Mamba Sports Academy Removes 'Mamba' from Its Name to Honor Late Kobe Bryant

Mamba Sports Academy will now revert to the name it was called, "Sports Academy," at its inception in 2016. The Sports company was established by Chad Faulkner, with the sole purpose of elevating human performance.

In 2018, the Academy joined forces with the late NBA legend, Kobe, which made the company adopt the moniker "Mamba." Since then, the Academy's stock has risen, while it continues to make desired impacts.

On Tuesday, May 12, the sports academy issued a statement which was signed by the CEO Chad Faulkener, notifying the public that the company would be rebranding itself barely four months after the death of the basketball player.

One of the first changes that have been made is a change of name which the company explains was done out of respect to Kobe Bryant. The statement read in part:

"Today, with respect for an unparalleled legacy, the Academy will retire the "Mamba" in the Mamba Sports Academy name—to raise it to the rafters, where it belongs."

The development has generated a lot of confusion from fans and followers of Kobe, and rightly so. Kobe was heavily involved in the activities of the Academy, and many supporters argue that he would have preferred to have his name remain so that it could attract more young athletes.

But in the statement released on Tuesday, the Academy revealed that the decision to drop the "Mamba" moniker was per the wishes of Kobe's estate.

He played twenty seasons for the LA Lakers and won five NBA championships.

On January 26, the retired NBA legend was on his way to one of the Academy's facilities in Thousand Oaks, California with his daughter Gianna and seven others, when

Kobe's death sent shock waves across the globe with tributes coming in recognition of his contribution to the round leather game, on and off the court. Faulkner during an interview with ESPN's "The Undefeated" said:

"We were fortunate to learn from Kobe. We will carry on much of those learnings that we have in a respectful way."

Kobe Bryant remains one of the most respected players in the history of the NBA. During his hugely successful career, he played twenty seasons for the LA Lakers and won five NBA championships.

The Black Mamba moniker was adopted by Kobe Bryant back in 2003, and it stayed with him for much of his career.

At this time, there has been no official response from Kobe's family. The former LA Lakers player is survived by his wife, Vanessa Bryant and three daughters, Natalia, Bianka Bella and Capri. Shortly, after his death, Vanessa Bryant filed a lawsuit against the helicopter company.

Even though the iconic player's life was cut short with so much yet to give, he had already given so much, and his legacy will continue to live in the hearts of many.