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1999

Issue 12/August 8, 1999

On August 25th at Georgia State University, N'Sync will be throwing a charity basketball game. N'Sync has named the charity "Challenge for the Children." It will start at around 7:00 PM, and will end around 11:00 PM. The money raised for this event will be donated to a hospital for women and children. Some of the definite guests will be Dennis Scott, Chris Webber, Antwan Jamison, Brian McKnight, Jermaine Dupri, Busta Rhymes, Jordan Knight, BLACKstreet, and 112. Other invited guests are Method Man, Redman, Gary Payton, Reggie Miller, Chris Tucker, Tyrese, Carson Daly, Mase, and of course; Kobe Bryant. MTV, FOX, and NBA Inside Stuff are expected to have exclusive coverage on the charity basketball game. All tickets are going to be sold through Ticketmaster, and local radio station giveaways.

On August 12th, FOX will air the Teen Choice Awards, that should start at 8:00PM (Eastern time). One of the special guests will be Kobe Bryant, so check your local TV Guide for listings in your area.

Earlier in July, ADIDAS Online had a chatroom with special guest Kobe Bryant. In the chatroom, hundreds of children asked Kobe questions about his career, his opinions on life, and etc. Kobe told thousands of viewers from all over the globe, all about his life. He closing comment was "You can be whatever you want to be and can accomplish whatever you want to accomplish. Never settle for anything less than your best. Respect yourself, by not using alcohol or drugs. Live every day like it is your last. Thanks for signing on. God bless you all. Peace!!!"
- By: Krystal

One more bit of news from Molly...Recently Kobe appeared at the 10th annual Pediatric AIDS Foundation Carnival with many other big names. Celebs interacted with many kids playing games at various booths.

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Issue 13/August 23, 1999

On August 12 FOX aired the 1999 Teen Choice Awards. In the category of Choice Male Athlete Kobe beat Michael Jordan, Mark McGwire, and Tiger Woods. Instead of the usual award show trophy, real surf boards were given out, proving the pure uniqueness of this award show.

The Source Hip Hop Awards took place on Wednesday, August 16 and were aired on UPN Friday, August 18. Moesha star Brandy hosted the pre-show, talking to guests as they arrived for the show. One of these guests was Kobe. I missed this part, but I heard that Brandy majorly flirted with him, but did manage to ask him about his family. At the actual award show Kobe introduced performer Lauryn Hill.

Monday, August 23 is Kobe's 21st birthday! Of course this is a very big day for him, but he's still staying busy. Wednesday, August 25 Kobe will participate in a charity basketball game hosted by 'N Sync. The game will be played at Georgia State University in Atlanta. Guests for the game include Jermaine Dupri, 112, Busta Rhymes, Brian McKnight, BLACKstreet, Jordan Knight, Chris Webber, Antawn Jamison, and Dennis Scott. MTV, NBA Inside Stuff, and FOX are all expected to have coverage of the basketball game.
- By: Amber

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Issue 14/September 3, 1999

Recently Kobe took part in the N Sync Challenge for the Children. The Knights beat the Daze 96-87. Kobe was on the Daze. I read that Justin Timberlake scored on Kobe (haha), If you go to http://www.nsync.com you can view some video clips, but I am not sure if Kobe is in any of them because my computer is not downloading them properly. This event raised more than $100,000 for the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Women in Orlando, Florida and the Atlanta Hawks Foundation.

Tonight FOX is re-airing the Teen Choice Awards for an hour. I do not know if they will show the part when Kobe won the award since it is only an hour, but watch it if you want.
- By: Molly

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Issue 15/September 17, 1999

The 2nd Annual 'Kobe Bowl' (That's right...bowling!) is coming up on the 18th. It will benefit charity. 'N SYNC, Cindy Crawford, Alyssa Milano, and some NBA players will be there. Kobe has some auctions on E-Bay, a few were to be at this event, but those auctions already ended. You can still get some other things and signed Kobe stuff, and it will benefit charity. Kobe also says he is releasing a CD next year! To view his auctions, go here.
- By: Molly

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Issue 16/October 17, 1999

Last Thursday at the Lakers first exhibition game of the season, Kobe broke a bone in his right hand. While going up for a rebound Kobe's hand was hit by an elbow. He continued to play for 30 minutes, without realizing what had happened. The next morning he complained of pain, and had the doctors examine the hand. X-rays showed he had broken the fourth metacarpal bone, and will be out at least 6 weeks.

Kobe is in the new Destiny's Child video "Bug A Boo." The group walks into a men's gym and spots Kobe sitting on a bench.

This past off-season Kobe worked on his first CD. He told an LA radio station that the album had been completed a few weeks prior to the interview. No release date has been set.
- By: Amber

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Issue 17/November 6, 1999

As everyone knows Kobe is still out with a broken hand. The earliest date he could come back on is November 24. That night the Lakers play at home against Utah, which will be televised on TBS. Kobe is on the cover of Sports Illustrated with Shaq and Phil. The picture is of Phil looking into a glass ball that has Shaq and Kobe inside. Kobe is also on the cover of TV Guide, which is part of a preview of the 1999-2000 season. Here is a picture of the cover of SI--- Sports Illustrated
- By: Amber

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Issue 18/November 21, 1999

Hopeful thoughts of Kobe returning back into the Lakers lineup before Thanksgiving, were ruled out this week, when he was reexamined by team physician Dr. Steve Lombardo."The bone isn't completely healed yet," Lakers spokesman John Black said. "If someone hits him on the hand, he could fracture the bone again. He's dribbling, he's shooting, he [just] can't have any contact."Kobe is expected to miss an additional five games, but could be cleared before the Lakers game at Seattle on Nov. 30.

Kobe is now on the cover of SLAM magazine, which has great pictures of him. The article talks about things from how Kobe feels when he doesn't play, as well as the many possible father figures in his life. He is also in some new commercials, including one for Spalding, the indoor/outdoor ball, and another one for a new video game (NBA Courtside 2), in which Kobe complains the "someone stole my moves." Also, Kobe's CD "Visions" will be out in February.

The NBA All-Star 2000 ballot is out now! You can vote online at NBA Allstar 2000 Ballot or at NBA arenas. Kobe is among the west guards, so make sure you vote for him. You are allowed to vote online once a day.
- By: Amber

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Issue 19/December 5, 1999

YES, it's what all you KOBE fans have been waiting for. An OFFICIAL Kobe Bryant website! Yes he's had KobeBryant.com for a while but the site is totally changed. The site is now on Athlete Direct- Where Athletes and Fans interact. It's just getting started but it looks good so far. There is even an official "Kobe Klub" where you have the options of joining as a Rookie, All-Star, or MVP. I'm probably going to join as a rookie because I'm always low on cash :). A lot of the stuff on the site is from Kobe himself so this is a MUST SEE! Just go to http://www.kobebryant.com and you're in! Trust me, you'll love it...AD has the best Athlete websites. Kobe wrote his second journal on December 3rd, basically saying he's glad to be back and answering some fan questions. You can submit your own questions for him too. His first journal was about his injury.

Kobe is once again having an EBay auction. Some of the items are meeting Kobe, autographed jerseys and posters, and the cast he recently wore..autographed. Things aren't going cheap though! See for yourself at EBay member kbryant@athletedirect.com. If you're into video games, checkout Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside 2.

As you all know by now, Kobe came back from injury on December 1, 1999 vs. the Warriors and scored 19 points off the bench. And on Dec. 3rd vs the Blazers he scored 23 points. Well he seems to be doing ok but here's what he said "I expect to be rusty for a little bit, I haven't played in so long."

And our last bit of news is that Eddie Jones mentioned Kobe in his live chat on nba.com a few weeks ago. Here's what he said:
What's your greatest personal sports moment?
Eddie Jones at 11:19am ET
I would say when I was in L.A. and the Lakers traded for Kobe. To this day, we're the best of friends, and I wanted him there so bad that I told the Lakers how good he was. I just wanted to have him there and teach him the game a little bit.
- By: Molly

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Issue 20/December 19, 1999

This past week Kobe bought a 50 percent share of Olympia Milano, the Milan team his father once played for. "That's my home. That's where I developed a lot of my love for the game. This is something I've always wanted to do, and it's just great that it has happened," Bryant said after the Lakers' Tuesday morning shoot-around. "I've always wanted to raise my family in Italy. When my NBA career is over, hopefully I'll be there," Bryant added.

Kobe's father, Joe Bryant, will be the executive vice president of the team, and the Bryant family will be responsible for running the operation. Pasquale Caputo, who bought the team earlier this year, retains 50 percent ownership. Kobe plans to spend several weeks each summer in Milan working with his father and with corporate partners, as well as making appearances. Olympia Milano has won 25 Italian championships, but the team has a 5-8 record now. The Bryants already have signed former NBA guard Pooh Richardson, to try to turn the franchise around.

Kobe will be on the Russ Parr & Olivia Fox show, which is on 93.9 WKYS in the DC/MD/VA area, on Monday morning between 7-10 AM. Kobe is also featured in the December 1999 issue of GQ magazine in an article about youngsters skipping college for the NBA.

On Kobe's very own website he responds to some fan questions...here are a few:
To Natdog, who said he's going to, "take me to school," my question to you: Are you a bus driver?
To Layla who asked about the CD: You got it right. The release date is February 2000. And Tyra will be singing on the first single off the CD. And to all the ladies who asked, Tyra is my friend. People already know that she's attractive and intelligent, but she also has a beautiful singing voice that will surprise everyone.
In response to the question from me2u: I'm flattered by the attention from female fans. It's a compliment, but sometimes it can get a little out of control. When the single comes out, you'll understand a little better where I'm coming from. Am I dating? Yes. Am I in a serious relationship? No.
Chelsdogg, if I had gone to college, I would have majored in business, international business.
- By: Amber

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Update/December 23, 1999

As we told you last issue, Kobe was on the radio in my area (DC/MD/VA). He talked about his upcoming CD, Italy, and if he was dating anyone. I'll be sending some sound clips out as downloads in future issues and for now here is the basic news I gathered.
-Kobe's first single from his upcoming CD (Visions) will be called "K-O-B-E" and will feature singing by Tyra Banks. The remix of "K-O-B-E" will be in Italian!
-Kobe's not seeing anyone and hasn't talked to Brandy in a "long long time".

The last bit of Kobe news we have for you in this update is that Kobe's currently in 3rd place for All-Star voting among Western Conference Guards. This week the NBA released the first tally of votes for the 2000 All-Star game.
Western Conference Guards:
Jason Kidd, Phoenix, 165,727; Gary Payton, Seattle, 146,360; Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers, 142,328; Jason Williams, Sacramento, 140,432; Anfernee Hardaway, Phoenix, 90,791; John Stockton, Utah, 42,151; Damon Stoudamire, Portland, 40,840; Steve Smith, Portland, 38,513; Steve Francis, Houston, 34,721; Michael Finley, Dallas, 29,375.
- By: Molly

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