Today in History: January 26, Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna and seven others die in helicopter crash
On Jan. 26, 2020, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others were killed when their helicopter plunged into a steep hillside in dense morning fog in Southern California; the former Lakers star was 41.
In 1887, groundbreaking began for the construction of the Eiffel Tower; the tower would be completed just over two years later.
In 1905, the Cullinan Diamond, at 3,106 carats (621.2 g) the largest diamond ever found, was discovered in South Africa.
In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act establishing Rocky Mountain National Park.
In 1950, the Constitution of India took effect, making the country the world's largest democratic republic.
In 1993, Václav Havel was elected president of the newly formed Czech Republic.
In 1998, President Bill Clinton forcefully denied having an affair with a former White House intern, telling reporters, 'I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.'READ THE CURRENT TOP STORIES
A 2,000-year-old statue is found abandoned in a garbage bag in Greece
Florida lawmakers head to Tallahassee for Special Session Monday
Florida man arrested for making online threats against Trump near Mar-a-Lago
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New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
Victor Wembanyama shaves head as he takes retreat at China's Shaolin Temple
Victor Wembanyama is tapping into his inner monk. As part of an offseason excursion to China, the 7-foot-4 Spurs center is taking part in a 10-day retreat at the 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple. Photos of Wembanyama, 21, with a newly shaved head circulated on social media this week, and the NBA's China office confirmed that the Frenchman is at the Buddhist temple. Advertisement According to Spurs reporter Dusty Garza, Wemby is undergoing a 'journey of inner discipline, focus and mind-body harmony.' Wembanyama is readying for his third NBA season after he was diagnosed with season-ending blood clots in his right shoulder in February. Advertisement He enjoyed a terrific sophomore season until that point, earning an All-Star nod by averaging 24.3 points and 11 rebounds per game. But besides his dazzling play on the court, Wembanyama has endeared himself to fans through his quirky and sometimes nerdy persona. The 21-year-old is a proud bookworm — a fan of science fiction, to be specific — and he's also a chess lover who played with fans at Washington Square Park after San Antonio took on the Knicks and Nets in late December. But the foray into Buddhist monkhood is certainly Wembanyama's most notable off-court endeavor yet. Advertisement Spurs center Victor Wembanyama in a game against the Knicks on Dec. 25, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post Fans on social media had varying reactions to the news. 'This is the separation right here,' said one user on X. 'MVP otw.' 'We need to start calling him Zenbanyama,' wrote another. Advertisement Spurs center Victor Wembanyama chats with coach Gregg Popovich during a game on Dec. 13, 2023. AP Others were more skeptical about how useful the retreat would truly be, and a few couldn't help but make cracks about Aaron Rodgers, who took a four-day darkness retreat in 2023. 'Y'all hated when Aaron Rodgers did this,' said one user, with another posting: 'Is he turning into Aaron Rodgers?' The Spurs have yet to make a playoff appearance since drafting Wembanyama, but the franchise appears to be trending toward contention after making a deal for star point guard De'Aaron Fox at the trade deadline. When San Antonio does crack into the postseason, perhaps Wembanyama's newfound spiritual awakening will prove helpful.
NBC Sports
3 days ago
- NBC Sports
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama staying at Shaolin temple in China for a few days
Victor Wembanyama is in China, and it's not all about vacation. The San Antonio Spurs star is in the midst of what's expected to be a 10-day stay at a Shaolin temple in Zhengzhou, China. The temple is a place that welcomes visitors who wish to study Chan meditation, Shaolin Kung Fu, traditional Chinese medicine and more. The NBA China office confirmed that Wembanyama is at the temple, and some Chinese media also confirmed his presence there with the temple itself. 'Concentrate on training!' read part of a social media post on the NBA's Weibo account, which also revealed the plans for a 10-day stay. Then again, the secret was getting out through other social media means anyway. Spurs Fam，Wemby is out for his morning run! @spurs #WembyDaily #update Some photos of Wembanyama with a shaved head - it wasn't shaved when he arrived in China - and wearing a robe similar to the other monks began widely circulating this week. One of the photos showed the 7-foot-4 center sitting on a Chinese style chair in front of multiple Buddha sculptures. Perhaps the 'tallest monk' in history, both ancient and modern. During a private visit to China, San Antonio Spurs basketball player Victor Wembanyama had his head shaved at the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, donned monastic robes, and shared a vegetarian meal, preparing for… There evidently was some sightseeing going on earlier in the trip as well. .@wemby exploring China! 'Victor Wembanyama, live from China, on the Great Wall itself, having an amazing time. It's crazy,' he said on a video posted to Instagram by the Spurs' account and others. Wembanyama is expected back in the U.S. in the coming weeks and likely will be with the Spurs' delegation that goes to the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas next month. The Spurs, like many teams, often have many players on their NBA roster with the summer league team for various events. The 21-year-old Frenchman led the NBA in blocked shots during the regular season, despite his season ending in February - just after his first All-Star Game appearance - because of deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. The Spurs are hopeful that he will be able to play when next season begins, and the French national team also has expressed hope that Wembanyama will be able to play for his country at this summer's European championships. Wembanyama was the league's rookie of the year last season and was widely expected to be a front-runner in this season's defensive player of the year race. He attempted 403 3-pointers and blocked 176 shots this season - no player in NBA history has ever finished a season with those numbers - and he was averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks and 3.7 assists when the DVT was detected. The only other player in NBA history to finish a season averaging all those numbers was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975-76.
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama heads to a temple in China for a few days
Victor Wembanyama is in China, and it's not all about vacation. The San Antonio Spurs star is in the midst of what's expected to be a 10-day stay at a Shaolin temple in Zhengzhou, China. The temple is a place that welcomes visitors who wish to study Chan meditation, Shaolin Kung Fu, traditional Chinese medicine and more. The NBA China office confirmed Wembanyama is at the temple, and some Chinese media also confirmed his presence there with the temple itself. 'Concentrate on training!' read part of a social media post on the NBA's Weibo account, which also revealed the plans for a 10-day stay. Then again, the secret was getting out through other social media means anyway. Some photos of Wembanyama with a shaved head — it wasn't shaved when he arrived in China — and wearing a robe similar to the other monks began widely circulating on social media this week. One of the photos showed the 7-foot-4 center sitting on a Chinese style chair in front of multiple Buddha sculptures. There evidently was some sightseeing going on earlier in the trip as well. 'Victor Wembanyama, live from China, on the Great Wall itself, having an amazing time. It's crazy," he said on a video posted to Instagram by the Spurs' account and others. Wembanyama is expected back in the U.S. in the coming weeks and will likely be with the Spurs' delegation that goes to the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas next month. The Spurs, like many teams, often have many players on their NBA roster with the summer league team for various events. The 21-year-old Frenchman led the NBA in blocked shots during the regular season, despite his season ending in February — just after his first All-Star Game appearance — because of deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. The Spurs are hopeful that he will be able to play when next season begins and the French national team has also expressed hope that Wembanyama will be able to play for his country at this summer's European championships. Wembanyama was the league's rookie of the year last season and was widely expected to be a front-runner in this season's defensive player of the year race. He attempted 403 3-pointers and blocked 176 shots this season — no player in NBA history has ever finished a season with those numbers — and he was averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks and 3.7 assists when the DVT was detected. The only other player in NBA history to finish a season averaging all those numbers was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975-76. ___
