Kobe Bryant’s Parents Apologize After Settlement in Memorabilia Case


The bizarre, legal fight between Kobe Bryant and his folks over the NBA superstar’s memorabilia has concluded, and the elder Bryants issued an apology. Per ESPN: “Bryant and a company that was auctioning off the memorabilia reached a deal one week before the two sides were due to go to trial in New Jersey. The agreement allows the sale of six items, which Goldin Auctions president Ken Goldin said on Monday morning he is confident can still sell for more than $500,000 combined. Bryant’s parents, who had contracted with Goldin to sell the items, apologized in a written statement. ‘We regret our actions and statements related to the Kobe Bryant auction memorabilia,’ said Joe and Pamela Bryant in the statement, provided by a publicist. ‘We apologize for any misunderstanding and unintended pain we have caused our son and appreciate the financial support he has provided over the years. We also apologize to Goldin Auctions for their inadvertent involvement in this matter and thank them for their assistance.’ […] While Goldin said he wasn’t free to divulge the terms of the settlement, what is clear is that approximately 90 percent of what previously was being offered has been pulled off the table, though they are still some of the most highly coveted items. Goldin said he is still happy with the resolution. ‘We’re offering very rare Kobe Bryant memorabilia,’ Goldin said. ‘And for many of these items, this is the only place you’ll ever see things like this.’ Included in the auction will be two of Bryant’s high school uniforms and two rings celebrating the 2000 Lakers championship team that were gifted at the time to Bryant’s parents. The ring gifted to his father Joe, Goldin notes, comes in the same size as the ring presented to Kobe (11½). For some items, including Bryant’s 2000 NBA All-Star ring, half the winning bid will be donated to charity, Goldin said. When reached, Kobe Bryant said he would have no comment on the resolution. Bidding will start June 17 and close July 19.”