The championship ring Kobe Bryant gave his father in 2000 was put up for auction this week, attracting a bid of $94,000 already. But it’s not the first time Bryant’s parents have sold his precious belongings.
In 2013, the longtime Laker found himself in a legal fight with an auction house and his own mother when she tried to sell over 100 pieces of memorabilia from early in his basketball career. “The Bryant Collection” included trophies, championship rings, medals, plaques and game-worn uniforms.
Bryant’s mother received $450,000 for the collection and used the money to buy a new home in Nevada. But Kobe’s lawyers immediately sent the auction house a cease-and-desist letter.
When u give Give GIVE and they take Take TAKE at wat point do u draw a line in the sand? #hurtbeyondmeasure #gavemenowarning #love?
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) May 4, 2013
Before the scheduled trial, the two sides reached a settlement that allowed less than 10 percent of the items to be sold. Bryant’s parents, Pamela and Joe, then issued a written apology to their son.
“We regret our actions and statements related to the Kobe Bryant auction memorabilia,” the statement read. “We apologize for any misunderstanding and unintended pain we may have caused our son and appreciate the financial support that he has provided to us over the years.”
The attempted sale of his belongings wasn’t the first time Bryant clashed with his parents. He initially fell out with them because they didn’t approve of him being with the woman who would become his wife, Vanessa Bryant.
However, according to The Sun, Bryant had been attempting to mend his relationship with his parents before his death. But his tragic helicopter accident occurred before he was able to completely fix things.
Now, four years after Bryant’s passing, it appears his parents are up to their old tricks once again.
READ MORE: Kobe Bryant Heard Phil Jackson’s Praise for Michael Jordan and Took It Personally