Monumental Sports Network
The tragic death of National Basketball Association legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year old daughter Gianna, and seven others in a helicopter crash on Sunday morning in California sent shock waves throughout the sports world. In the days since, athletes and teams (including in the NHL) have paid tribute to the NBA star and other victims before or during games. Before the Capitals’ first home game since the end of the All-Star break, captain Alex Ovechkin did his part to pay tribute to the man known as “Mamba”.During warmups before the Caps’ home game against the Nashville Predators, Ovechkin donned a home jersey with Bryant’s familiar No. 24, instead of his usual No. 8, which is also a former number worn by Bryant.
8 —> 24
For Kobe. pic.twitter.com/EZvtTj0hjJ
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 29, 2020
2️⃣ 4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/aY2U4S14pv
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 30, 2020
Ovechkin, who is a fan of the game of basketball and whose mother Tatyana played professionally for the Soviet Union, will sign the jersey to be put up for auction, with proceeds going to the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation, which dedicates itself to help improving the lives of youth and families in need.
Per the Caps, Ovechkin’s 24 jersey will be signed and put up for auction benefitting the Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation.
— Ted Starkey (@TedStarkey) January 30, 2020
Much respect! #MambaForever #24 | @ovi8 pic.twitter.com/rQ25Kq4Dr8
— Ted Leonsis (@TedLeonsis) January 30, 2020
For Kobe 🙏 pic.twitter.com/tjnHwazeT7
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) January 30, 2020
Ovechkin commented on Bryant’s death earlier in the week, calling the news “tough” and speaking of Bryant’s impact on basketball and sports.
Details on the auction for the signed No. 24 jersey will become available at a later time.
Alex Ovechkin’s number 24 jersey will be signed and put up for auction benefiting the Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation. Details of the auction will be shared at a later date.
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) January 30, 2020
@ovi8 showing respect to the 🐐 #ALLCAPS #NHL #Capitals #KobeForever pic.twitter.com/mcUcoqF38i
— Dual Threat Fantasy Sports (@DTF__Sports) January 30, 2020
By Michael Fleetwood
