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Darius Slay Says Kobe Bryant "Gave Me a Lot of Encouraging Words"

Darius Slay and other Pro Bowlers found out about the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant just prior to the start of Pro Bowl

John Maakaron

The sports world is mourning the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.

Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay has often let it be known he was a fan of Bryant.

Slay was interviewed by Jenna Laine of ESPN, and he expressed that all the Pro Bowlers found out about Bryant's death just prior to kickoff. 

"He gave me a lot of encouraging words," Slay told Laine. 

The two had bet back in 2014.

Similar to NBA athletes who found it difficult to play on a day like today, Slay expressed that "it took a lot" to actually play in the Pro Bowl today.

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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