John Salley Cries when Recounting the Moment He Learned Former Teammate Kobe Bryant Died (Part 2) 

Many tears dropped over Kobe and his daughter.

I've NEVER and I mean NEVER cried over the death of a celebrity., no disrespect to celebrities. I usually accept death as a part of life. But I've literally cried once a day for Kobe, GiGi, and the rest of the precious people aboard the helicopter. May they all rest in Heaven.

I just want my future daughter to look at her father the way Gianna looked at Kobe. He was her hero 🥺💔

Kobe was something special.

"So you’re gonna be the next Michael Jordan Nah imma be the first Kobe Bryant!" RIP KOBE

It still seems surreal. Aaliyah, MJ, Whitney, Nipsey, but this one hits differently...

Salley was touched by GOD he played with Isaiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Scottie Pippen, Micheal Jordan, Dennis Rodman, Kobe, Shaq! Coached by 2 HOf coaches Chuck Daily and Phil Jackson

The Aaliyah & Kobe tragedy are very similar and still very painful to accept. Two of the most heartbreaking incidents that will never be forgotten!! 😔💔

We all Grew up with Kobe Bryant this will hurt for a while. R.I.P. all 9 of those people.

RIP TO KOBE and sweet GIGI, and to all of the lives lost on that helicopter.

I think what more touching is that his daughter was in there with him, that was on a whole level of hurt right there. Condolences to the other families that died in there.

It’s been two years since we lost Kobe now and I still think about him every day. I have a framed poster of the 2010s NBA championship Lakers hanging up in my living room, my favorite athlete of all time hands-down. Rest in peace Kobe and thank you for everything you gave us.🙏

He didn't even get to enjoy his retirement

I can’t stop crying Kobe we love you gone but not forgotten

The more you interview him. The more of a fan i become. This dude is super down to earth and just a real one

Kobe is responsible for my teenage years.. I literally had been following him since 96 and I told people that he would be the next best thing to jordan and my classmates laughed at me. I'll forever miss that dude man..!! #MAMBAout!!😪😪🐍🐍

I praying for those that are grieving and that they have strength to get through this tragedy. The world lost great people that day.

*I wonder if Kobe held his daughter or just tried to prepare her that they're not gonna make it. I would've hugged my daughter and told her to close her eyes and don't be scared - I would've kept telling her how much I love her until the last second. The whole time I would've been scared but I wouldn't allow her to see my fear.*

This loss hits different... I feel it in my chest and didnt even know the man. And his daughter... Jesus... I shed a tear for all those lives lost and for the families; literally.

If you a 90’s baby, this man was our childhood. It was either Kobe, AI, D-wade, Carmelo or Lebron, growing up. This hit us hard. I’m still trying to process this unfortunate reality. Then, hearing his daughter on the plane just makes you paralyzed with Sadness. The other beautiful people on the helicopter that lost there life just adds more pain. As we all say life is too short. All we can do is Pray or Just hope all the families involved live a long life. LA took two big losses, with Nipsey passing. From the Bay to LA, we love y’all. Remember, Love All.

R.i.P Kobe and everyone thats involved 🙏🙏🙏🙏

R.I.P KOBE I CAN'T EVEN FATHOM WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO PASS WITH YOUR DAUGHTER😪😪😪😪

This really cut deep for all athletes that really know him we all been knowing him since he was 17 (mamba out) 🐐🐍

John Sally always seem so humble and sincere.🙏

Purple and gold for life 🙏🏽😢R.I.P Kobe

That’s crazy how he said “I do everything young” 😥 rih Kobe

John Salley is one of the most sincere and emotional players in the history of NBA basketball!

“So are you gonna be the next Michael Jordan?? “No, I will be the first Kobe Bryant”!!! Exactly right, a legend on his own right. R.I.P Kobe, thank you for the good memories.

LA will always remember Kobe and his daughter my prayers go out to the other families involve also Kobe to me has always been a top 3 player of all time his mid-range long range shooting footwork post game basketball IQ relentless his Will not being afraid of the moment his mentality was so tuff never took plays off or games when he was hurt playee through everything he's truly a great one top three

Respect John Salley Detroit loves you he's one of the original DETROIT BADBOYS !!!

It has been 10 months and I still cry when I see videos of Kobe playing. Wish we could turn back time!

I cried on and off for a month, I’m a grown man and undefeated pro boxer.. I say that to make the point I’m not to emotional, this was like I lost my big brother... never been hit like this by anyone’s death that I didn’t know well, rest up legends 🐐🐐🙏🏼

Watching this interview reminded me that Kobe spoke at Michael Jackson’s memorial service at the Staples Center in 2009. I was glued to the television. When I got the notification of Kobe’s death, I think I had almost the same shock as when MJ died.

I thought the same thing as Salley: after this , safety will be a priority instead of letting the celebrity rush to get to their destination. I think from now on when the LAPD grounds their own helicopters due to foggy weather , they'll ask others to do so.

It's just such a tragic way to go. And with his daughter too.

Aaliyahs's death did hit hard too. Unfortunately the 9/11 tragedy happened not too long after, like a week or so.

“I’mma be the 1st Kobe Bryant.” 💛💜💛💜 RIP Kobe.

Vlad is just not the person for interviews that need a certain amount of emotional intelligence. He always seems so condescendingly patronizing.

Kobe had a special spell over folks, when he died that energy died, that left us depressed.

What sick people could dislike this video? A true show of real emotion, get over yourself...RIP KOBE

RIP Kobe Bean Bryant 👑

Like everyone else People just didn't believe it..it was out of nowhere.

I've never seen salley this sad he is always smiling damn ima miss kobe 😑😑😑😪😪😪😪

I think everyone hugged their kids and significant other a little tighter on Sunday after this news. For a moment everyone took the time to show appreciation for their loved ones.

It was hella foggy all over L.A that whole weekend.. I remember driving and I couldn’t see shyt, thinking “this is hella weird, I’m feeling something bad gonna happen” 😔 RIP 🙏🏾🐍🐐💯

The most shocking thing about Kobe’s death was the sudden spring of the news. With MJ, they had a chance to bring him back as his death was only drugged induced and they just had to get his heart back working. With Kobe, he was gone right off the back, died in a fiery flight accident, no time to hope he pulls through.

R.I.P Kobe so much love and respect from Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 . You now with the ancestors.

Kobe Was Special....The Best I’ve Ever Seen.

It's crazy that he said it's like Aaliyah cause I literally haven't felt this heartbroken over a celebrity passing away since Aaliyah left us...

Yo...I'm not an emotional dude and I can count on my hands how many times I've actually cried as an adult..but yo..I been crying since I heard this shit...it's like a homie and his daughter got killed. Doesn't seem real STILL.I pray for all their souls. 🙏🏽😭

His little baby had so much life to live, honestly that gets me more than Kobe!

John Salley is easily one of my favorite interviews ever in any field. This is a thoughtful, smart guy who's thinking is different. To have him be so personally close to Kobe and to give us this means a lot. Best wishes to Kobe's basketball fam and most importantly to his blood family.

For some odd reason, I didn't touch my phone that entire Sunday. My mom called me and told me Kobe died in a helicopter crash. My first thought was I hope his children wasn't with him. Then she said his daughter was with him and broke down. The public display of love he showed his family was one thing, but the love he had for Gigi was in a class of its own. The bond was so strong, they left the world together. Haven't felt sadness like that for a celebrity ever! I'm still traumatized.

Is it strange that so many people can be saddened and heartbroken by the death of someone they never met? Makes you wonder how real a "connection" can be if you can be broken up by something like this but see people on the street suffering everyday. Life is strange like that I guess...

I have for love John Salley for his genuine love for people. God Bless you John and your family.

Kobe was the man plain n simple

I'm still struggling to digest this, and I wasn't a Kobe fan.

God bless you Mr. Salley. This is heavy. Praying for your comfort.

It was an honor & privilege to watch Kobe Bryant. My basketball hero.

i usually dont cry but Kobe'death hit me so hard i was shocked and cried like a baby

All I'm going to say is seeing john Sally tearing up recalling his memories of kobe is heartbreaking 😢💔

The Aaliyah reference is the closest situation i can relate this to, its just all so tragic. One thing I do want to correct though at 7:21, even though neither one of us were there, Im certain (years of research) Aailyah didnt personally pressure that pilot to take off KNOWING the plane was overloaded. There were handlers and executives all around her whose jobs were to handle those details. Her job was to complete the Rock the Boat video which she completed and did quite well. I had to say something because your platform is to big to put out mis-characterizations like that. It almost insinuates that she "deserved" that fate or "had it coming" because she pressured the pilot into a unsafe situation. And that's NOT what happened. Sorry, I had to digress.

You can tell by his movements... the way of not making eye contact.. him just looking around. That shows he really hurt. LONG LIVE KOBE 8/23 we got the same bday ❤️

KOBE made me better after he died. That's so powerful I could never say anything to show my gratitude so I show it with my children. That's the Mamba I choose to help his legend go on...

This man is so humble sorry to say that alot of ppl gush out THOSE fake tears ;not this guy ..#kobe4ever

I'm not even a fan of basketball or Kobe but I know how his fans feel my favorite pro athlete in my favorite sport and childhood hero passed away in 2001

Kobe, will truly be missed. He didn't just touch the fans, players who looked up to him, but he was an inspiration to the world. RIP Kobe and Gianni

was looking up Kobe Bryant motivation and ended up here. Almost 3 Years later and I'm still not over it. I think of Kobe everyday, it still hurts and is just as unbelievable today as it was when I first saw the news

Damn you can truly see the pain in John Salley eyes 👀

This will hurt forever😞🙏🏾

There will NEVER be a more respected celebrity/athlete. I can't explain it.

Listening to John Salley talk about basketball players from time to time is just gold. This man is a true NBA insider. In my opinion, John Salley is a legend storyteller!

i don't want to even imagine their last moments no one deserves to die that way

Rip King and princess and others

Very noble of him to do this interview so soon after it happened. I was a wreck for a month and I didn’t know him. I can’t imagine being his teammate.

I'm still in disbelief this is a hard pill to swallow 😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥💛💛💜💜 #8 #24 #2 Rest In Heavenly Peace Kobe & Ginna Bryant

The re-enactment of the flight is so crazy.

John Salley a class act. Awesome man!

John, you are as real as it gets. Thanks for being you. Your words make the world a better place

I never met Kobe and I even cried he was one of my favorite players he was such an inspiration to be the best version of yourself I wore number 24 when I played high school basketball and work an arm band on my left arm just like him he was my role model I wish I got to meet him

I guarantee everyone will remember where they was at when they heard or saw the news of Kobe and Gianna.

This shit really hurts! For some reason I cried and felt a connection with Kobe even though I never met him but my heart goes out to Vanessa and her daughters and the Bryant family and the families of the passengers. He was and still one of the most amazing basketball players I ever seen. He is the reason why I loved basketball in the first place. His daughter, Gianna was going to carry his legacy but unfortunately and sadly she was on that plane as well. RIP Kobe and Gianna and the 7 other passengers.

doesn't matter if ur a MJ ...Lebron or Kobe fan ...always had respect for Kobes game... i never met Kobe but this tragedy deeply saddened me as if i knew him ...much respect to his legacy...rest in power to all the victims and God bless their families

I swear, Kobe & Gianna still make me cry thinking about it and it's been months since the crash happened. That's how much impact Kobe made on people. I'm 32 years old and watched Kobe's whole career. I usually would hate on everyone that didn't play for my Detroit Pistons, but I could never hate on Kobe, Jordan, Iverson, Vince Carter, Tim Duncan & Dirk. Those guys just balled out for their squads and I respected their game. RIP Kobe & Gianna 🙏

God bless the dead... U never know and that void is more scary than anything....

Thank you, John, for Sharing. You guys, must, assure your safety, when, traveling !!

Lost Ali, big, and princess diana but this is devastating! I still catch myself crying. He was my hero, 5 years older and it NEVER crossed my mind we would lose him this young this way! It's hard even watching Salley talk about him. Mamba, your a god now brother! Love you big bro 😭😭😭😭

R.I.P to my hero, on and off the court! 😇🙁

He’s right about Aaliyah. Feels exactly like 2001 (9/11) all over again.

Why did Vlad always sound so condescendingly jovial when talking about subjects that are emotionally tough for the guests? That is one couch I wouldn't like to sit and the guy I wouldn't talk to ever..

I was a fan and I was always lost but people like Kobe showed me the way

Even if Kobe told the pilot to keep going (which I’m sure he didn’t at that point cause I’m sure it must have been nerve racking being in the air for that long) the pilot should’ve just landed at the Burbank airport when he was right over. For these not familiar with the area, the Burbank/Glendale Area is pretty much the flattest part of Southern California so the pilot didn’t need to worry about running into mountains or hills and visibility is the least problematic in that area. Kobe owns the facility, they could’ve delayed it. He should’ve never taken off in the first place. They even teach Navy pilots who only fly over the ocean not to fly in fog and they have modern military technology. This helicopter was made in 1991. Kobe was literally GiGi’s age when it was made. They legit went on a suicide mission to try to make a kid’s basketball game on time and all died in one of the worst ways possible. That’s what infuriates and makes it seem so surreal to so many people.

Next week the fake love is over. RIP to everybody that has died and is going to die. It sucks whenever ANYBODY DIES

Still makes me tear up thinking about it again. RIP Kobe. Love you, and thank you for all the great memories and motivation you provided to the world.

John you have an infectious smile and an amazing storyteller.

RIP TO KOBE BEAN BRYANT..MAN THIS SHIT IS JUST SAD..MAY GOD ALSO BLESS HIS DAUGHTER AND THE 7 OTHER PEOPLE ON THAT HELICOPTER RIP TO EVERYONE 😭😭😭😭

We all saw this interview coming from a mile away. Next it'll be Matt Barnes followed by Kobe related interviews all year.

I cried too!!! Never knew Kobe but sports brings everyone together, no matter what race you are!! I cried 😭😭!!! Kobe was my Jordan

Kobe’s passing has brought so many different ppl closer ❤️ were all mourning together, for all the lives lost in this tragic time. Prayers for all the families involved. Lord be their strength for healing. Peace and love everyone, we love you Kobe!

The pilot should’ve called Kobe even before the flight and said “Kobe I apologize but it’s way too foggy to head up on the chopper this morning because of visibility. To be safe let’s just drive up early. In my heart of hearts I believe Kobe would understand. Everyone lives...the tournament games start a bit late and everyone haves a great time. Hindsight is 20/20 tho😢