but he was never quite the same on the left side.”

Though the individual accolades didn’t follow Neely to his new position, he nevertheless helped guide the Cowboys to four Super Bowl appearances in his final eight seasons.

Over his 13 seasons with the Cowboys, Neely started 168 games, a mark that still places him 11th in franchise history.

Neely was 78 years old.

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NFL legend, former Cowboys player-coach Dan Reeves passes away at 77

Dan Reeves was an integral part of the Cowboys’ first five Super Bowl appearances, and went to four more over an incredible NFL career. | From @ToddBrock24f7

Dan Reeves is best known as the head coach for three different NFL franchises and one of only ten coaches in league history to win 200 career games. Over an NFL tenure that spanned nearly four decades (in an official capacity), he was a member of the coaching staffs for an incredible nine of the first 33 Super Bowls.

But Reeves got his pro football start as a running back for the Dallas Cowboys, amassing 1,990 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns over the course of 100 games in an eight-year playing career. But he also compiled nearly as many receiving yards and scores as one of the club’s earliest double-threat stars.

Reeves passed away early Friday morning at his home in Atlanta due to complications from a long illness.

A Georgia native, Reeves played quarterback for the University of South Carolina. Though he was far more proficient as a runner, Reeves finished his collegiate career as the Gamecocks’ passing leader.

The athletically-gifted Reeves went undrafted in 1965, but received interest from the NFL’s Cowboys and AFL’s Chargers, as well as MLB’s Pittsburgh Pirates. He signed with Dallas, even though they offered him less money, because they were willing to try him at other positions.

Danny Reeves, as he was then called, spent time as a safety before being moved to running back to help cover for team injuries. He took to the new role well, leading the Cowboys in rushing yards in just his second season (despite sharing the backfield with Don Perkins) and finishing second in receiving yardage (behind only Bob Hayes). Reeves ended 1966 with over 1,300 all-purpose yards, a league-leading and then-franchise-record 16 touchdowns, and helped lead Dallas to their first championship game in 1966 versus Green Bay.

Reeves was in uniform for the next year’s NFL championship, too- the infamous Ice Bowl- where he rushed for 42 yards, caught three passes for 11 yards, and threw a 50-yard touchdown to Lance Rentzel on a halfback option pass. It would be the Cowboys’ only offensive touchdown of the game, and accounted for half of the team’s passing yardage in the wickedly frigid conditions.

Knee injuries began taking a toll on Reeves’s playing days in 1968, and he spent his last three pro seasons as a player-coach under Tom Landry.

It was a unique position that would serve Reeves well later in his football life.

“Probably the toughest part was learning to keep things to yourself,” Reeves would say later, as relayed in Joe Nick Patoski’s book, The Dallas Cowboys: The Outrageous History of the Biggest, Loudest, Most Hated, Best Loved Team in America. “I knew a lot of things that were going on in the coaches’ meetings that I couldn’t share with players and a lot of things that players were complaining about that I couldn’t share with coaches… You had to keep your mouth shut.”

His double-duty stint included the Cowboys’ Super Bowl V loss- in which a pass he dropped was intercepted by the Colts and set up their winning field goal- and the 24-3 Super Bowl VI victory over Miami.

Following the 1972 season, Reeves stepped away from the team for a year, but returned in 1974 for a full-time spot on the coaching staff. After seven more years learning under Landry and trips to Super Bowls X, XII, and XIII, Reeves was ready for a head coaching job of his own.

He was the youngest head coach in the league when he took over in Denver in 1981. He would mentor a young quarterbacking phenom named John Elway and eventually lead the Broncos to three Super Bowl appearances.

After being fired and replaced in Denver with future Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips, Reeves took over the top job for the New York Giants. He went 11-5 and made the playoffs in his first year, earning AP Coach of the Year honors, but he lasted just three more lackluster seasons there.

From New York, Reeves went home to Georgia and was named the Falcons’ head coach in 1997. He led Atlanta to a 14-2 record in 1998. During that campaign, he underwent quadruple-bypass heart surgery in late December but still returned to the sidelines three weeks later for Super Bowl XXXIII, the franchise’s first, where they lost to his former Denver squad. He was named AP Coach of the Year a second time that season.

Reeves was replaced in Atlanta during the 2003 season at his request, again, by Wade Phillips.

To go with his 201 career victories, Reeves’ teams also notched 165 regular season losses, tying him for the most ever by a head coach.

Reeves even had a short-lived reunion with the Cowboys organization in 2009. After being hired as a consultant under Phillips (by then the Cowboys’ head coach), Reeves left two days later when specifics of his job duties could not be ironed out.

Reeves is in the Broncos’ Ring of Honor and has a special place in the history of two other clubs as their head coach. But his legacy in Dallas as both a player and a coach- and for a while, both at the same time- will make him uniquely missed by the Cowboys family.

The stoic Reeves was often asked throughout his life about the iconic Tom Landry, and his comments about his former coach and boss could just as easily pertain to Reeves himself now, as the NFL remembers a football life well lived.

“He was not going to make a rah-rah talk to get you fired up about playing,” Reeves said once of Landry. “He felt like the greatest motivator was preparation, and we never went into a football game that we weren’t very well prepared. We weren’t going to be surprised by anything the other team did because he covered every detail. His greatest motivator was preparation.”

Dan Reeves would have turned 78 on Jan. 19.

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Report: Former Texans WR Demaryius Thomas has passed away at age 33

Former Houston Texans receiver Demaryius Thomas has died at the age of 33.

Former Houston Texans receiver Demaryius Thomas passed away at age 33.

Miles Garrett from FOX 5 Sports in Atlanta confirmed that the former five-time Pro Bowler passed away at the age of 33. There is no clear cause of death.

Thomas is best known for his time with the Denver Broncos where he played from 2010-18. At the trade deadline in the 2018 season, as the Texans were looking for receiver help after Will Fuller had torn his ACL, Houston made a deal to bring Thomas to the Texans.

Through his seven games with the Texans, the former Super Bowl 50 champion caught 23 passes for 275 yards and two touchdowns. Thomas ruptured his Achilles in Week 16 at the Philadelphia Eagles and did not get to play for Houston in their lone postseason encounter that year, the 2018 AFC wildcard against the Indianapolis Colts.

Houston released Thomas in the offseason, and he played 11 games with the New York Jets the following season.

Former Texans defensive back Kareem Jackson told reporters on Oct. 31, 2018, that he was pleased to have Thomas on the team.

“We grew up in the same area, so, I’ve known him ever since like middle school, high school,” Jackson said. “Just kind of playing against each other in the summertime, basketball and stuff. Also, once he got to Georgia Tech, one of my best friends was his roommate, so I’ve known him for a long time. We’ve spent a lot of time together.”

Orrin Vincent, founder of OB Sports Golf Management, dies at age 76

Orrin Vincent founded OB Sports Golf Management and eventually oversaw a portfolio of 70-plus courses.

Orrin Vincent, founder of OB Sports Golf Management, died Oct. 25 at his home in La Quinta, California. He was 76 years old. No cause of death was included in an announcement of his passing by Troon golf management company, which acquired OB in 2019.

Vincent founded OB in 1972 and grew it into a powerful management group with more than 70 courses in its portfolio at the time Troon acquired it. Troon noted in its media release that “Vincent’s impressive background and specialties included playing on the PGA TOUR; coaching and mentoring numerous aspiring junior, collegiate, and professional golfers; golf course design; golf course construction; premium facility maintenance; innovative marketing and brand development; retail sales; and growing every component of the great game and business he loved.”

Troon also noted that Vincent received numerous personal awards for his expertise in golf: twice named PGA Professional of the Year, seven-time PGA Merchandiser of the Year, “Bill Strausbaugh Award” winner and the prestigious “Presidents Plaque,” a seven-time SNPGA Player of the Year and induction into the Seattle University Hall of Fame.

“On behalf of the entire team at OB Sports and Troon, we are so grateful for the time that we all had with this amazing friend and mentor,” C.A. Roberts and Phil Green, Orrin’s longtime partners at OB Sports, included in the media release. “Words cannot appropriately capture the charisma, enthusiasm, motivational spirit and genuine compassion for others that Orrin provided to everyone he touched, both in and out of the golf industry.”

Vincent is survived by his wife, Barbara; three children O.D., Sheridan and Jenifer; and six grandchildren.

Vivienne Player, wife of Gary Player, dies after cancer battle

While Gary Player won tournaments around the world, his wife of 64 years, Vivienne, managed the family at home.

Vivienne Player, wife of Hall of Fame golfer Gary Player, died Wednesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The couple’s 64-year marriage produced six children, 22 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Vivienne was diagnosed with cancer in June of 2020.

“Your whole life has got to be a honeymoon if you want it to be successful,” Gary recently told Golfweek contributor Averee Dovsek on her podcast, Why You Suck at Golf!, in mentioning Vivienne’s cancer battle. “Work at it. Love is the greatest word in the world.”

Gary, now 85, first proposed to Vivienne when he was 15 years old, and they married in 1957 in their native South Africa. Gary’s globe-trotting career went on to produce nine major championship titles among his 167 international victories, with 24 PGA Tour wins. Gary has spoke often about how his family sometimes traveled with children, and how Vivienne ran the family while he was away.

International team captain Gary Player talks with his wife, Viviene, as they watch foursomes matches at the 2005 Presidents Cup at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

“She is the best wife that any man could ever wish for,” he told Tennis World in 2020 after her diagnosis. “You know, no other woman would have stayed with me. I spent more time on airplanes than anyone in this planet. And she stayed home with the kids.”

Gary and Vivienne founded the Player Foundation and the Gary Player Invitational series tournaments, which has raised tens of millions of dollars to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children.

“With the travel my profession and wins have afforded my wife Vivienne and I, we have seen the poverty and enormous needs around the world,” Gary said on the foundation website. “We have gained great satisfaction from giving something back to the world in moments of success.”

Vivienne played golf and once recorded two holes-in-one in one round in Johannesburg.

Tributes poured in on social media, including the following.

Tony Jacklin

Louis Oosthuizen

Thomas Bjorn

The Open

South African golf

Sunshine Tour

Course architect Perry Dye, builder of 80-plus courses and son of Pete Dye, dies at age 68

The son of Pete and Alice Dye, Perry Dye built more than 80 courses spanning 15 countries.

Perry Dye, the eldest son of Pete and Alice Dye, died Thursday in Denver at age 68.

The American Society of Golf Course Architects reported the news on Perry Dye, who began working on courses for his father at age 12. No cause of death was listed.

Perry formed his own course architecture firm, Dye Designs, in 1984. He was known as an early “green” builder, plotting courses with smaller footprints that were mere environmentally sensitive. He built more than 80 courses in all, including more than 20 in Japan, and his course legacy stretches to 15 countries.

Among the courses he designed are Pound Ridge in New York, Auburn Hills in Kansas, Desert Pines in Las Vegas, West One’s Country Club in Japan and Lykia Links in Turkey. He also continued to work with his father on a number of courses.

“This is a great loss for golf design, but right now we should all be sending our love and support to the Dye Family,” ASGCA President Forrest Richardson said. “Perry and I shared many good times, and I am so grateful to have spent time with him at the 2020 Golf Industry Show just before the COVID lockdowns began. As usual, he was full of life, smiling and telling stories. We will miss him.”

Perry became an ASGCA member in 1996 and served on the ASGCA board of governors. Also a member of the Golf Course Builders Association of America, in 2004 he received the inaugural award that bears his name – the Perry O. Dye Service Award – which honors “exceptional individuals who have unselfishly contributed their influence to foster positive changes for the association and have continually endeavored to make it better.”

Perry’s mother, Alice, died in 2019, and his father, Pete, died less than a year later in 2020. He is survived by his brother, P.B. Dye, wife Ann, children and their spouses Lucy (Erik) Bowman and Lilly (Ross) Harmon, and grandchildren Brooks and Margaret Harmon.

Arthur Hills, architect of 200-plus new courses, dies at age 91

Arthur Hills built more than 200 new golf courses and renovated more than 150 others in his six decades of design work.

Arthur Hills, the architect of more than 200 new courses around the world and renovator of more than 150 others, died Tuesday at the age of 91.

Hills was a past president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (1992-93) and was a member of the Ohio and Michigan Golf Halls of Fame. He was the recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association.

A cause of death was not listed by the ASGCA in its release announcing Hill’s passing.

Hills founded his architecture firm in the 1960s, and the company continues today as Hills • Forrest • Smith Golf Course Architects based in Toledo, Ohio. He joined the ASGCA in 1971.

Golf course architect Arthur Hills died May 18, 2021, at the age of 91. (Courtesy of the American Society of Golf Course Architects)

“He started the business by placing an ad in the Toledo, Ohio, Yellow Pages under ‘Golf Course Architect’ while operating a landscape contracting business,” Steve Forrest, Hills’ business partner and another past president of the ASGCA, said in a media release announcing Hills’ passing. “I had the great privilege of learning all aspects of golf course architecture from a distinguished professional practitioner and humble gentleman over 42 years. Arthur became a fatherlike figure to me who was a mentor, an instructor, exhorter and admonisher while always trying to improve his own skills and increase his personal knowledge every day.”

A graduate of Michigan State (Science) and the University of Michigan (Landscape Architecture), Hills was a prolific designer and was tagged by fellow architect Pete Dye as “The Mayor of Naples” for his many designs in southwest Florida.

Among Hills’ extensive renovation work, he made small changes to Oakland Hills before the 2004 Ryder Cup.

His original layouts are sprinkled throughout the Golfweek’s Best course rankings for public-access layouts and private tracks. Most notable are Old Stone, which ranks No. 2 among private courses in Kentucky; the Glacier Club’s Mountain Course, No. 8 among private courses in Colorado; Bay Harbor’s Links/Quarry course, No. 8 among Michigan’s public-access layouts; and Chicago Highlands, No. 11 among Illinois’ private courses.

He also was credited with renovation work at the Country Club of Florida in Village of Golf, which ranks No. 150 on Golfweek’s Best Classic Courses list for all layouts built before 1960 in the U.S.

Other samplings of his work include Bonita Bay in Naples, Florida; the Arthur Hills Signature Course at LPGA International (pictured atop this story) in Daytona Beach, Florida; The Golf Club of Georgia in Atlanta; Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert, California; Keene Trace in Lexington, Kentucky; and Hyatt Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas.

“As a kid drawing golf holes and dreaming about becoming a designer, I would read the magazines and marvel at the articles about new courses,” ASGCA President Forrest Richardson said in a media release in response to Hills’ death. “One was Tamarron in Colorado, a new course by Art Hills set in a rugged valley with steep cliffs. Eventually I got to see it firsthand, and it inspired me with its bold greens and creative routing.”

The ASGCA noted that Hills was an environmental pioneer, designing the first Audubon Signature Sanctuary courses in the U.S., Mexico and Europe.

“Mr. Hills was among a handful of golf architects who subscribed to a newsletter I published about golf design in the 1970s, and he also took time to comment and contribute,” Richardson said. “While he left an incredible legacy of work across the world, for me I will always recall the kindness he showed a young aspiring student — a gift we should all pay forward.”

Hills is survived by his wife, Mary, with whom he had eight children, 24 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A funeral is scheduled for May 24 in Sylvania, Ohio.

NBA Twitter the day Kobe Bryant died

TMZ broke the horrific news on a Sunday afternoon: Kobe Bryant, one of the finest basketball players in history, had died at age 41 along with his daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash. Shock, denial, despair and immense sadness …

TMZ broke the horrific news on a Sunday afternoon: Kobe Bryant, one of the finest basketball players in history, had died at age 41 along with his daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash.
Shock, denial, despair and immense sadness followed. Twitter was one of the platforms where that sequence of emotions was expressed more clearly.
Here’s what NBA players and media members tweeted that day. (It’s not an easy read).
Please God don’t let this be real!! https://t.co/cOXyAehJgU
I hope this isn’t true man!!! Not Kobe
Wow!!! 🤬🤬🤬 no no no!!
Please tell me this kobe news is fake please 😓😓😓😓😓😓😓
There’s no way🤦🏽‍♂️💔
Please no. Please god no. It can’t be true.
This Kobe news can’t be real bruh
Kobe Bryant Has Died In A Helicopter Crash according to TMZ
Think ima really throw up
bro nahh ain’t no way…
No way. I have no words. No words. Please tell me this isn’t true.
Please don’t tell me this is true . Not Kobe
please let this not be true
This cannot be true. It just can’t. Kobe cannot be dead, not like this and not this soon.
Noooo…….. 🙏🏽
This Shit Hit Different right now….
Plz tell me that’s not true
Every hooper around the world is hurting right now. Whether you played pro or, not! This one hurts to the core to hear 💔
I’m shook….. idk what to think right now
That’s not real bro
No…I’m at a loss for words. This is the absolute worst feeling
this can’t be trueee!!🙏🙏🙏
This shit can’t be real
This is the crash that reportedly included Kobe Bryant. https://t.co/cvTcVPVLlD
can’t be true NO😱 🤮🤮Kobe 💔💔
..No 🥺.. kobe tu no.. decirme que es mentira!!
Dag tomorrow really not promised to nobody….
!!! https://t.co/uB5t8Emoib
RIP 8/24🧡🕊😔
Please say its not true, please say its fake news! 😢
Hell nah hell nah! Not Kobe!
This cannot be real.. no way no way
This can’t be real…. 💔
There’s no way man
One of the greatest players of all time has passed away today 😔 https://t.co/Sksn9lMsQt
This can’t be true …….
WHAT??? IM SICK MAN THIS CANT BE HAPPENING
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirms 5 dead in Calabasas helicopter crash. Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was one of them, according to TMZ.
https://t.co/uJ9YORvLOT
Nah man this cant be true
My heart hurts… this can’t be true
If the Kobe news is accurate, and I’m hoping it’s not, this is just not right. This will rock the world, not just the NBA world.
OMG 😱 😢 https://t.co/G1jdtWMPAd
Nooooooooooo God please No!
No way. Just no way….
RIP 💔 https://t.co/IT2Obq6qoT
Lord tell me it’s not true plz plz plz tell me it’s fake.
This is not real right now
Not 8 😞😞🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
🙏🏼❤️.. https://t.co/yLSxsxCyBQ
I really don’t know what to say. I feel like crying. My sincerest prayers go out to Kobe’s family and the entire basketball world, which was also Kobe’s family.
Speechless 😔😔💔🕊
No no no please tell me this is not true. Not Kobe…. prayers to his wife, daughters and loved ones
With news breaking about the death of Kobe Bryant in a helicopter accident in Southern California, the Spurs locker room has been closed to the media during pre-game. I can’t imagine what Pop, his staff, the players are experiencing. Pop spoke to reporters before the news broke.
Kobe Bryant is among those dead in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles, a source confirms to ESPN.
Nah man🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️
Nooooooo cmon someone say it ain’t true… I’m sick to my stomach right now
🙏🏽🤦🏽‍♂️ RIP to a legend smh
This is the Biggest example that life isn’t promised to anybody…sad day😢
Prayers Up🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Can confirm legend Kobe Bryant has been tragically killed in an helicopter accident, sources told Yahoo Sports.
Nah This Not Funny.
This one hurts 😪 RIP Kobe
No no no… omg no please not be true 😭
Devastated for all those families. Last time I spoke with Kobe he was excited about the next chapter in his life with his girls. https://t.co/tNlzVR9cAx
Nahh this can’t be real man.. 😓
Gutted. Devastated for the families involved. Staring at my screen trying to comprehend this. https://t.co/EfSPcUEwzC
This is so shocking… I’m just stunned by this news. Truly an amazing competitor. #RIP https://t.co/UW5vEyfnR2
I’m in tears dawg fr 😢
RIP Kobe Bryant
• 5x Champ
• 2x Finals MVP
• 2008 MVP
• 18x All-Star
• 15x All-NBA
• 12x All-Defense
• 2x Scoring champ
• 1st in points, games, wins in Lakers history (regular season & playoffs)
• Only player with 2 numbers retired for the same team https://t.co/9HnTAiMcra
Can also confirm Kobe Bryant has died. RIP
Unreal … Prayers to the Bryant family. To the world. https://t.co/6Rl70PItNH
Every team has to retire 24
Kobe Bryant is the closest thing to religion in the NBA. Can’t believe it. Hands shaking as I type this
Rip to a legend man… #Mamba
Rest In Peace 🙏 https://t.co/ECSBz5wucT
BREAKING: #Lakers and #NBA great Kobe Bryant and others have died in a helicopter crash, per multiple reports including @wojespn. He was 41. Unbelievable and tragic news. #KSATsports #KSATnews #NBA https://t.co/xULW0s3gOz
No not Kobe… this is unreal…
Heartbreaking. I still can’t believe it. https://t.co/EjyzWj79kO
This can’t be true…
Don’t even know what to say 😢😢😭😭
this one hurt …
Ain’t no way bro. 😢
More then just basketball man he has 4 daughters… life is crazy. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Pray for his family
Rip Bean! This shit can’t be real!
❤️🙏 https://t.co/4mwcwNjzq6
Woj u so wrong for tweeting this… this is so so sad 😞 man… 💔#icantbelive #kobe4ever https://t.co/hOHMx5Zr42
Wowww! So unexpected … can’t even process it … just wow
Sad day for the basketball world!!
Never had the chance to meet Kobe but this one hits like it’s one of my own. bless his family man.
Enjoy every single day people, we are always too worried about things that are actually not that important. Life is precious and you never now when it’s gonna end.
All the Lessons
All the Advice
Every word you ever told me…
Will stick with me forever
Thank You Kobe🙏🏽❤️ https://t.co/WPCdHg3iyt
Can’t believe this never got to meet you💔 I wear this 24 on my back because of you! I’m Sick!
No fucking way… no way, no way…….. No way……… No way……no way…… I love you Kobe…
Kobe ‘Bean’ Bryant, dead at 41 https://t.co/v7iDsSPmJD
Dry mouth. Pit in stomach. Wobbly knees. Hollow scrolling for about 20 minutes hoping the news will change. So sad.
Brutal. Just brutal. https://t.co/jnXPAU3ArM
Legend gone too soon…One of the most inspirational players of my lifetime and a person who’s dedication and drive can be translated to any part of life. Mamba mentality will live on forever and we’ll never forget… https://t.co/Z4VskuNCDA
I’ve never heard anything sound so unreal to me before. Hurts my heart😪
Nah I didn’t just wake up to this .
it feels like the only thing i can do right now is keep refreshing twitter
Mamba 4 Life. 🐍🙏🏼 https://t.co/9fxhTno4Vk
This one hurt right here, RIP To The Mamba🐍!
Regarding reported death of Kobe Bryant, Knicks-Nets will be tough to play tonight. Julius Randle former teammate.
Stunned. Saddened. RIP, Kobe…
https://t.co/Kt8TQPgStk
Cancel the games today man
The Spurs locker room — every locker room around the league — is open after coach availability. It’s closed right now. The news has broken, and the look on everyone’s face out on the court says it all. This is devastating.
Such a sad day for basketball fans around the world. Kobe Bryant’s impact on basketball and the NBA will forever be felt. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife and four daughters. Such complete disbelief right now. This is when LIFE surpasses rivalries. RIP Kobe
There’s no way 🥺🐐
This one hurt! RIP legend ! Thank you for your legacy 🙏🏽 #kobe
😭😭😭😭 naw man. No way. https://t.co/vPjzsGYRa6
I hope this isn’t true please don’t be true🙏🏾🙏🏾
Warriors were practicing when the news of Kobe Bryant’s death broke. They called off practice, canceled media availability. Like every emotionally rocked NBA franchise right now, a ton of people in the organization were connected to him in various ways.
Can’t believe this Kobe news! Life is so fragile!
This is devastating to not just his family but the world. My condolences to his family and loved ones. #ripkobe
The world is sick right now. #24
not my guy 😔
It feels like I’ve just lost a family member. This is how important he was for a game of basketball. RIP, Kobe #mambaout
No words. The news took my breath away. RIP Kobe.
Im really trying to hold back the tears right now. This hurts a lot. Like a whole lot. 😭
Peace and power to the Bryant family, and basketball lovers around the world. R.I.P @kobebryant 😢 #MambaMentality https://t.co/yn3Bgo0VAu
NBA Soul Hurting 💔 #8 #24
Every game today needs to be canceled immediately. Life sucks. I’m sick https://t.co/znYZ5nSnvA
Kobe Bryant
Mamba, Vino, Laker, Legend
1978-2020
https://t.co/tt4rS7VEX3
His final tweet. Feels like a punch in the stomach. https://t.co/QaxvN6cW6G
Words can’t describe the heartbreak. Kobe was one of the greatest players and winners in history. He has four beautiful daughters and a wife who all need him. This is so senseless and sad. Don’t even know what to do or how to feel. Totally gutted. Life is so precious. https://t.co/HCBBzP2tqq
The Daughters Too?!? This can’t be real…
Man I don’t even know where to start😭😭 I started playing ball because of KOBE after watching the 2010 finals. I had never watched ball before that and that finals was the turning point of my life. I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I’m so FREAKING SAD right now!!!!
RIP LEGEND
This hurts! Smh RIP 24 https://t.co/nnqmahdSxI
Prayers to his family and all the families affected.. This hurt my heart.
STOP! STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP! https://t.co/dIUJWmpEeo
Like many of the NBA’s current generation, the Thunder cut their teeth against Kobe Bryant. The Thunder’s first playoff series was against the eventual champion 2010 Lakers. He was a measuring stick and mentor for Westbrook, Durant and Harden.
Hug the people you love. Enjoy the life you have while you have it.
Can’t believe it… Twitter is the wrong forum for days like this but man…
Spurs struggling to come to grips with the devastating news about Kobe Bryant.
https://t.co/NOgPkyoPHN
Kobe Bryant is dead. This was his last tweet yesterday. Game has lost a great one. So, so sad. https://t.co/EStZxHRcHj
NBA Legend Kobe Bryant has passed away at the age of 41. https://t.co/dyOvDMqYVm
Hats off to the guys playing today.
Hard to imagine anything that would bring more collective pain to the NBA family than this. https://t.co/ySz0URN0uH
Kobe Bryant’s death is a reminder that each day life is precious and not to be taken for granted. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash today 🙏🏼
I don’t know who needs to hear it but ,tell that person how you feel! Tell them you love em 🖤
RIP to an ICON!!!🙏🏾 Just devastating
How many people are doing what they are doing because of Kobe?
We could argue all day about his standing among the all-time greats. but who turned more people into basketball fans than Kobe?
Only MJ. https://t.co/VZGs0jsK00
It seriously does not look like the Houston Rockets have ANY desire to be playing basketball today. They walked out from the locker room and are walking through warmups.
Nuggets look out of it too.
This just does not feel right to be playing a game at the Pepsi Center today.
Was his family on the plane? I’m hearin all different types of stuff rightnow
jus waking up in australia…🤧 mannnn this hurts a lot and don’t even feel real sending prayers and love out to everybody rn and if u reading this i miss/love you life is way to short not too 🤞🏼💕 R.I.P kobe #FOREVER24
Prayers up 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/X4MWAkb2bU
😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥
Heartbreaking that this was last night. https://t.co/x1NCL7Y6Az
Kobe Bryant’s final playoff game was March 21, 2012, in Oklahoma City.
Wake up everyday with a smile on your face. Never know when our time is coming. Real shit. Live life to the fullest. 🖤
A very emotional Austin Rivers was just shown on NBATV. Absolutely gut-wrenching league-wide.
I pray the other passengers were not family 🙏🏽
RIP KOBE 😥😥😥 I can’t believe this is true. I’m at a loss for words 😥
dropped phone out of my hand when picked it up and saw this. just cannot believe it. how insanely sad. 😢 https://t.co/mVIGCGYpQm
you wit me tonight my guy 🥺
24 🐍 x 12 😴 @kobebryant https://t.co/LIQf827bjI
Absolutely devastated by the tragic loss of Kobe Bryant. We will all remember where we were and how we felt when we heard the news. One of the saddest days in sports history. Praying for his family and hugging my loved ones even tighter today.
This can’t be real 😭. We lost a legend The only time I got to go against you in my career. Thank you mamba https://t.co/NY9BWiWhat
I’ll never forget how Kobe always gushed about Russ, KD & Harden in the early OKC days.
And how he specifically saw the Mamba blood in Russ.
Kobe compliments were hard to earn because his bar was so high. True honor to earn his respect.
I pray for his family. RIP to a legend. https://t.co/kudBAS8BEK
Mannnnnn I’m sick right now. Cant believe what I’m hearing. Losing a ICON like this is tough. Kobe RIP
Such a sad day. RIP to a legend. He was an inspiration to so many including myself. Prayers to his loved ones right now. #mamba
Pepsi Center holding a moment of silence for Bryant. A few fans chanting “Kobe!” This still doesn’t feel real https://t.co/5MkpgmrDOx
Despite rumors about cancellations, a Grizzlies source says team has not heard anything about tonight’s game being cancelled. That is not definitive. But that’s the info at this moment.
The Nuggets observe a moment of silence prior to the #Rockets game. https://t.co/fitDtWEgen
I’m trying to process but I just can’t man💔 https://t.co/wyMGUclmjj
Devastated to hear the news about @kobebryant. He was the best to ever do it. Praying for the Bryant family during this difficult time. Your legacy will live forever, you inspired and transformed a lot of us 😢😥😔 https://t.co/8r0faP9hX2
The Pepsi Center broke into chants of “Kobe, Kobe!” after the moment of silence in memory of his life..
I’m sick to my stomach right now . All I ever wanted to be was just like you , nobody else 😫 somebody wake me up from this dream , I wanted to play in front of you so i could show you what you did for me. Man. RIP.💔 https://t.co/9rZ56uSuDT
And regular-season road game. One of my favorite stories I’ve ever done was talking to fans who were flocking to OKC for that game: https://t.co/ipA7zu1Jao https://t.co/0nRcmseflG
Oh my goodness https://t.co/O6Zr29uokd
https://t.co/FfFC92eO2j
RIP Kobe Bryant 🙏🏼 https://t.co/ktPu0YjDPr
Speechless on this plane ride home! A sad day bruh! RIP Kobe Bean Bryant! Prayers go to his family and loved ones 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 This doesn’t even feel real man..
please NO https://t.co/mNXbmZSTF5
Fu*k everything https://t.co/SjOUctV9ix
Smh https://t.co/kYRSVftSMS
Tyson Chandler clearly heartbroken. Not sure how these players are able to focus on the game. #Rockets https://t.co/QlO0ByjsEI
I’m numb and in tears. All I know about being relentless and never to give up, I learned it all from you, Kobe.
TMZ reporting that “reps for Kobe” have confirmed his 13 year old daughter GiGi was on board the helicopter 😔🙏🏼 https://t.co/EUPK3bgg8H
NOOOO MAN!!!! Not his daughter 😥 i’m sick to my stomach.
There are no signs at all the game will be cancelled. Everything is proceeded as normal.
I want to sincerely apologize to all the Indiana’s fans and players for how I acted at the end of the game. I let my emotions get the best of me and it won’t happen again. I have nothing but respect for all Indiana’s fans and players. Please forgive me and I wish you all the best
The Spurs just entered the court for their pregame layup line. DeMar DeRozan is not among them.
Would not be surprised if he was allowed to sit this one out.
I’m still in complete shock & don’t know what to say. Your respect meant everything to me. Thank you for pushing me, thank you for the memories, thank you for the support. Love you Kobe. My ❤️ is with your family #RIP https://t.co/wTI5Fgzkoz
Still in shock, thank you for everything you did for the game and so many others #RIPMAMBA 🙏🏼
Most people will remember you for your tenacity, all your unreal feats, and being the Black Mamba. But I’ll always remember you for taking time out your day when you seen me to ask how I was doing and how my mother… https://t.co/wEcDoLSBsw
Rip @kobebryant 😔 doesn’t feel real…. my heart goes out to his family and loved ones 🦋 https://t.co/0qQeBtsz6U
No words. Rest in peace #KobeBryant https://t.co/PXO6EMm9JL
Rifling through all my conversations and interactions with Kobe over the years and thinking I’ll never have another one is impossible to accept right now. RIP, my friend. #KobeBryant
We always wondered “what would Twitter have been like when that thing happened”
Now we know.
Max & I will reminisce about our time with Kobe someday.
But this I know, he truly believed he had more to give in the second half of his life than the first.
An unspeakable loss. https://t.co/Q8INgdzT4x
This is truly beyond devastating. Praying for Vanessa and the family. Such a massive loss we’re all suffering through. https://t.co/DzluzCVi1b
My wife spent this time with Kobe two months ago. https://t.co/wsrMUKWgcB
Sources: Kobe Bryant was on his way to a travel basketball game with his daughter Gianna when the helicopter crashed. Those aboard the helicopter also included another player and parent.
UPDATE: DeMar came out to the court following both national anthems. He is on the floor presently. https://t.co/S8lLmw92Zg
No matter how many reports I’ve seen and read confirming this … it just doesn’t seem real. Sad, sad day in the #NBA. https://t.co/DpyRqZMsO3
The tragedy of this is unbelievable. https://t.co/EE8AHZddi3
😔🥺 https://t.co/q4m4GTlMML
A truly tragic day for which I am struggling to process let alone find the words. So I’m just going to share statements and quotes from others.
Here’s Ted Leonis: https://t.co/QCPXIM0sHz
My 🐐 on & off the floor. https://t.co/G3f0FmRl2z
I started because of you…. thank you Kobe. 🙏🏾
Beyond devastated… my big brother… I can’t, I just can’t believe it
I am beyond shocked that any NBA game is taking place right now. For the sake of the players who have to take the court, think this through right now @NBA #RIPMAMBA
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 this is so sad! RIP💔💔💔 https://t.co/5ykf0drVSG
THE DAY I EARNED YOUR RESPECT WAS A DAY ILL NEVER FORGET.! REST PEACEFULLY GOAT.! 😔😔🙏🏾 https://t.co/cKnTCNo23s
…This S*** can’t be real… this the first moment I was able to meet Gianna Maria, she’s been to only 3 games this year… 2 of them were mine… She told me I was her favorite player to watch🙏🏽 I can’t believe this😢😭
Rest Easy Gigi❤️ https://t.co/IfDrE9Gjlv
I have nothing. https://t.co/Sf7tVfRqgh
💔💔💔 https://t.co/Pm0G0q8GQT
Heart is absolutely broken for Kobe Bryant’s family. Hug your loved ones today. #RIPkobe 💔
Heartbroken for Kobe’s family, teammates, friends. Praying for wife & daughters (won’t report what’s Not confirmed). Reax I’ve heard from people who don’t like sports, shows depth & reach of Kobe’s impact on so many lives. This moment w his daughter was DAYS ago. Life is fragile. https://t.co/o320MFdw14
Condolences to his wife and beautiful family. 🙏🏽
Spurs are observing a moment of silence for Kobe Bryant.
Kobe was obviously an incredible ambassador for the game of basketball, but he was also an amazing ambassador for being a dad. In his post career he was so present and invested in his daughters and I always found that so inspiring.
Thank you Kobe 😭🙏🏽 @ Brazil https://t.co/GVkqRHlGmH
The last image many have of Kobe is him sitting courtyard with Gigi, showing her off and taking photos of her with other celebrities. Just an awful day. https://t.co/64mL589gUN
I can’t imagine what Tim Duncan is going through after all those epic clashes with Kobe, All-Star Games, league functions, etc. Plus, the looming Hall of Fame induction.
The transition from the Kobe moment of silence at the AT&T Center to the announcement of starting lineups was surreal. Sort of can’t believe the NBA didn’t call this off.
Rest In Peace Kobe. Much respect to him and his family. 🙏🏽
Some seem Bigger than Life, but none are. RIP Kobe Bryant.
Rudy Gay just put his arm on DeMar DeRozan’s shoulder and patted him on the head before DeMar took the court. Tough, tough time for DeMar being an LA guy. I bet he’s grateful to have a good friend like Rudy next to him for this one.
#Spurs hold moment of silence for Kobe Bryant inside AT&T Center prior to tipoff of today’s game against #Raptors. Everyone is in a state of shock. #KSATsports #KSATnews #NBA https://t.co/HGrqvgCy0l
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😓😓😓 https://t.co/eGENyBJaYO
Raptors take a 24-second violation after winning the tip, in honor of No. 24. Entire arena applauds. “Kobe!” chants break out.
Spurs do it too. Now it’s a standing ovation. https://t.co/MJmE81yBHX
Raptors win tip, both teams let 24-second shot clock expire in honor of Kobe Bryant’s number.
In an obvious tribute to Kobe Bryant, Fred VanVleet opened the game by holding the ball after passing halfcourt for a 24-second violation. Dejounte Murray is now doing the same for the Spurs. All of this going on as the fans rise, applaud and chant Kobe.
Classy move by Raptors to let 24 seconds shot clock expire.
Respect for fans to cheer for Kobe as MVP.
Spurs return form.
The best thing NBA players can do today to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant is play their behinds off, as he did.
Spurs and Raptors both commit 24-second violations as the crowd chants “Kobe, Kobe, Kobe…”
Raptors and Spurs both took 24-second shot clock violations to start the game in honor of Kobe.
The arena couldn’t be more quieter while referee Kevin Culter holds the ball the ball in front of press row for 24 seconds before handing it to Marc Gasol to inbound.
Kobe’s influence transcends far beyond basketball; he inspired football players, soccer players, ballerinas…He embodied a confident attitude and competitive spirit that changed so many athletes, and thus all of sports. There is, and will be, no one like him.
First the Raptors and then the Spurs let the shot clock run out in honour of Kobe Bryant. Gasol needs a little more time to compose himself before he inbounds the ball to get the game going for real.
. https://t.co/nAYRFj7Elr
I’m so sad right now! Not Kobe and Gigi! This is so tragic! Tomorrow isn’t promised by any means! One of the many reasons why I kiss and hug my wife and kids everyday I’m home and before walking out the door. #RIPKobeBryant
#Spurs and #Raptors both allow 24-second shot clock to expire in honor of Kobe Bryant. The #Lakers legend wore No. 24 for part of his career with LA. Kobe’s No. 8 was also retired by the franchise. #KSATsports #KSATnews #NBA #RIPKobeBryant
No words. Praying for all. https://t.co/l0IdmG9WBy
Thoughts are with Kobe’s family in light of this tragic loss. His parents, Joe and Pam were close friends back in early Clipper years in San Diego. I held 1 year old Kobe on my lap in 1979. His life transended sport. It hardly seems real.
Fascinating and appropriate tribute to Kobe Bryant at the Raptors-Spurs game today. Each team began with a 24-second violation.
RIP KOBE BEAN 😥💙
The NBA has sent email to its employees confirming the tragic deaths of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, @TheAthletic @Stadium has been told.
An absolute honor.. Rest In Peace Mamba https://t.co/eU8duLXlvY
This was Kobe and his daughter Gigi last month in Brooklyn for Nets vs Hawks. Incredibly sad. https://t.co/tetBr9JO5G
If that’s what you took from what I wrote, you got it wrong. That you felt the need to attempt to make me feel even worse at a time like this, man, I can’t begin to imagine what would inspire that. Just do me a favor: unfollow me. Please. https://t.co/0xwQZv039g
I just lost my basketball father, there is no one that has impacted my game more than you Kobe… so sad and tragic. #restinpeace #8 #24 https://t.co/dDcifl9hfD
I counseled scores of players on the days they played Kobe. No player demanded more focus, more prep, more attention, than he did. On both ends, for many years. And here is the scariest thing-he prepared just as hard for each matchup it seemed.
Alvin Gentry: “The minute we found out in the locker room, you could just tell. All the energy went completely out of the locker room.”
Interim Knicks coach Mike Miller made a statement about Kobe Bryant and didn’t take questions ahead of the Knicks game against the Nets: “He was not only a basketball icon, but a global icon and someone many in our locker room hold in high regard.”
Tragic tragic day, sending prayers to the Bryant family. Also praying for all the families involved. God Bless
Gentry said his memory of Kobe is from his last game in New Orleans, when he took time to sign every last piece of memorabilia, for everyone from coaches to ushers.
Praying for the Bryant family! Can’t imagine what they are going through now… Rest in Peace Kobe and Gigi… 💔💔💔
Coach Mike Miller says Knicks organization “is in mourning” over Kobe tragedy and adds “many in our locker room hold in high regard”. Hearing about tears in Knicks locker room. Again, NBA has closed locker room access pregame.
Alvin Gentry said he remembered Kobe staying in the locker room after his final game in New Orleans and signing every piece of memorabilia that came his way. “That’s the side of him people didn’t see.”
right in the heart 😭😭 https://t.co/6puYwn9kaP
The Blazers have announced that locker rooms will be closed before tipoff and there will be no pregame player availability for tonight’s game vs. the Pacers.
But the game will be played as scheduled.
RIP to Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and those involved in helicopter accident. Tragic. https://t.co/nsYXvfqgFE
Pelicans’ Alvin Gentry on the passing of Lakers’ Kobe Bryant: “The minute we found out, you could tell all the energy went out of the locker room… There’s basketball but there’s also life, and this is real life.” https://t.co/IvAGaSXHnX
“ I drop 40 on ya double , then I drop 81 on another team”
https://t.co/4uZoKOr8J1
No words 🥺💔 #MambaForever #Legend https://t.co/Z4lmQR0lfo
💔💔💔 #RIPKOBE #RIPGIGI
Pelicans’ Alvin Gentry on memory of Lakers’ Kobe Bryant: “The last game he was here he stood right there in that locker room and signed every piece of memorabilia. That’s the side of him that people didn’t see. I took a picture with him because I really wanted to have that.” https://t.co/os8HSR0tcZ
Incredible, sad, poignant, powerful, overwhelming — all the feelings of this day wrapped into this moment https://t.co/lx2ZyZUW37
❤️🙏🏼… RIP to a legend https://t.co/4G3jvgbufb
This was the #Spurs tribute video to Kobe Bryant before his last game in San Antonio in 2016. Truly a respect and admiration from Tim, Tony, Manu and Coach Pop. The words at the end of the video from Pop make today’s news just that much more tragic. https://t.co/zAbD3K6OqU
Will never forget I got to share this moment with Kobe after his last game when he scored 60. RIP. 🙏🏿 https://t.co/gbx1Fs1wGS
For those of you asking about the status of Knicks Nets game tonight, we are respectfully proceeding here at the Garden, with tip at 6p. Mood is somber.
Man its gonna be hard tonight
Goes well beyond basketball. https://t.co/vF9SJXdn5J
Words can’t express the emotions behind this. I pray for comfort and strength of the families affected by this tragedy. #RIPKobe
🙏🏼❤️.. https://t.co/r0GlroEMbe
Brad Stevens,fighting back tears, on Kobe: “My favorite part had been watching him transition to a dad and a coach.”
Rest In Peace Kobe. A true legend. Thoughts and prayers to his loved ones. #kobebryant https://t.co/xaWlHidumQ
💕💕 https://t.co/f7hh2RH6Vr
Mannnn 💔 Life I tell you 👎🏽 https://t.co/rvOtMCYAfY
The @TheNBPA released the following on the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant. https://t.co/7cEo5HVtGc
Celtics’ Brad Stevens on Lakers’ Kobe Bryant: “One of the guys who broke the hearts of the Celtics more than anyone who has played. In his last year, our guys were all sneaking around getting his shoes signed. I know a lot of our staff did too. It’s so sad.” https://t.co/thoqvTclLP
Nets coach Kenny Atkinson, holding back tears, makes a statement on Kobe Bryant: “As an organization we are devastated, our players are devastated… it is just a tough time for the NBA and for all of us. That’s really all I have to say.”
ALL NBA teams should retire the numbers 8 AND 24
Kyrie Irving is out for personal reasons. Should be noted he was very close with Kobe. #nets #knicks #nba
Nets’ Kyrie Irving will miss Sunday’s game against New York due to personal reasons. Irving and Kobe Bryant shared a close friendship.
Doc Rivers, fighting back tears in his pregame press conference: “I’m just really, really sad.”
Celtics’ Brad Stevens on Lakers’ Kobe Bryant: “Most of the guys in this league, the way I’d describe it… Kobe is their Jordan. We won’t say anything about the game [tonight], we’ll just talk about why the game matters.” https://t.co/ad5QdrqLyc
You were one of the biggest influences on me and so many others. From your hard work, to your swag, your mindset made you BIGGER than basketball. Unbelievable loss. My condolences to you and your beautiful family.
#mambamentality #MambaForever
Brad Stevens on Kobe Bryant’s passing:
“Most of the guys in the league, the way that I describe it being a 43-year-old is, Kobe is their Jordan. So we’re not going to say anything about the game, we’ll just talk about why the game matters.”
At L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles. People are putting flower against a fence that faces Staples Center, but many are wandering or just standing still looking up at the screens. https://t.co/B9l5GdJk2x
Kyrie Irving (personal reasons) will not play in Sunday’s against the Knicks, the team said. As part of Atkinson’s pregame statement, the coach mentioned Irving and Kobe Bryant were extremely close and the team’s thoughts are with Irving as well.
The scene at Lower Merion. https://t.co/X04gBLaD3n
Celtics’ Brad Stevens on Lakers’ Kobe Bryant: “His dad recruited my best friend in high school. Kobe was playing open gym. My best friend came back and said, ‘I just played with the best 16-year-old I ever saw.’ He was right.” https://t.co/HjS6CLNIOx
The Lakers are going to land in Los Angeles soon, and found out about Kobe Bryant’s death during their flight back from Philadelphia. They were and are devastated and in shock.
#Rockets Assistant Coach Brett Gunning: “A lot of our guys had a great relationship with Kobe. I don’t even know how they’re doing it. Obviously we have a game to be played and they’re doing a heck of a job.” https://t.co/mN0ez8DMA3
prayers to his family 🙏🏿 #ripKobe
Kobe Forever
Mamba ForLife🙏🏾❤️
#Mambacita🕊🕊❤️❤️🙏🏾
PLEASE @NBA RETIRED 24! LEAGUE WIDE!!
Brad: “Super sad. Ultimate competitor, great for the game, loved the game. My favorite part has been watching him transition as a dad to a coach and those type of things. So, really hard.” https://t.co/6jKqRCoJjw
Just an incredibly difficult day. Processing the shock of losing Kobe Bryant while trying to do an NBA game. Surreal, numb…. Another reminder that tomorrow isn’t promised. Tell those you love that you love them.
🌹💔 #RIPMAMBAS https://t.co/5DbQ4jhdMj
“KO-BE! KO-BE!” chant breaks out. https://t.co/c7n21Gi3ps
Monty Williams gave this statement during his pregame availability: “Obviously, today is a really tough day for a lot of people, and basketball is not really that important. On behalf of the league and the Suns and our players, our thoughts and prayers are with Kobe’s family…
Doc on Kobe: “He means a lot to me, obviously. He was such a great opponent. It’s what you want in sports. He had that DNA that very few athletes can ever have — the Tiger Woods’ and the Michael Jordan’s.”
The @NBA needs a new logo #24
🙏🏽 https://t.co/KEurPzSP94
Doc: “Looking at my young players and seeing how emotional they are. They didn’t even know [Kobe] and it just tells you how far his reach was.”
Words are tough to find right now. Truly heart broken and praying for each family involved. It was an honor to compete against you. https://t.co/aYF5UNlZzy
Proudest moment in my career. RIP https://t.co/JdcroSSwH0
Kobe you were more than basketball. You were the greatest gladiator I have ever seen. Greatness personified. So much more knowledge to give. But enough to last me this lifetime. ❤️ Love
This isn’t right……..
Doc: “This is a great loss for the league. I thought he had so much more left to do. And he was starting to do it. I’ve never seen him happier.”
https://t.co/XIWALzE22W
#Wizards Coach Scott Brooks on Kobe Bryant.
“It’s a tough day for everybody. He’s obviously one of the great sport legends of any sport. I pray for his family, his friends and all the fans across the world. It’s tough.”
I don’t know what DeRozan said to earn a technical there, but I’d cut him a break today. All players, really.
Thoughts? https://t.co/24yk08v7aW
And to think I have a baby boy coming soon…. I can’t imagine man
This news today was gut wrenching. @kobebryant you were our Jordan of our generation. Thank you for the memories and for all that you instilled in today’s game. R.I.P. To you and everyone else involved today. Prayers to your wife and your family and kids.. #MambaForever
Doc “There’s times you should feel — you just feel sad, and this is one of them. And you know you have to get through it, we will, we all will. We all have to be strong. We laughed and joked about the Mamba Mentality, we’re all going to need it right now.”
Kobe Bryant
6-6 212 SG Los Angeles Lakers
Utah Jazz @ Los Angeles Lakers (4/13/16)
60 PTS 4 REB 4 AST https://t.co/xO6dL65qkB
Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi Raji’un @kobebryant
Kyrie Irving was close with Kobe Bryant and will not play today against the Knicks. He arrived at MSG but left.
Doc: “I think everybody right now is a Laker fan. We’re all Lakers today. You feel for that community. For Jeanie [Buss] and everyone else.”
I always will remember Kobe’s last game in Milwaukee came the night of Giannis’ first triple-double in February 2016. Former Bucks coach Jason Kidd made sure Giannis got some private time with Kobe after the game at the Bradley Center. https://t.co/iHjcxJo3ww
That moment on draft night feels as if it happened hours ago. It’s simply a blink. What actually happened hours ago is so incredibly heartbreaking and surreal. Praying God’s hand of comfort over the Bryant family. https://t.co/fNlmHuTBHt
very few people actually transcend the word “iconic” and you are one of them. you will be missed #8 #24 https://t.co/SJnjF71EF8
#RIPKOBEBEANBRYANT ❤️🐐 https://t.co/tVUTY9bW50
I was thrown in the fire since day one of my rookie year. Toughest task of my career. Learned a lot. Thanks for what you instilled in me the drive, toughness the will to compete every possession. These times will never be forgotten Thanks #MambaForever #RIPMAMBA https://t.co/JfJcybElkI
It’s just so hard to comprehend the sudden death of Kobe Bryant. I just talked to him less than a month ago when the @dallasmavs were in Los Angeles. He was a great young man. Please pray for his family. RIP
https://t.co/b6DaUqQQVa
https://t.co/llTDrmChNV
I’m hurt 😞
Whatever it was you did, football, basketball, soccer, acting, whatever. Kobe inspired you to be better…
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver: https://t.co/PQKKVQQ04O
NBA commissioner Adam Silver statement on sudden death of Kobe Bryant. https://t.co/5sHiu1sHEo
Kevin Knox has a 17-year-old brother named after Kobe Bryant. He was an idol to a lot of these players.
Statement from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on the death of Kobe Bryant: https://t.co/7vNEeLW71z
Statement from NBA commissioner Adam Silver: https://t.co/Nm4tHiPdKK
Statement from Nike (1/2):
“Along with millions of athletes and fans throughout the world, we are devastated by today’s tragic news.
We extend our deepest sympathies to those closest to Kobe, especially his family and friends…” https://t.co/AoTgkK36Pf
NBA commissioner Adam Silver released this statement. “For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning. He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game.” https://t.co/7uVPwEIN3j
MSG ceiling is lit up in purple and gold https://t.co/qDgP4oaIDO
#NewProfilePic https://t.co/P5Xj3xUfOf
Garden’s exterior being lit up in purple and gold to honor Kobe Bryant.
Boston Celtics release statement on death of Kobe Bryant: “There are no words that can convey the heartbreak the entire Celtics organization feels … “ https://t.co/xSVb2xJ3sh
🙌🏼 https://t.co/ZizhpLOhEt
How many of us have wanted to be Kobe Bryant the basketball player, the son, the father? I hope we are able to celebrate so much accomplishment during a life that was cut off too short & try to emulate his best qualities, including that contagious smile. #RIPMamba https://t.co/3bHsgyzKTv
There were nine people aboard the helicopter, the pilot and eight passengers, according to a live press conference on CBSN
The inside and outside of Madison Square Garden are lit in purple and gold in honor of Kobe Bryant. https://t.co/8jFH2sQ0sQ
The Spurs Coyote is wearing a Kobe jersey with No. 8 on the front and No. 24 on the back.
A very young Kobe Bryant while in Italy where he followed his father playing there
RIP. https://t.co/OP3AHj6ee6
Today, we lost one of the realest to ever do it. Sad to see you go. Happy to be apart of one of your biggest moments passing MJ in scoring. All respect to the Black Mamba! Fly high my brother. #RIPKobeBryant https://t.co/F7VCe7sE1L
Bob Myers said he just talked to Steve Kerr. Warriors were in the middle of practice when Kobe Bryant news broke: “Everyone in practice just stopped when they heard the news. They just stopped.”
Sixers GM Elton Brand on tragic death of Kobe Bryant: https://t.co/FOl2bcWYi2
Plaschke: How can Kobe Bryant be gone? His legend wasn’t supposed to end this way https://t.co/GaRvwGYk69
Legend gone way too soon!! Thoughts and prayers to family and friends in this unthinkable day!! RIP Kobe 🙏🏾💔 https://t.co/ViZn5faURa
Kobe Bryant played in New Orleans in his fourth-to-last NBA game. Afterward, Alvin Gentry remembered Kobe showing a side of himself people often didn’t see. https://t.co/eL10JSYhCI
Statement from #Hornets owner Michael Jordan. https://t.co/0JTR5j6dMV
Michael Jordan on death of Kobe Bryant: “Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe — he was like a little brother to me.” https://t.co/r8JNMjfuRR
No opposing city had more of an impact on Kobe Bryant than Boston, as he made clear during this 2016 interview with the Herald. Now with a working link:
https://t.co/rEy8stbqrG
MJ on Kobe: “He was like a little brother to me.” https://t.co/HECmZrmCYX
You gave me the shoes you were gonna wear on Christmas in Chicago. “If you aren’t working to be the best, then why do it at all.” These words have stuck with me ever since that day. #ripbean 🙏🏽 https://t.co/tgQR74Cy2j
Kyrie Irving is not with the Nets for the game against the Knicks at MSG. He was here and warming up but left after the #KobeBryant news.
New BS Podcast: RIP Kobe Bryant (1978-2020)
https://t.co/WXtozTxMKg
Fans wearing Kobe jerseys inside Amway Center in Orlando being shown on video board. Fans giving applause each time another fan is shown wearing jersey.
We have been updating this story all morning. https://t.co/5tHCJ2EWty
The world’s most famous arena honoring one of the world’s most talented basketball players with 24 seconds of silence. https://t.co/nhZXvA8BPO
The Thunder has issued a statement on the passing of Kobe Bryant. https://t.co/RGDRyiofTi
Russell Westbrook is averaging 32/8/8 on 52.5% shooting since the new year.
His 52.5 FG% is only second to Giannis over that span (min 200 attempts).
Mamba mentality. https://t.co/REoQc7G7x3
MSG https://t.co/UN7y7CKDt5
After a 24-second moment of silence to honor Kobe Bryant, the MSG crowds erupts in “Kobe, Kobe” chant
Chants of “Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!” rained down inside Amway Center for 5-10 seconds between a moment of silence and the national anthem.
Chants of “Kobe! Kobe!” break out in Orlando after a moment of silence to honor Kobe Bryant. https://t.co/VaOl7X9gwC
…my 10 yr old son even does this in his room on the basket that hangs on his door 😭 https://t.co/FDuF2RJUNy
Kobe Bryant. https://t.co/84VT7JnzCm
This will never seem real.
A tribute to – and moment of silence for – Kobe Bryant. #nets #knicks #KobeBryant https://t.co/19o13umeDy
Moment of silence in New Orleans. https://t.co/bWrdyfrI6O
Trae Young wearing No. 8.
24-second clocks ran down and then “Kobe” chants inside the arena. https://t.co/x9v25EH0rE
Pelicans hold a 24-second moment of silence for Kobe and Gianna Bryant. https://t.co/onJ1PW2ZJ6
Grizzlies and #Suns take same approach as Spurs and Raptors by starting game with violations to honor Kobe — Memphis with 24-second shot clock and Phoenix with an eight-second backcourt.
“Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!” chants ringing through the arena.
Grizz with the 24 second shot clock violation and Suns with the 8 second violation in tribute to Kobe before the game https://t.co/27mVjIJGsy
The @LAClippers just opened tonight’s game with a 24-second violation to honor No. 24 Kobe Bryant. The @OrlandoMagic will now do the same thing.
In keeping with the Spurs and Toronto earlier today, the Nets and Knicks have committed shot clock violations to begin the game. 24 seconds to remember Kobe Bryant, No. 24.
On the first possession, the Clippers allowed the 24-second clock to expire. The Magic followed with an eight-second violation on the ensuing possession. Fans inside the arena stood and applauded.
The @OrlandoMagic did an 8-second violation in honor of Kobe Bryant’s first NBA number No. 8.
Nets and Knicks both take 24-second shot click violations for Kobe, as well, to start the game.
As game in Orlando begins — Clippers take a 24 second violation and Magic follow that up by taking an 8 second violation to honor Kobe Bryant as fans give a standing ovation.
The Grizzlies dribbled out 24 second clock
The Suns took an 8 sec violation
The crowd chanted “KOBE! KOBE!” https://t.co/MWzXoj0pCh
Kobe Bryant received a moment of silence for 24 seconds here at Madison Square Garden. Afterwards, fans chanted “Kobe” in his honor. Both the Knicks and Nets then took 24-second shot clock violations. https://t.co/KQfsDSEmhz
We started last week with these two. Now they’ve both gone. There’s not been many crappier weeks in the basketball world. https://t.co/r6XdMd6odk
On a tragic day @adaniels33 reacts to the death of Kobe Bryant #RIPKobeBryant https://t.co/D0AMmcXJ4T
Im sick right now man. Kobe really made feel like I could do anything. That I could control how great I want my life to be. Completely heart broken. Praying for his family and the family of the others involved❤️
Celtics and Pelicans each begin with 24-second violations to honor Kobe. https://t.co/f2HVGI0oPw
24 second violations to honor Kobe in New Orleans. https://t.co/JYI7PiNHgN
Celtics and Pelicans start the game with 24-second shot-clock violations in honor of Kobe Bryant. https://t.co/jw7MwZARgW
Just this past Friday, Wiggins hit his patented fadeaway jumper and as basketball ritual I said “KOBE!” as so many of us have for two decades. Never going to stop yelling KOBE as I chuck my socks into the laundry basket or a crumpled piece of paper into the trash. R.I.P #Mamba 🐍
This is heartbreaking….can’t even put it into words….anyone that knows me knows how much Kobe means to me….blessed to have been able to call you a brother 🙏🏾 Rest in Power Mamba and Gigi. Praying for Vanessa, the kids and your whole family. https://t.co/tEH3ZDUjjo
LaMarcus Aldridge has hit 37 threes (on 50% shooting) in the last 17 games.
That’s the same amount of threes he hit in 2014-15, his previous career-high season for 3PM.
Different animal, same beast. https://t.co/pa98biCSf3
I still remember interviewing Kobe Bryant after he played his last game in the Garden on Dec. 30, 2015. Here’s my story that ran in the next day’s Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
https://t.co/5Po5391xFy
The large video board outside Chase Center https://t.co/3soW3WkepR
A true inspiration, yours and mine. https://t.co/UAgDCZ4bJR
Pop on Kobe: “We all feel a deep sense of loss. … It’s just a tragic thing.”
Pascal Siakam scored 25 points in the first quarter of today’s win vs the Spurs — a Raptors franchise record.
Dominate quarters. https://t.co/2MU0n5vakC
Rest In Peace to one of the greatest to ever play this game. You inspired us all. Grateful I got a chance to meet you. Prayers go out to his loved ones. This one hurts #MambaForever
Kobe Bryant’s death hit Walt Frazier ‘like a hammer’ https://t.co/PTOquq9KKf
Pop: “We all feel a deep sense of loss…It’s just a tragic thing. There are no words that can describe how everyone feels about it. We all think about the family and the process that they are going to going through now, and that’s where all our thoughts should be.”
This one hurts 😢! RIP MAMBA🐍
I wasn’t going to tweet this, but it only seems right in the wake of his rough start out there. Marko Guduric was actually openly crying throughout the pregame, seemingly had real trouble composing himself. I can’t imagine he’s in any state of mind to play.
Macus Smart has a right ankle sprain but is available to return, per Celtics.
Hurting. To say the least…. 😢😔 #MyHero https://t.co/jrfl6EdeAB
DeMar: “Man, no words. Words can’t explain it. Myself, learning everything I have learned basketball-wise from Kobe, what he meant to the game, the inspiration that he brought to the world. Not just that. His daughter. I’m a father. I can’t imagine something like that happening.”
DeMar on what Kobe meant to him growing up: “Everything. Everything. Everything I learned came from Kobe. Everything. Take Kobe away I wouldn’t be here, I wouldn’t have love, wouldn’t have the passion, drive. Everything. Everything came from him.”
DeMar on using the 24-second violations to honor Kobe:
“I think (Nick) Nurse came over and mentioned something to Pop. We all talked about it. I don’t know exactly who came up with it, but once we heard it, we respected it on both ends and that’s why we did what we did.”
Hurting badly. True role model! Not just for being a goat, or being one of the most Competitive athletes to ever compete. Not just because you were iconic in every form and defined excellence in so many ways…but because of how great of a father you were as well. True Icon. KB24
#Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich on the death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and the other victims of the crash: “Everybody is pretty emotional about the tragedy with Kobe. All of us knew what a great player he was, but he went beyond great play.” (cont.) #KSATsports https://t.co/7Ep66SuZ51
Kobe Bryant was a mentor and close friend to Kyrie Irving, who didn’t play tonight against the Knicks following Bryant’s death. Kobe shared a great story about the close bond they had. https://t.co/x6uR6aPTDd
Heartbreaking https://t.co/QcimMW6N4t
He legit gave his whole life to the game! 😢 Will forever be my favorite of all time
Kobe Bryant’s death hit Walt Frazier ‘like a hammer’ before broadcast #Knicks https://t.co/PTOquq9KKf via @nypostsports
Crowd loving the effort as #Pelicans grab a handful of offensive boards on the same possession and Hart cashes in with a corner three. NOP is 10/20 on threes in 1H
Pop has a gift – an eloquence – that makes him the ideal source on a wide variety of topics, including sadly this one. https://t.co/IgsgLvoTSw
Kobe and Gianna Bryant https://t.co/OqyxNA0MBr
Kobe and Gianna Bryant https://t.co/9UZItLTogL
Don’t forget either how tight Rob Pelinka and Kobe were. Pelinka was Kobe’s agent forever…
Heroes come and go LEGENDS live forever‼️ #8 #24 https://t.co/sYMG8CKN5b
Just re-read this, brought tears to my eyes, but also smiles remembering all these amazing memories that so many people around him shared with me. https://t.co/DSxHCWIRpN
Lakers’ LeBron James on Kobe & Gianna Bryant (November 17, 2019) https://t.co/4LvlwEYdXZ
Hard to put what you meant to so many people into words. I will miss a great person on and off the court. You always took the time to show my kids and family love and I will never forget that! RIP Kobe 💔 https://t.co/PGTYNbVNXn
RIP KOBE…..the 🐐 🙏
RIP Kobe… we all going to miss you 😭😭😭🙏 https://t.co/rQLnzQemmA
Kobe scored his first career point at Madison Square Garden. Then one night he went for 61. I was lucky enough to cover both games. He was simply outstanding. https://t.co/droUwGoJal
I was following him up to his house in the Malibu hills — and he just expected me to keep up. Which I did, barely. I’m realizing now just how many special glimpses he afforded me into his life. Writing about him for B/R tomorrow – first time reluctantly. https://t.co/fu0YQRterc
Kobe, I used to sneak to stay up and watch you play growing up, I woke up early mornings to check your stats and highlights from the night before! Shot paper into the trash yelling out “KOBE” every time! I had… https://t.co/I2oeb8VjXI
Magic Johnson on Kobe Bryant: ““There will never be another Kobe, man.”
Jerry West on Kobe’s death: “I want to go to bed and hope it’s a bad dream. It’s going to take a while for me to get over this one. I’m pretty good at getting over things because I understand how fragile life is. But Oh my God!. His daughter with him. My God!” This is not easy.”
Jerry West remembers the lasting impact of Kobe Bryant on the Los Angeles @Lakers franchise
#RIPMamba https://t.co/rVRTWMAbSQ
An emotional DeMar DeRozan on Kobe Bryant: ‘Words can’t explain it. What he meant to the game. The inspiration he brought to the world. Not just that, his daughter, I’m a father. I can’t imagine something like that happening. It’s a very sad day.” (via @spurs) #NBA #RIPBlackMamba https://t.co/iuG6YkgGoA
Kobe Bryant was 19 when Bob Myers first met him. It was in Arn Tellem’s office. Kobe was wearing a Joe Montana throwback jersey. He told Myers he’d win 10 titles and then finish his career in Italy. Some quick Kobe reflection from the Warriors’ GM. https://t.co/X8pb9Xxsdy
I am absolutely heartbroken. I am devastated. I will never be able to fully express the pain I feel. It doesn’t seem real to me. God Bless the Bryant family. Love you, Kobe. #RIPMamba
Magic on Kobe: “You never can believe it. This runs so much deeper. It hurts you to the core. Then the Hall of Fame is coming up too. It’s like you knew he was going to be hyped for that. It can happen just that fast.”
Jerry West on Kobe: ““To have been such, particularly when he was young, to be a part of his life and to watch his career grow, watch him grow, this is one of the most tragic days of my life. I know somewhere along the way I guess I’ll come to grips with it.”
(Brenda is a former ESPN The Mag editor.)Thank you- what a time that was. Going to empty the notebook of a few untold moments, but how I wish there was another reason. I don’t want to write. I don’t want to do anything. But then I picture Kobe’s wtf-dude-let’s go look. So I will. https://t.co/oLdWsaJzdi
Statement from #Hornets GM Mitch Kupchak, who was with Lakers for Kobe Bryant’s entire career. https://t.co/gIs3uAWVgf
💔 https://t.co/3PELERLP5O
Can’t stop crying. My hands are shaking. Just trying to wake up from this. I might never get over this one.
This literally just happened and we had no clue. Life is so precious. Go tell the people you care about the most how much you love them and be sure to give them a big hug too. I’ll be on ESPN Radio these next few hours co-hosting NBA Insiders to reflect on 🐍. 🎥: @Lakers 💛💜🙏 https://t.co/Jifig5XMI6
Not into the debates. Each generation claims their 🐐. He was ours. RIP Kobe 🐐 and Gianna. Condolences to his wife and daughters 💔 https://t.co/5Qybp7YyAR
Rest In Peace Kobe and Gianna. My chest is aching and I can’t find the words to say. Love you all. ❤️
Thank you @kobebryant for everything!!!
Will never forget those conversations. #24/8 forever https://t.co/dgVuJPbLK9
There’s not been an official statement from the Lakers yet out of respect for Kobe Bryant’s family. It’s obviously also a very difficult day for everyone in the organization.
Earlier this season, I looked at James Harden’s scoring season vs Wilt Chamberlain’s ‘62 season and adjusted it for pace and was surprised to learn that neither had the top scoring season ever.
It was Kobe Bryant in 2005-06. https://t.co/HH1HGiLk4i https://t.co/Ujxu66lkCW
Stuart Scott loved Kobe.
Anytime a player dropped 30, Stuart would ask how many career 30-point games for him and then how many Kobe had and then would say “and that’s the 6th time he’s scored 30, only 425 more to catch Kobe.”
Eventually you’d just tell Stuart before he asked. https://t.co/sDOr2EwsMj
Kawhi Leonard finishes with 31 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists in 34 minutes. He’s on an unbelievable run right now — he can take over a game whenever he wants.
It’s easy to understand why Kyrie Irving couldn’t play today https://t.co/Iv2Wf8wEUl
#RIPMamba 😭 https://t.co/q9c6hAOtfG
Trae Young is the first player in NBA history to record five 40-point, 10-assist games before his 22nd birthday.
Mavericks team owner Mark Cuban announces that no player in Mavericks history will ever wear No. 24 again in tribute to Kobe Bryant
“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do” I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers as well as all the other victims #blessed 🙏🏽 https://t.co/GlDscrdw4H
Full Mavericks statement: https://t.co/sooacPoZPc
The Mavericks have retired No. 24 in honor of Kobe Bryant. https://t.co/eUhVy0knvV
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban: “Our organization has decided that the number 24 will never again be worn by a Dallas Maverick.”
Trae Young started tonight’s game wearing Kobe’s jersey. He finished with:
45 PTS
14 AST
13-24 FG
6-11 3P https://t.co/yugJDP2Efw
Doc Rivers said the Clippers players asked for the postgame media availability to be cancelled tonight in the wake of the Kobe Bryant news.
Taj Gibson on Kobe Bryant: “I feel like we lost a super hero.”
I wrote about Kobe Bryant, who took more last-second shots and made more last-second shots than anybody since the NBA began tracking in 2000. That is quintessential Kobe. https://t.co/nnx9xjDEk1
Julius Randle left locker room early without speaking to reporters. Kobe teammates for 2 seasons.
The news of your passing not only numbed my body, but everyone’s around me. I grew up idolizing you and wanting to just have the chance to meet you. Never in my wildest dreams, did I think I would not only meet you… https://t.co/VLD40IPKs2
#Pelicans play solid game from start to finish, including this time in the minutes Zion Williamson is off the floor, en route to 123-108 home win over Celtics. Jrue 25 pts; Lonzo 15 ast; Zion 21-11 in 27 mins. Postgame wrap: https://t.co/yWV9tfVW9I https://t.co/ony6sUoH5p
Monty says he believes tonight’s games should have been postponed or canceled. #Suns
Lonzo Ball has hit 90 threes in 2019-20 — tying his career high after only 39 games this season.
“Kobe!” https://t.co/B5MCtGGOqD
More DeMar DeRozan on what Kobe Bryant meant to him growing up in the Compton/LA area: “Everything. Everything. Take Kobe away and I wouldn’t be here.” DeMar, still very emotional, was the only #Spurs player to speak after the game. #NBA https://t.co/DfiLPiLujz
The show went on for the Spurs and Raptors in the immediate wake of Kobe Bryant’s death, but nothing felt normal. Not one bit.
“It’s a sad, sad, very sad, sad day,” a devastated DeMar DeRozan said. https://t.co/F0D4PlxIf7
#Legend https://t.co/Ez5aptFhTm
Kobe’s story, tragically unfinished https://t.co/VlchAFeNEy
Tonight’s tribute from Moda Center https://t.co/7sD32uwJah
New: I spoke to a lot of people around the Celtics organization who shared touching memories of Kobe Bryant. https://t.co/nps0ChWgwq
Pelicans’ Zion Williamson on the passing of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant: “Kobe meant a lot to me growing up. I had both jerseys — 8 and 24.” https://t.co/QoWcFfZE8q
Rest easy 8/24🙏🏾
Doc: “At the end of the day when you think about it Kobe is a winner. We told our guys, go win the game, we want to honor him and they did that. But it’s a difficult night. We’re not prepared for this. None of us were. I wasn’t before the game, I’m not now.”
https://t.co/9HZEwTUTLM
The Lakers have created a space outside their training facility, but inside the security gates, for a vigil. Fans are signing a large white canvas. There’s a Lakers backdrop with flowers and candles in front of it. Some photos of Kobe. https://t.co/afnard1PY4
Players recognize Kobe’s passing at beginning of game at Moda Center: Blazers open by taking a 24-second violation and Pacers follow by taking an 8-second violation.
A tearful Spencer Dinwiddie described the moment Kobe Bryant told him he was playing like an All-Star and why it meant everything to him. https://t.co/aImCiSRpM2
Doc describing the emotions of the night: “Ty Lue was really struggling. You forget that Ty Lue was his teammate as well and I look over at Ty during the game and he’s bawling. A lot of emotion tonight, it really was a tough night. Just a tough night.”
Every night before bed, I read books to my daughter.
That’s our time.
Even though she’s in full blown “I’m 2 and I want mommy mode” 99% of the time, that is our 1%.
Tonight it felt different.
Hug your kids.
Hold them a little tighter.
Steal a few extra minutes.
“I don’t think any player on either team would have minded if we didn’t (play tonight). Being a father too, my heart is broken for his wife, other daughters … it was difficult.” – #Celtics Gordon Hayward
Watching some old Kobe playoff games. Picked this one for some reason — just a random 34-6-8 in a series clincher:
https://t.co/gozerAem79
A couple more photos from the vigil outside the Lakers facility. https://t.co/RzP4uKgHh1
This is almost too much. https://t.co/1cPBn7rReN
Jrue Holiday talked about how much Kobe Bryant meant to him as a kid growing up in Southern California. Jrue noted, “in my heart (I was thinking) Kobe would want us to beat the Celtics.”
RIP Kobe bean!! So much respect for you. Prayers up to his family and everyone else who lost their lives today. Real stepper!
Celtics’ Kemba Walker on the passing of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant: “I was blessed to meet him in high school. Just to see him, his presence had an impact on me. You always knew how hard he worked. His work ethic and mentality is what inspired me the most.” https://t.co/hQvC7wL1Xu
Sneaker tributes were spotted all throughout the @NBA today.
On @J30_RANDLE’s Kobe AD:
“Legends Live Forever! 8
Goat! 24
Rest Easy Bro” https://t.co/Mqimpvaxg8
Marcus Smart on Kobe: “We still can’t believe that it’s true. I think in the back of our minds we’re still wishing and hoping that it’s not.”
Isaiah Thomas, who wears his heart on his sleeve, shared thoughts on this tragic day.
“It’s bigger than basketball. It’s hard to even talk about it. The NBA should’ve just canceled all the games today, for real.”
Marcus Morris: “Superman isn’t supposed to die. And to us, he was Superman.”
https://t.co/dXj0fvS1jW
One of the most raw signs of emotion I’ve seen from a coach. The pain that @DocRivers is expressing, so many of us are feeling right now. https://t.co/HJDtoV1N6n
Lord plz be with his wife and the babies!!!! Your not supposed to question god but can’t help but ask why
One of my favorite professional moments. My question led to this Ron-Ron gold… https://t.co/m9ijmC9FUC
Aaron Gordon: “When something like that happens it makes you want to just quit, not do anything but the fierce competitor that he is I know he would want us to go out and play&give our heart to the game, not take it for granted. So we had to conjure up our own energy and use his”
Statement from R.C. Buford: “Kobe inspired all of us. In San Antonio, we were blessed to have enjoyed a front row seat to his greatness. He had an unmatched combination of determination, skill, competitiveness, personality, grace, passion and intelligence.”
“Part of why I picked up to play basketball was because of him. He inspired so much and I’m just so sad that I never got to shake his hand. … I was looking forward to that day.” https://t.co/SVasKXl7dy
Bradley Beal revealed that he had an invite to the super-secret Kobe camp held last summer but had to pass due to the birth of his second son.
He finished his thoughts on the day by saying “Damn…. Damn.”
Gordon Hayward reflected fondly on the week he spent in Newport Beach training with Kobe Bryant in 2016.
“I still have all the emails saved.”
Kobe offered a lot of support when Hayward was coming back from ankle injury.
That one was for you…
Rest Easy Kobe🐍 https://t.co/mXW86TKXsP
As the father of two girls in middle school, I’m deeply saddened by Kobe and his daughter Gianna dying together today but inspired by his commitment to being an awesome dad. https://t.co/O4kvXgioDq
Rest In Peace Kobe and Gigi 💔 https://t.co/9nnApnwEB7
Different Animal…Same Beast 🐍
#RIPMamba #RIPMambacita
#MambaMentality
Jackie MacMullan on Kobe. https://t.co/1F75F1Xv7e
Really don’t know how to feel! Speechless, numb, hurt, etc. no words can mount to the pain! But your passion, dedication, (MAMBA) mentality, love and knowledge both on and off the floor were exemplar! For that, I… https://t.co/ONvjAmSlkS
A lot of NBA players didn’t feel like competing today, the Celtics included. Gordon Hayward: “Man, some of us are still hurting and it was difficult to play today. Mentally there was a lot of guys that were not themselves because of the news, and I don’t blame them.”
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/zdY8IiJ6C9
“Every time you shoot into a trash can, you’re yelling, ‘Kobe.’ Every single time.” https://t.co/yzUtyuUaCy
Proud of all the teams that competed today💙 the NBA is a family and to see everyone supporting each other was great🙏🏾
Remembering Kobe Bryant, the force of his presence, and his impact in OKC. (No paywall) ->> https://t.co/Ia9r9NVMd2
#MambaMentality https://t.co/KeXSBrHmzM
Talked this evening to two of the guys who guarded Kobe Bryant during the fiercest days of the Spurs-Lakers rivalry.
Sean Elliott: “He was immortal. He was one of those gods of the game. It doesn’t make any sense that he’s gone.”
I met Kobe when he was 16 at ABCD Camp. Was at 81, 65 and The Final 60. I was there when he tore his Achilles and at all 5 Championships. Countless other memories. Every time I asked him for a 1-on-1 interview he always said yes. It was an honor to witness his extraordinary life.
🖤 https://t.co/hGm5MvZiyD
A few thoughts on Kobe, the competitor https://t.co/DgQPHumFnt
Daily News front page and back page https://t.co/dhjU24exIf
R.C. Buford, Manu Ginobili, LaMarcus Aldridge & other members of #Spurs family react to Kobe Bryant’s death. “He had an unmatched combination of determination, skill, competitiveness, personality, grace, passion & intelligence,” Buford said in a statement.
https://t.co/3RKqFdGYpN
I’ll always respect players that never back down off a double team 🙏
U shared small piece of wisdom
to a kid from Las Vegas Nevada…
and it changed my life forever
Thank you Kobe. 💔 R.I.P https://t.co/FhnobfHyHo
#Pelicans roster has numerous connections to Lakers, So. California (as well as UCLA). Several players gave tributes to Kobe Bryant during Sunday’s game (pictured: Lonzo Ball’s sneakers) and later spoke about what the legendary guard meant to them. Story: https://t.co/INs68QIdEG https://t.co/4VxMv8SfVb
Jerry West. Kobe Bryant. Memory lane. The good and the bad. Come along, and please know that – journalist objectivity and all – there were tears shed today. Kobe deserved more time to make his mark, at @TheAthletic
https://t.co/jOi3bXKVyX
Kobe has to be the new NBA logo…..
My first @nytimes Kobe piece which runs under this moving @NYTSports cover in the wake of as tragic an NBA day as I can remember: https://t.co/fILAMXgG8S https://t.co/4cKk9OKOkf
Can’t make this up…😢
He was with me tonight🙏🏽❤️ https://t.co/uvse4bMpuK
The tweet that sums it up as well as anybody’s … https://t.co/J6g004S1Cn
Today we mourn the loss of a legend, one of the greatest basketball players to ever play this game has passed away along with his daughter Gianna. I have always respected Kobe not just as a player but has a friend… https://t.co/x9kD2qDTqn
Hard to put into words.. such a tragic and shocking day.. RIP Mamba 🙏🏼
Prayers go out to the Bryant family and other families affected by the accident 😔🙏🏼🙏🏼
Larger than life https://t.co/fIYzZJyffX
Known Kobe 25 years. Damn, this is gonna be tough. Got a bunch of voicemails saved on my phone. No way I’m gonna be able to listen to them. If he said he was gonna call you at 10 o’clock. He would call you at 10 on the dot. Every time.
I have a ton of memories of Kobe Bryant.
Some that I’ll never forget involve his battles with the #Rockets, especially against @ShaneBattier
This game/sequence is one I always think about. It was a privilege to watch Battier defend Kobe all those years https://t.co/e3Emrm4Otl https://t.co/0cmPpEy6Qw
Damian Lillard has 39 points, 12 assists and 6 rebounds and is averaging 49.0 points over the last three games.
*And there’s still 6:44 left tonight.
Warriors assistant coach Mike Brown, who coached Kobe in LA: “Kobe was one of most competitive players I have ever coached and his appetite for winning and excellence were unparalleled… (cont.)
.@Dame_Lillard is the first player in @trailblazers franchise history to score 40+ in three straight games. Only Lillard and Harden have done it this season. #RipCity
Damian Lillard now becomes the first player in Trail Blazers history with at least 40 points in three straight games
Fuck we lost the bean today dawg
Got some street food after the game. Didn’t have cash. Guy told me to go across the street and get him a double Crown and a beer as compensation. I really live here now.
.@Dame_Lillard has now scored 150+ points over his last 3 games. The last three @NBA players to accomplish that feat are Devin Booker (157, March 2019), James Harden (163, January 2019), and Kobe Bryant (175, March 2007).
Sobbing, but this is a must-watch. Amazing work Tom Rinadli. https://t.co/xFSCikI4f0
Damian Lillard finished with 50 points, 13 assists and 6 rebounds and the Blazers beat the Pacers 139-129.
It’s the 3rd time this season Lillard has scored 50 or more and 3rd game in a row he’s had 40 or more (both franchise records).
Damian Lillard continues his torrid play with 50 points and 13 assists while leading Portland to 139-129 win over Indiana. He becomes first in franchise history to record three 50-plus point games in a season.
.@CJMcCollum on playing tonight after Kobe’s death: “It was really hard. A lot of emotions. Kobe was my favorite player, and a guy I modeled my work ethic after. My heart goes out to his family…I know Kobe as a competitor would’ve wanted us to go out and play tonight.”
Damian Lillard last 3 games:
61 PTS
47 PTS
50 PTS
Mamba mentality. https://t.co/4PURs4G7gw
Kobe Bryant’s ‘Mamba Mentality’ is his legacy, but so is his mentoring of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, and so many more ⁦@TheAthleticNBA⁩ https://t.co/EihemBdAkZ
Some Kobe Facts:
1. He was passionate about LA’s homeless and often visited Skid Row late at night.
2. He spoke 5 languages.
3. He wanted Quentin Tarantino to direct one of his Nike commercials.
4. When he left Adidas in 2002 he never spoke the word “Adidas” again in his life.
8/24 🐍💜💛
Tonight Trae Young and Devin Booker combined for:
24 shots
8 rebounds
81 points
Mamba forever. https://t.co/appEaARnCH
Kobe went to Rucker Park in ‘02 because it was imp to him to play on such hallowed ground. It started raining, and didn’t relent. The crowd was worried he’d leave. Who could blame him? Kobe refused to sit, then pleaded everyone continue playing, to which they did. #MambaMentality
All in for this https://t.co/YdwcxFdD0c
Three of the people who died in the helicopter crash today were Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri and his daughter Alyssa. From @MikeDiGiovanna https://t.co/Fi8sp1ZYPP
The Kobe mural is basically right next to Nipsey’s. Hug your loved ones everyone. As Kobe said, “life is too short.”
New: Hayward remembers the week he spent training with Kobe. Smart remembers the first time he guarded him. Kemba remembers Kobe sponsoring his high school team. Jaylen remembers the first time he asked his mom for NBA tickets, so he could see Kobe play. https://t.co/jogHG68Dhq
I’m sorry I just can’t believe he is gone. I can’t believe Gigi is gone. That poor family aboard the helicopter with Kobe. This is all just surreal and sad and I’m a mess. Praying for these families. Last thing I’ll say tonight is choose love, not hate.
One of the hardest days of work I can remember in the @NBA. Hearts are heavy and will remain so. RIP to Kobe and the victims and families of this tragedy. Your life, legacy and spirit will soar as long as this game exists. https://t.co/QwpaO4tusg
Carmelo Anthony just told us that’s the hardest game he’s ever had to play. Very emotional after the passing of his friend, Kobe.
This is painful!!!
I’ve known this man since he was 15 & I was 16. AAU teammates to competing against him for 18 seasons in the NBA. We were literally talking in these pics how I will enjoy retirement and that we would have a convo soon on how to go through it. Also how happy… https://t.co/5P1Egv0EMh
Momma, Kobe, Mambacita
I know y’all were watching and cheering us on tonight with a big smile on yalls faces🕊🕊🕊❤️❤️❤️.
Continue to look down on us and lift us up with all the love strength and Passion you have🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🕊❤️. #LifeDoesntBelongToUS😪
—true story. A lot of people never got to see that side of Kobe. He was so gracious! 💔 https://t.co/97lucSxYYP
Kobe Bryant’s death at 41 hits people much like John Lennon’s death at 40 or Roberto Clemente’s death at 38. Gone too soon and through no fault of their own.
Lakers should name the floor after Kobe.
Kobe gave me this about 10 years ago. It’s a promotional item from Nike. It’s supposed to be a box you carry an actual black mamba in. I look at it every time I leave my house so I have the right Mentality. https://t.co/4RY2gDdGo2
My city New Orleans homecoming for Kobe. 👀👊🏿🙏🏿 https://t.co/n3n3sIKvs0
“Superman isn’t supposed to die. And to us, he was Superman.”
https://t.co/0Cqan4B05v
Lakers players shocked and speechless after learning of Kobe Bryant’s death https://t.co/vPy1ST0kM3
All of today’s work by our entire staff at @TheAthleticNBA and writers from around the country are here. They do not require a subscription to read. https://t.co/zcuthJER0j
The Woj Pod with @ramonashelburne: Remembering Kobe Bean Bryant. https://t.co/XQ3Jzu0ySg
Most points in 3 straight games since the NBA/ABA merger in 1976: https://t.co/NkS1RNTaCm
Almost 7 years ago to the day I sat down with Kobe for one of his best interviews ever. It’s a fascinating look at who Kobe is. Lakers gave me 10 minutes. He talked for an hour.
His last answer is heartbreaking.
https://t.co/JpQelvevI2
From the recent archives: David West, Shaun Livingston, Andre Iguodala, Kevin Durant, Zaza Pachulia, Steve Kerr and Klay Thompson give their most memorable Kobe stories https://t.co/PYQ1sbxI4e
My brother 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾 https://t.co/QVWM1kNxyP
Just remembered, last year when Kobe came to see the LeBron Lakers for the first time. If I recall correctly, in the loading dock at Staples @ReggieMillerTNT was trying to convince Kobe that Gigi should go to UCLA eventually. Kobe smiled and said she had her heart set on UConn.
Gut punch. https://t.co/qQgi4Ky9ck
“The initial goal was a fickle one…”
Kobe Bryant was a legend. https://t.co/8g4kQ2KtCk https://t.co/k6OvaGqwhY
Knew something was wrong when my phone wouldn’t stop ringing. Bad news always comes by phone. When I saw that first text that Kobe & Gigi were gone I collapsed to the floor. Tough day. Here’s hoping tomorrow will be brighter. Praying for the Bryant Family.
Jerry West couldn’t believe it. Metta World Peace called around hoping someone would tell him it wasn’t true. Lakers players struggled to control their emotions as they learned the news on their flight home. Lakers past and present were devastated today. https://t.co/L3koc95oeM
🙏🏻🙏🏻😔 #8 #24
The Loss of Kobe Bryant, a Myth and a Man by @RobMahoney
https://t.co/mYkTTfXn2o
Kobe, your legacy will never die 🙏🏾❤️ 🐍 #MambaForever https://t.co/bx3w7aDg16
I tried to be smart and thoughtful about Kobe Bryant, a man who dominated my life in sports. But it devolved into me crying onto my keyboard, and I have no idea if teardrops can type. https://t.co/nNjjqbGbQV
“I’m sad for Vanessa and those girls. That’s the deal. I’m just sad for them.”
On the day Monty Williams and the #Suns learned of Kobe Bryant’s stunning death, and then had to play in a basketball game (story is unlocked for anybody to read) https://t.co/1ikc55ySvV
Ryan Kelly, a marvelous guy whose three seasons for the Lakers were Kobe’s final three seasons, is still getting after it. Piece of trivia: When Kobe checked out of his 60-point finale, Ryan was his sub. https://t.co/rCdN0FK9JP
Thank you for all of the birthday wishes. It is much appreciated. Also a happy birthday to @WayneGretzky @TheEllenShow @SashaBanksWWE as well as my guy Joe Rogowski….. B E Z!!!!
Sometime life leaves you with no words. This is not right. This should never happen. https://t.co/mjExNxLAfo
Shoutout to every team that took a 24-second shot clock violation. Classy organizations.
No way this supposed to be real 😭😭 https://t.co/iwsxsprv4c
“It probably was the hardest game I’ve ever had to play. Just… It was tough… Honestly knowing him, the way that I know him, he would’ve wanted me to play.” – Carmelo Anthony
Mourning the death of Kobe Bryant, Melo played in hardest game of his career:
https://t.co/jDFXzsubsY https://t.co/czKrPHqvEH
Honor The Black Mamba.
Honor the Player.
Honor the Father.
Honor the Philanthropist.
Honor the Legacy.
Honor the Man.
The scene at the crash site, which authorities are closing to the general public. From @LAcrimes https://t.co/eaor8T1Tcp
💔 https://t.co/yGWQ8xYPki
This is the back cover of our Kobe special section today. It breaks your heart. https://t.co/gESuMtEghZ
Science can tell us how but they can’t tell us why
Was heartbreaking to see, and hear, Carmelo Anthony deal with the loss of his friend Sunday.
On why he played and other stories about Kobe and the Blazers …
https://t.co/jGi5PW226D
Some people sobbed and some people shouted and some people needed a drink. Our story at @TheAthletic from a difficult day as L.A. mourned the loss of Kobe Bryant. https://t.co/ZdCZpeNfwy
God watch over their family angels way to soon 😭😭 https://t.co/aDlVGR0ELo

‘A special man:’ Cowboys coaches, players reflect on Markus Paul’s team impact

The Cowboys were forced to play their last game after just losing a beloved member of the coaching staff. Now they must finish the season.

On the field last week, the Dallas Cowboys suffered their eighth loss of the season. Off the field, the organization suffered a far more profound loss, the kind that the players and coaches won’t be able to just shake off and put behind them with the next film session or team walk-through.

Markus Paul, the Cowboys’ strength and conditioning coordinator, suffered a medical emergency at the team facility on Tuesday; the day’s practice was quickly canceled. Paul passed away Wednesday at the age of 54. He was clearly on the minds of his players and fellow coaches during their 41-16 loss at the hands of Washington on Thursday. Afterward, they tried to put into words the emotions of the previous days.

“We kind of have our football life and then we have our real life. It’s like we live two lives,” wideout Amari Cooper said in his postgame remarks. “What happened over the past week, it was tragic, and we kind of had to cope with it and intertwine those two lives and still try to focus as much as we can on football while dealing with something in our personal lives.”

“Markus was a special man,” head coach Mike McCarthy shared after the Thanksgiving Day game. “He’s definitely someone that, when I think of him, he obviously had a lot of success in his professional life. But if you really look at the mark of a man, it’s more about significance over success. I can’t tell you the impact that he made on our football team- really, the whole organization. Obviously, I’d only been working with Markus since January. but it was clearly evident throughout these last 48 hours, 72 hours what he means to everybody… His memory and his impact has touched a lot of people and will always live with us.”

The team met Wednesday night for a gathering that linebacker Jaylon Smith classified as both emotional and celebratory.

“Just getting an opportunity to celebrate his life, his impact, everything that he instilled in each individual that he touched or met,” Smith said of the meeting to honor Paul.

Paul touched the lives of many in the sport, dating back over two decades as a strength and conditioning coach with the Saints, Patriots, Jets, Giants, and Cowboys. Prior to that, Paul played five seasons for the Bears and Buccaneers.

Legendary Cowboys fullback Daryl Johnston was Paul’s college teammate at Syracuse.

“People ask me sometimes, ‘Who hit you the hardest in your football career?’ Three guys: One, Ronnie Lott. Two, Chuck Cecil. Those wouldn’t surprise anybody. But three, Markus Paul,” Johnston told Peter King of Sports Illustrated. “Back in the eighties, spring football was pretty serious. You got padded up. Practices were like games. One practice, I ran the ball through the middle, kind of got stood up there, and here comes Markus. Wham! Sort of smiled and said, ‘I got you good.’ It was the kind of hit where my whole circuitboard shut down, burner down my right side. What a hit.

“When I heard what happened, I was fortunate enough to be able to go to the hospital to see Markus. I just really wanted to say goodbye. I’m so happy I was able to do that. He looked so peaceful. Like Markus was.”

The cause of Paul’s death has yet to be revealed, although team owner Jerry Jones said in a Friday interview with Dallas radio station 105.3 The Fan that he was told Paul had suffered a stroke.

That it apparently happened inside team headquarters, in front of others on the team, only adds to the tragedy for those who witnessed it.

McCarthy said he entered the room just moments after Paul’s medical emergency occurred, but declined to elaborate on the details.

“Respectfully, I don’t want to talk about it,” the coach said on a Friday conference call. “I was there. Most of us were there. That’s why, like I said earlier, this is so very personal. For all of us. Not only just because how we feel about Markus, but also how it happened and where it happened and when it happened. As far as canceling everything [on Tuesday], frankly, to me, it was a no-brainer. My instinct was I wanted everybody with family. I wanted everybody to be where they felt they needed to be.”

After the sudden scrapping of Tuesday’s session, the team reassembled Wednesday to try to prepare for an important divisional game just 24 hours later.

The team knelt in prayer prior to the start of Thursday’s contest. They wore helmet decals bearing his initials. The stadium observed a moment of silence during pregame. Several players, including linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, were clearly battling very raw emotions just moments before kickoff.

“I’ll say this, just being truly honest here: I had no idea how we were going to play. And that’s a feeling you never have as a coach,” McCarthy admitted. “You go through weeks of preparation, you line up, and you usually have a feel for where the matchups and the challenges are going to be, try to anticipate them and so forth. We started the game and had adversity, some injured players, and our guys just kept battling. They gave everything they had. And I appreciate that.”

Now the team must find a way to move forward. They’ve been granted the gift of a few extra days to do that, as a result of Thursday night’s Ravens/Steelers game that was postponed long enough to also push the Cowboys’ upcoming trip to Baltimore.

As The Athletic‘s Jon Machota points out: “Had Dallas’ game at Baltimore remained as originally scheduled, the Cowboys would’ve practiced over the weekend. Instead, players had Saturday and Sunday off. The extra time to be around family and friends is probably a good thing for a group dealing with the loss of a friend and someone they worked closely with on a daily basis.”

“To lose somebody so suddenly like that, that you see every day, is never easy,” center Joe Looney told media members after Thursday’s game. “Markus loved football. He loved ball, loved his family, had his faith. It’s definitely tough. But he made a lot of people around here better men.”

And even in death, Paul made others better, as his daughter shared via social media.

Now, his Cowboys family will look to put into the practice some of the lessons Paul taught them about taking care of themselves and one another.

“It was definitely an emotional week for everyone,” running back Ezekiel Elliott told reporters Thursday night. “Markus had such a big role in all of our lives. Every day, he’s the one leading the stretch. So we’ll line up for practice, getting ready to stretch, and you get that reminder that he’s not here with us anymore. It’s definitely tough. We’ve got to lean on each other and help each other get through this tough time.”

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