Tiger Woods did not know why fans in the gallery at the Farmer’s Insurance Open on Sunday were making Kobe Bryant references, but the 15-time major champion received the devastating news immediately after he finished playing.
It wasn’t until he put the finishing touches on his final round at Torrey Pines that Tiger learned Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna died in a tragic helicopter crash on Sunday morning. Woods said he heard fans telling him to “do it for Mamba,” but he was unsure of why.
Tiger Woods shared his thoughts on the sudden passing of Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/jnCOzh1WBW
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) January 26, 2020
Woods and Kobe have a lot in common as two of the most important athletes in their respective sports. Tiger spoke about how much he respected the way Kobe competed.
“He burned so competitively hot and had a desire to win,” Woods said. “He brought it each and every night on both ends of the floor. Not too many guys can say that in NBA history.”
Tiger also mentioned how much he admired when Kobe ruptured his Achilles and still went to the free throw line. Considering how many major injuries Tiger has battled back from in his career, it’s understandable that he appreciated that level of toughness from Bryant.
Woods is not the first iconic athlete to share his thoughts on Kobe’s passing, and he won’t be the last. The death of Kobe and his daughter has rocked the sports world and beyond.
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Other victims of the helicopter crash:
– John Altobelli, junior college baseball coach, also died in helicopter crash
– Christina Mauser, girls’ basketball coach, among the helicopter crash victims
Tributes to Kobe:
– Dallas Mavericks retire Kobe Bryant’s No. 24 jersey
– Video: Raptors, Spurs start game with amazing tribute to Kobe Bryant
– Shaq posts heartfelt tribute to Kobe Bryant
– Michael Jordan releases statement on death of ‘little brother’ Kobe Bryant
– Video: Doc Rivers breaks down crying talking about Kobe Bryant
– Phil Jackson calls Kobe Bryant ‘a chosen one’ in statement on his death
– NBA commissioner Adam Silver issues statement on death of Kobe Bryant
– Video: Dwyane Wade posts emotional message reacting to Kobe Bryant’s death
– Kendrick Perkins extends olive branch to Kevin Durant after Kobe Bryant’s death
– Video: Emotional Mike Breen sums up NBA world’s emotions about Kobe Bryant’s death
– Trae Young’s huge game was full of Kobe Bryant-related statistical coincidences
More coverage:
– Media errors, rumors, poor judgment run rampant in reporting of Kobe Bryant news
– Kobe Bryant checked in on Shaq’s son Shareef morning of helicopter crash
– No, Rick Fox did not die in helicopter crash that killed Kobe, Gianna Bryant
– Lakers fans start memorial to Kobe Bryant outside Staples Center
– Kobe Bryant’s last tweet was congratulating LeBron James on passing him
– Sports world stunned over Kobe Bryant news
– Kobe Bryant dies in helicopter crash – dead at 41
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