Kobe Bryant Had Cut His Sister Off Financially, But He Had A Great Explanation For Doing It

Gettyimages | Ronald Martinez

Prior to his death, Kobe Bryant's sisters -- Sharia Washington and Shaya Tabb -- were not well known by most people, but since the tragedy the public has come to know them better. One story that's resurfacing is about how Bryant cut them off financially, and his subsequent reasoning for doing so.

Gettyimages | Rob Carr

Bryant viewed the decision as a way of actually helping his sisters. "They're very smart, college-educated [women]," he said, and added that he was "really proud of them.

"They were able to get their own jobs, get their own lives, take care of themselves. Now they have a better sense of self, of who they are as people, instead of being resentful because they were relying on me," he continued.

Bryant talked more about it in 2016, when he wrote an essay for The Player’s Tribune, titled "Letter to My Younger Self."

"Purely giving material things to your siblings and friends may appear to be the right decision," he wrote. "You love them, and they were always there for you growing up, so it’s only right that they should share in your success and all that comes with it. So you buy them a car, a big house, pay all of their bills. You want them to live a beautiful, comfortable life, right?"

"But the day will come when you realize that as much as you believed you were doing the right thing, you were actually holding them back," he continued. "Understand that you are about to be the leader of the family, and this involves making tough choices, even if your siblings and friends do not understand them at the time. Invest in their future, don’t just give."

Bryant's sisters issued a statement about the tragic death of their brother, who passing a helicopter crash on January 26.

"On behalf of our family, we join Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka and Capri in grieving the loss of Kobe and Gianna in such a tragic accident."

They added: "We are devastated by the loss of our brother, son, our niece and granddaughter, and our hearts go out to all the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday. Our lives are forever changed. Thank you for your prayers, the numerous calls, texts, emails and cards."

Bryant's wife, Vanessa, also released a heart warming statement about the loss of her husband and their 13-year-old daughter Gianna.

"My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time," Vanessa began her post. "Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them. We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri."