Photo Credit: Christian Petersen | Getty Images
This past Monday, celebrities, athletes, family members, and others gathered at the Staples Center to celebrate the life of the late great Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gigi, and the seven other victims that lost their lives a month ago. Those who attended the memorial service received a special edition t-shirt and program featuring memorable photos of the Lakers legend and his loving daughter.
Once the service ended, some people who attended went on eBay to post the merchandise and started selling both the t-shirt and the program for thousands of dollars. One seller was bidding the t-shirt for over $2,000 while another person offered the public a “Kobe memorial” bundle pack (which included the shirt and the program) that went for over $3,000.
Those items, along with other listings involving the service, were quickly taken down from the site by eBay representatives. eBay had actually sent an email to one of the sellers saying, “Please note, due to sudden and tragic passing of Kobe Bryant- eBay has made the decision to prohibit the sale of merchandise, images, and mugs relating to their passing. We do not allow listings that attempt to profit from human tragedy or suffering.”
The site will still allow users to sell other Kobe memorabilia such as shoes, autographed items, and jerseys. Thankfully, eBay has paid their respects to Kobe and his family in the best way possible. Rest in Peace Kobe, Gigi, and the seven other victims that lost their lives last month.
Co-written by Isaiah Castaneda.