by Khameron Belleza // Staff Writer
The tragic loss of an inspiring hero, Kobe Bean Bryant, has left the world with one of the biggest impacts, leaving fans left in disbelief. The sad loss leaves people wanting a piece of Kobe to remember him like his shoes, clothes, or pictures. According to Forbes “ESPN reported that Nike suspended Bryant’s merch to limit secondary resellers’ ability to stockpile and then flip the products at higher prices; as of Tuesday morning, searches for “Kobe” on the Nike online store only returned one result: a Los Angeles Lakers-themed gift card. A new colorway of Bryant’s Kobe 5 Protro sneaker was scheduled to launch February 7, 2020, and Nike is reevaluating whether to proceed or hold off on the release, ESPN reported, citing sources within the company. A Nike spokesperson told Forbes in an emailed statement that the company did not pull products, but instead sold out of them—contradicting ESPN’s report. Sports industry advisor Matt Powell told Forbes that it is common for websites to delete items when they have no inventory, and that sales of Bryant’s shoes slowed after his retirement, meaning it was likely that stocks of his products were already low. Online marketplace and clothing website, StockX told Forbes that in recognition of Bryant’s legacy, it plans to donate all proceeds from sales of his merch this week to the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation.
“I don’t think it was a good idea , because it’s over blowing the whole kobe thing up, I’m sad he died. But in life and in death he was a polarizing figure. Just like changing the NBA logo. I feel like they are trying to string up the price. Kobe is a public figure” said Mr.Watkins Carson High School teacher.
It turns out that there are people out there who are using the late celebrity’s tragic passing as an opportunity to make some money.
“I mean it’s bad for business, the Kobe merch is booming in the market. Kobe is a big icon. I’m not feeling it. The cancelation will go crazy. He is a big person like in LA and across the world. I think it’s a good idea, but no at the same time because I don’t want them to profit off his death.” said CHS senior Chris Okoge.
“I really feel bad for the family and I think it was a good idea to show the family respect. But Kobe inspired many people who grew up as Kobe as their hero that would like a piece to remember him and show people” he also added.
While they had a good reason to remove all of the late NBA player’s products, we hope they find ways to honor Bryant’s legacy without aiding those money hunger resellers.
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