Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of the late Basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, has died at the age of 69, La Salle University’s athletics department reported.
Citing La Salle men’s head basketball coach Fran Dunphy, The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote Joe had recently suffered a stoke. The exact cause of death hasn’t been confirmed yet.
La Salle University, where Joe played and coached, said in a statement that he “was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed.”
Just like his famous son, Joe was a renowned basketball player himself. Drafted by the Golden State Warriors as the 14th overall pick in the 1975 NBA draft, he played for the Philadelphia 76ers for four seasons, the then-San Diego Clippers for three seasons, and the Houston Rockets for one season. He also played in Europe.
The 76ers paid tribute to Joe, calling him “a local basketball icon, whose legacy on the court transcended his journey across Bartram High School, La Salle University, and his first four NBA seasons with the 76ers from 1975-79.”
Joe’s sudden passing comes four years after the tragic death of his son Kobe and his granddaughter Gianna, who were killed in a helicopter crash with seven other people.
Kobe’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, wrote on her Instagram story on Tuesday, “Sending our condolences upon hearing the news of my father-in-law’s passing.
“We hoped things would’ve been different. Although the times we spent together were few, he was always sweet and nice to be around. Kobe loved him very much.”
Former Kobe teammate Doug Young praised Joe as the ideal “role model.”
“Joe was our JV coach at Lower Merion and I could not have asked for a more positive mentor, teacher, and role model,” Young told ESPN. “It’s difficult to overstate how much he influenced me and my teammates. He made basketball fun and made us all want to be better; he believed in us. I’ll never forget his infectious smile, his bear hugs and the incredible bond he shared with Kobe. Growing up in Lower Merion, there was no family we loved and admired more than the Bryants, and that started with Joe.”
Arn Tellem, the vice chairman of the Pistons and formerly Kobe Bryant’s agent, expressed his sadness over the loss of Joe and joined the basketball community in mourning a true Philly hoops legend. “Our friendship opened the door for me to represent Kobe as he entered the NBA, a memory I’ll always cherish. Joe was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, whose warmth touched everyone he met.”
May he rest in peace.
5 Things Men Do When They Have Strong Romantic Feelings for You
Feel like you’re having trouble deciphering mixed signals? Don’t worry! A man’s actions frequently speak louder than words when he is genuinely attracted to you but lacks the confidence to admit. Even if he seems cool, there are five surefire signs that he is utterly enamored with you:
1. He Gives You a Lot of Stares
Has it ever seemed like you’re being watched closely? That’s because he’s always glancing in your direction! A man’s eyes follow you around the room with an almost tangible intensity when he is feeling romantically inclined. If you manage to catch him in the act, he might give you a charming smile to indicate that he’s been thinking about you!
2. He Wants to Be Near You All the Time
Like a magnet to steel, he will look for any opportunity to get close to you. He wants your company more than water in a desert, whether it’s by “happenstance” showing up at your favorite coffee shop or sitting next to you at social events. He may show up at worship sites, participate in your activities, or just hang around with you. Your presence makes the world seem a little brighter to him.
3. He Displays His Weak Side to You
Hold on, did he just reveal his worst fears and earliest recollections? A man who shows his weaknesses to you is showing you that he trusts you beyond everyone else. Since he views you as his confidante and soul mate, he won’t be afraid to be himself. Therefore, he’s clearly into you if he’s opening up to you during those late-night chats.
4. He Constantly Texts, Calls, and Chats with You
You can seem to get straight to his heart through his phone. No matter how busy he is, he will find time for constant talks, calls, and texts. He wants to be the last person you think of, whether it’s through late-night texts that make you blush or early morning messages that brighten your day. Who is the first person he tells if anything extraordinary occurs in his life? Yes, you are correct!
5. He Attempts to Laugh at You
Have you ever encountered someone who is constantly trying to make you laugh? That’s who he is! When a man is in love with you, he will do anything to make you smile. His aim is your happiness, whether it’s by bringing you to comedy shows or posting amusing memes. He’s riding the happiness wave right beside you, that’s why.
That’s it, dear! These seemingly inconsequential little acts of affection are actually treasure troves of love. He’s clearly into you if he’s showing any of these symptoms. Don’t only hold out for him to declare his love for you. Acts can occasionally speak louder than words. And his loving gaze, considerate actions, and ceaseless messaging are shouting it from the rooftops, honey!
Leave a Reply