**Kobe Bryant’s Mom Speaks Out About Her Husband’s Sudden Death: “It’s All Lies!!”**

Joe Bryant, the father of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69. The former basketball player, known as “Jelly Bean,” reportedly suffered a massive stroke before his death. The sudden passing has reignited discussions about the strained relationship between Joe Bryant and his son Kobe, as well as the ongoing tensions with Kobe’s widow, Vanessa Bryant.

Joe and Kobe’s relationship had been notably troubled, particularly in the years leading up to Kobe’s tragic helicopter crash in January 2020, which also claimed the life of Kobe’s daughter, Gianna, and seven others. Reports indicate that Joe and his wife Pam had significant issues with Kobe, including public disputes over financial matters and personal differences.

One major point of contention was the alleged attempt by Joe and Pam to auction off Kobe’s memorabilia without his consent, which led to a public fallout. Kobe once tweeted about the situation, expressing frustration over the actions of his parents. The relationship between Kobe and his parents became further strained when they boycotted his wedding to Vanessa in 2001, reportedly due to cultural differences, as Vanessa is from a Latino background.

Despite these issues, Vanessa Bryant took to social media to express condolences following Joe’s death. She wrote, “We hope things would have been different. Although the times we spent together were few, he was always sweet and nice to be around. Kobe loved him very much. Our prayers go out to the family.” Vanessa’s message seemed to reflect a mixture of regret and respect, acknowledging the complicated history between her late husband and his father.

Kobe and Joe were close during Kobe’s youth, particularly during his time in Philadelphia and Italy, but their relationship deteriorated when Kobe joined the Los Angeles Lakers. By 2013, Kobe revealed that he had not spoken to his parents for nearly three years due to their actions regarding his memorabilia. This rift was exacerbated by Joe and Pam’s actions, including auctioning Kobe’s first NBA championship ring, which fetched $927,000 at auction.

The public perception of Joe and Pam was further complicated by their absence from significant events in Kobe’s life, including his final NBA game in 2016. Despite their troubled relationship, Joe and Pam were reportedly devastated by Kobe’s death. A neighbor described their lives as being turned “upside down” following the tragedy.

In a 2011 interview, Joe had suggested that his relationship with Kobe was improving, particularly after a public apology for the auction incident. However, the complexity of their relationship remained evident, as Joe’s death has brought these old tensions back into the spotlight.

Kobe’s legacy and his strained familial relationships continue to be a topic of interest and discussion. The passing of Joe Bryant serves as a somber reminder of the intricate and often painful dynamics that can exist within families, even in the face of profound loss.