Fans confused as Mamba Sports Academy removes ‘Mamba’ from name to ‘honour’ Kobe Bryant

The Mamba Sports Academy has left people confused following announcement that it will honor Kobe Bryant’s memory by removing the word “Mamba” from its name forever.

Kobe Bryant partnered up with The Sports Academy in 2018, which led to the Academy being called “Mamba Sports Academy.”

Kobe was very involved with the Academy and was actually on his way there on January 26 when his helicopter crashed, killing him, his 13-year-old daughter and 7 others.

Now, Sports Academy founder and CEO Chad Faulkner says the company will make significant changes as a tribute to the NBA legend, including removing 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.

Faulkner explained his decision to ESPN’s The Undefeated, saying, “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.”

People are confused by this decision and are wondering how it “honours” Kobe.

The Sports Academy has already changed its website to reflect its new name and says it will make changes to signage at its buildings in Thousand Oaks and Redondo Beach.