Nike's Online Store Sold Out Of Kobe Bryant Products

Nike Inc. NKE has sold out of all gear related to Kobe Bryant from its online stores.

"A Nike spokesman said on Tuesday that the merchandise had sold out and clarified the company didn’t remove Kobe Bryant products or ask retailers to send them back," according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.

On Monday, ESPN reported the Nike online story stopped selling products related to Bryant in an effort to stop resellers from hoarding the gear to sell at surged prices.

Kobe Bryant, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers for 20 years, died Sunday in a helicopter crash, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others.

What Happened

A search for "Kobe" or "Kobe Bryant" on Nike's website now redirects to a memorial statement, the same as displayed on the website's homepage.

"Along with millions of athletes and fans throughout the world, we are devastated by today's tragic news. We extend our deepest sympathies to those closest to Kobe and Gianna, especially their family and friends," the statement reads.

"He was a beloved member of the Nike family. We will miss him greatly. Mamba forever."

Bryant had a long association with Nike, ever since he first signed a four-year $40 million contract with the sports apparel maker in 2003.

"I'm telling you, it was like when Harry Potter landed in Hogwarts," Bryant said of his association with Nike, in an interview with Sole Collector in 2014.

In an interview with Complex two years later, Bryant said he was "extremely, extremely thankful," to have Nike CEO Mark Parker as one of his mentors.

This story has been updated since it was originally published.

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