Kobe Bryant gives shirt off back for youth fishing program
Kobe Bryant isn't a fisherman but a jersey he signed and donated to the 976-TUNA Youth Fishing Program sold for $775 at last week's Fred Hall's Fishing Tackle and Boat Show at the Long Beach Convention Center.
During the show's five-day run, fishermen were able to bid on various items, including Los Angeles Lakers memorabilia. Former player and current assistant coach Brian Shaw, and ex-player Flynn Robinson, have been ambassadors for the program for the past several years.
976-TUNA founder Philip Friedman said about $10,000 was raised for a program that treats inner-city and disadvantaged children to saltwater fishing excursions.
The top Lakers item was an "MVP Canvass" featuring signed renditions and photographs of Bryant, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal.
Surprisingly, signed jerseys of Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Derek Fisher received no bids. Jordan Farmar's jersey sold for $400.
About $4,000 was raised through a wheel-spin for a $5,000 diamond donated by Newport Jewelers. It was claimed by Ventura's Erika Simo.
-- Pete Thomas
Photo courtesy of 976-TUNA
