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.
Four boys singing in church is the funniest thing I’ve seen. Keep your eyes on the boy in the vest
This has to rank among the funniest humorous videos I’ve ever seen, I must say. and I know; I’ve been here. Kudos to the talented boys that put this together.
This has to rank among the funniest humorous videos I’ve ever seen, I must say. and I know; I’ve been here. Kudos to the talented boys that put this together.
A tastefully decorated stage provides the ideal backdrop for the Christmas scene. Everyone in attendance was expecting what they perceived to be an enjoyable, albeit traditional, church service on Christmas.
The four boys arrive on stage looking dapper in black pants, white shirts, and ties. And then it happens! Comedies come next! Keep a watch on the guy in the vest; you can’t help but be entertained by his antics!
This traditional gospel song becomes funnier by the minute. The boys are obviously having a great time. The throng is giggling hysterically. These four boys’ joyful worship and entertainment drove the congregation to tears of laughter!
Many people believe that humorous clean comedy is no longer relevant. These kids, though, aren’t. They are outstanding. They really did make my day. Watch this amusing Christmas performance to get in on the fun. Absolutely amazing! I had a hard time stopping my laughter!
To tell the truth, my friend, nothing compares to clean, funny comedy. the kind that, rather than relying on cheap techniques or crude jokes, depicts the unadulterated joy and spontaneity of life. It’s like taking a trip back in time to happier, carefree times when laughing was abundant and fun was unbridled when these boys perform. These boys really did it well.
Now, when I say the performance was hilarious, I truly do mean it. The primary appeal is the boy in the vest; he seems to have no bounds between his sense of humor and his appearance. The way he blends serious reverence with playful antics is nothing short of wonderful.
Imagine a stage with a serene Christmas scene background, and then all of a sudden… A pretty funny chain of events that makes people clench their sides. When the lads’ performance takes an unexpected turn, everyone gasps almost simultaneously.
The audience’s and the choir’s reactions, combined with the kids’ hilarious antics, make this an especially unforgettable occasion. The space has a genuine warmth and joy that makes a personal connection with guests. Isn’t it amazing how comedy can bring people together in this way?
Let’s talk about the video itself as well: fantastic! It’s this kind of content that becomes increasingly popular for all the right reasons. It’s energetic, upbeat, and perfect for the holidays. You smile when you see these lads infuse brightness and joy into a traditional setting.
It’s undeniable that finding this kind of entertainment these days is unusual. It’s a sweet reminder that sometimes the simplest things may bring about the deepest enjoyment. So trust me when I say that if you’re having a rough day or just need a good laugh, this video is just what you need.
In a world when comedy is often eclipsed by pessimism and doom, these four boys are a beacon of hope. They remind us of the restorative, uplifting, and unifying power of laughing. When we don’t take ourselves too seriously, do you think life can’t be fun? Just watch out for that boy with the vest.
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