1.  Nike has removed all Kobe Bryant merchandise . . .  including sneakers and t-shirts . . . from Nike.com.  Now, if you search for Kobe on the website, you get directed to a statement on Kobe’s legacy.

Word has it that Nike is deciding whether or not to move forward with a previously planned release of the latest Kobe shoes on February 7th.  Obviously, they wouldn’t want it to look like they’re trying to cash in on his death.

2.  Novelist Paulo Coelho was writing a children’s book with Kobe . . . but it won’t see the light of day.  Paulo Tweeted, quote, “I learned a lot by interacting with you.  [But I’ll] delete the draft right now, this book has lost its reason.”


3.  Olivia Munn was working with Kobe to help kids understand death.  She said, quote, “We wanted to help kids be less afraid of death and tell stories of all the little and big stars . . . and now you’re one of them.”

4.  Out of respect for Kobe and his family, Comedy Central has pulled a 2016 episode of the animated comedy “Chamberlain Heights” and they’re asking people NOT to share it.  The offending episode showed Kobe in a fatal helicopter crash.

5.  Ellen DeGeneres got really emotional while talking about Kobe on her show.  She said, quote, “Life is short, and it’s fragile.  And we don’t know how many birthdays we have . . . and if you haven’t told someone you love them, do it now.”  (Here’s video.)

6.  Kobe was going to be eligible for the Basketball Hall of Fame this year.  Obviously, he was going to get in on the first ballot . . . but now, the Hall will reportedly let him in this year WITHOUT a formal vote.