Kobe Bryant’s relationship with his parents can best be summed up in a four-letter word that starts with s. At least that’s what he told ESPN.com for a painfully long story about life after basketball—or something.
Joe and Pamela Bryant originally said they gave their son time to reclaim some of his high school gear and awards but when he didn’t, they opted to turn them over to Goldin Auctions. Kobe wasn’t pleased and a court battle ensued in 2013.
The end result was a settlement and only a small number of items were actually sold, including a couple of high school uniforms and his 2000 NBA All-Star ring. Some of the proceeds went to charity. However, Kobe says he was hurt by his parents’ actions because he’d given them money for a nice, new house.
Mr. and Mrs. Bryant eventually issued a statement of apology for the auction but Bryant told ESPN he hasn’t spoken to them in three years.
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On a happier note, Bryce Harper spent time talking and signing autographs with some folks from Idaho who wound up with his 100th home run ball the other day.
A group of people came to the Nationals game and one of them grabbed the ball after it ricocheted off the scoreboard, not really aware of the significance.
A Nats official quickly authenticated it and then asked for it back in exchange for a brief meet and greet with the reigning NL MVP after the game. It would have likely done very well at auction.
The Washington Post has details of how it was almost snatched away by an aggressive nearby fan.
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Nobody asked us, but our favorite Michael Jordan rookie era card is the 1985 Interlake. It’s far more scarce than the Fleer or Star Company cards that are often the subject of heated debate about which is the ‘real’ MJ rookie. Beyond that, though, is the photo itself. Classic Jordan, in the old style Bulls home uniform, with his trademark tongue hang. It’s classic early Jordan.
Issued through the Interlake Youth Incentive Program by the Chicago area Boy Scouts of America, the 5×7 size card has overcome some of the stigma of not having not been distributed on a national basis.
A PSA 10 sold on eBay Wednesday night for a very impressive price. The Interlake MJ may not be considered ‘official’ but value aside, it’s a more fun card to own.
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