Kobe Bryant Cancels ESPN Panel Due to ‘Family Matter’
Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant canceled a highly-anticipated appearance at ESPN’s panel on Friday, citing “family matters.”
Bryant had been scheduled to present his new basketball analysis show “Details” at the Television Critics Association press tour.
“We were told by his person he had a family matter to deal with,” a spokesperson for ESPN told TheWrap.
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A rep for Bryant did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the nature of the family situation.
Bill Wolff, vice president, studio production for ESPN shared the news with reporters ahead of the panel for the network’s upcoming new morning show, “Get Up!” Co-host Michelle Beadle was also sidelined from the panel due to a severe case of the flu.
ESPN’s Mike Greenberg and Jalen Rose were on hand to entertain the audience and dish on Greeny’s latest endeavor after co-hosting “Mike and Mike” for 18 years. “Get Up!” launches from New York on April 2.
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ESPN
As for “Details,” that show is aimed at fans, current NBA players and coaches, and is written, produced and hosted by Bryant. A collaboration with his Granity Studios, it will air on ESPN in March 2018.
“Studying game film is how the best get better. It’s the university for a master’s degree in basketball,” Bryant said in a statement provided by ESPN. “I learned how to study film from the best coaches of all time – Phil Jackson and Tex Winter. ‘Detail’ provides an opportunity to teach that skill to the next generation on large platform with ESPN.”
“Detail” will have a 15-episode run and will air during the back half of the 2017-2018 NBA season, concluding with The Finals. The show is aimed at young athletes, current NBA players and coaches looking for deeper analysis of an athlete’s in-game execution.
“Having an all-time great like Kobe share the same analysis he offers current players will be a tutorial for elite athletes around the world and the ultimate inside access for viewers,” Kevin Wildes, ESPN vice president, original content, said.
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Bryant also currently has an Oscars short contender to his name with “Dear Basketball,” which he created with animator Glen Keane.
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'Dear Basketball' Makes the Shortlist — Will Kobe Bryant Get to the Oscars?
