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.
Jason Aldean and his wife Brittany shared a passionate kiss while they were at Disneyland with their family.
Country star Jason Aldean and his wife Brittany openly showed their love for each other during a family trip to Disneyland.
They were seen hugging and sharing a passionate kiss while leaning against a wooden rail at the theme park in California.
Jason and Brittany were spotted cozying up as they leaned up against a wooden rail and shared a steamy kiss. (Mega)
Brittany wore a lilac minidress, a silver chain necklace, and sunglasses, while Jason was dressed casually in a gray T-shirt and a baseball cap. They were photographed next to a pole with drinks, which looked like wine and beer, at the base.
In another photo, Jason is hugging Brittany from behind, and she’s smiling happily.
The happy couple went to Disneyland with their two kids, Memphis, 6, and Navy, 5.
The Aldeans often visit Disney theme parks and have shared their family trips on social media before.
In October 2022, Brittany posted on Instagram about the fun her family had at Disney.
She wrote: “We had so much fun at Disney that I couldn’t post everything! We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and I highly recommend it.”
She shared their top three rides: Guardians of the Galaxy, Avatar, and Soaring. Brittany loves motion simulators and rides that include scents. She said the trip was full of smiles and happy tears.
The post also featured a slideshow of family photos.
The first picture showed Jason and Brittany holding their kids in front of the Disney castle and an American flag. They were all wearing Disney-themed outfits.
Other photos featured the family posing with Mickey and Minnie Mouse mascots.
Jason was seen hugging his daughter, while Brittany was riding the amusement park attractions with their son.
Jason and Brittany first met when Jason was still married to his ex-wife, Jessica Ussery. He divorced Jessica in March 2013 and started dating Brittany a year later.
They got engaged in September 2014, and Brittany shared on Instagram how happy she was, saying she couldn’t wait to spend her life with Jason and was excited about their future together.
The couple married in Mexico on March 21, 2015.
Jason also has two daughters, Keeley and Kendyl, from his marriage to Jessica.
Leave a Reply