There has been a wave of confusion as The Mamba Sports Academy announced its decision to permanently remove the word “Mamba” from its name in order to honor the memory of Kobe Bryant.
In 2018, Kobe Bryant collaborated with The Sports Academy, leading to the institution being named “Mamba Sports Academy.”
Kobe was heavily involved with the Academy and was actually en route there on January 26 when his helicopter tragically crashed, claiming his life, that of his 13-year-old daughter, and seven others.
Now, Sports Academy founder and CEO Chad Faulkner has stated that the company will undergo substantial changes as a tribute to the NBA legend, including the removal of Kobe’s nickname, Mamba, from the Academy’s name.
“Today, with respect for an unparalleled legacy, the Academy will retire the ‘Mamba’ in the Mamba Sports Academy name — to raise it to the rafters, where it belongs,” Faulkner said in a statement.
Elaborating on his decision to ESPN’s The Undefeated, Faulkner explained, “Our beliefs and thoughts are Kobe is one of one. ‘Mamba’ is one of one.”
“And with that as we carry on as The Sports Academy, it’s more appropriate to put Kobe in another Hall of Fame, if you will, and to really respect a legacy that is really unrivaled, frankly, and let that live on its own. We will continue to do the work we do.”
“We were fortunate to learn from Kobe. We will carry on much of those learnings that we have in a respectful way.”
This decision has left many people bewildered, questioning how it truly “honors” Kobe.
The Sports Academy has already updated its website to reflect its new name and has announced plans to make changes to signage at its facilities in Thousand Oaks and Redondo Beach.