Tiger Woods had no idea.
He had no idea that a tragedy had unfolded Sunday morning in Los Angeles.
He had no idea that a helicopter crash claimed the life of his friend, Kobe Bryant.
Tiger’s confidant and caddie — Joe LaCava — whispered the news to him as they walked off the 72nd and final hole of The Farmers late Sunday afternoon.
In his post-round interview with Amanda Ballionis (CBS Sports), Woods was asked about his long-time relationship with the iconic Lakers star.
“I didn’t know until Joey just told me coming off 18 green. I didn’t really understand why the people in the gallery were saying ‘Do it for Mamba.’ But now I understand,” Woods said, who is a long-time Lakers fan. “It’s a shocker to everyone. I’m unbelievably sad. It’s one of the more tragic days, and I think for me, the reality is just kind of sitting it, because I’m just hearing about it five minutes ago.”
Woods was asked what made Bryant such a special competitor.
“The fire,:” Woods said quickly. “He burns so competitively hot, and desire to win. He brought it each and every night on both ends of the floor. Not too many guys can say that throughout NBA history. He’d lock up on D, obviously he was dominant of the offensive side. But anytime he was in the game, he’d take on their best player and shut them down for all 48 minutes. That was one of the more impressive things throughout his entire career. And then when he ruptured his Achillies and went to the foul line and made his shots. I mean, that’s tough.”
Woods was somber during his interview, he didn’t speak about his round, a closing 70 that earned him a top 10 finish.
Woods kept hearing people in his gallery say “Do it for The Mamba,” urging Tiger to contend to honor Bryant, nicknamed The Black Mamba during his playing career.
Woods admitted he didn’t understand what they were talking about until it was all over and LaCava broke the news to him.
4 Comments
baxter cepeda
What a tragic day.
As a teenager I made my family get to the Forum to watch one of Kobe’s first preseason games ever.
I remember knowing —like everyone else except maybe the brass in Charlotte— this was a bona fide super star.
For many years all I watched was Tiger and golf or Kobe and Basketball.
Watching Shaq and Kobe was so much fun.
Like with Tiger, I was able to forgive Kobe’s infidelity chapter but for so many years held resentment over the Lakers break up…certainly an event like this puts things in perspective.
The perspective is Im an idiot.
The sports world is reminding me over and over why I was so Inspired by this Kobe. Kobe was so inspiring he inspired Tiger Woods.
Kobe was tough on teammates.
He often did not share the ball. His justification was clear, these guys were not prepared to the best of their abilities; so he had to do it.
The thing Kobe will forever be remembered for is that work ethic. Kobe was the man that even when he was “the man” he practiced harder than anyone when no one was watching.
This work ethic what sports is all about. Kobe never did not give it his all. He was special for a lot of reasons but that work ethic is truly legendary.
He was one of my heroes and will forever. It is sad it took this tragedy to Put aside silly resentment (over he break up) and remind me of one of my role models.
RIP Kobe.
From greats like Tiger to young athletes learning about him today, Kobe certainly left a mark.
RIP Kobe, Gianna, and everyone else on that chopper.
My prayers are with everyone.
Tom Edrington
Kobe’s accidental death reminds us we are all vulnerable humans, even the rich and famous…..I’m hoping he didn’t coerce the pilot to fly in bad conditions….that helicopter should never have left they ground and they should have taken a limo to the facility…..will be interesting to see what the investigation concludes…..also, the sad fact is Kobe’s estate will be hit with some major wrongful death lawsuits due to that crash…
baxter cepeda
Hopefully Kobe’s wife takes care of the other families.
But I don’t see how Kobe has any fault. Even if he pestered to fly it’s the pros responsibility to make the call. They had an established relationship so it wasn’t like the pilot was star struck and under pressure.
It’s just one of those things.
Helicopters crash in Hawaii all the time.
I have choppers on the same level as motorcycles…avoid. Avoid. Avoid.
Tom Edrington
I was sitting with a PI attorney this week, asked about it….he said the wrongful death lawsuits will be “HUGE”