NBA 2013

Los Angeles, CA

The memorabilia issue that dented the relationship between Kobe Bryant and his parents has been ironed out, after the latter issued an apology to the Los Angeles Lakers superstar.

Bryant also reached a deal with the company that will auction off the memorabilia one week before they were scheduled to go to trial in New Jersey.

According to Goldin Auctions president Ken Goldin, the deal allows the sale of six items that he believes could sell for more than $500,000 combined.

Earlier, Bryant's parents, who had contracted with Goldin to sell the items, apologized in a written statement.

"We regret our actions and statements related to the Kobe Bryant auction memorabilia," Joe and Pamela Bryant said in the statement provided by a publicist. "We apologize for any misunderstanding and unintended pain we have caused our son and appreciate the financial support he has provided over the years."

"We also apologize to Goldin Auctions for their inadvertent involvement in this matter and thank them for their assistance," the statement added.

Bryant sued Goldin after learning that it was planning to sell some of his memorabilia consigned to the company by his mother, Pamela.

Goldin then filed its own lawsuit, maintaining that Pamela was the owner of the items and revealing that the company had already given her an advance of $450,000 to pay for a new home for Bryant's father, Joe, and herself in Las Vegas.

Goldin did not divulge the terms of the settlement but 90 percent of what was previously offered has been pulled off the table. However, the remaining ones are some of the most highly coveted items.

"We're offering very rare Kobe Bryant memorabilia," Goldin said. "And for many of these items, this is the only place you'll ever see things like this."

Included in the auction will be two of Bryant's high school uniforms and two rings celebrating the 2000 Lakers championship team that were gifted at the time to Bryant's parents. The ring gifted to his father, Joe, Goldin notes, comes in the same size as the ring presented to Kobe (11½).

Bidding will start June 17 and close July 19. The auction also includes what Goldin says is the only existing bat from Jackie Robinson's 1949 MVP-winning season.

 

 

 

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Kobe Bryant Memorabilia Issue Ironed Out