“I know you’re ready for this moment,” was Leipold’s response, Bryant said. And yes, even though his first name is spelled differently, his namesake is the late Kobe Bryant.

The former walk-on, who played for Kobe Bryant with the Mamba Academy, soaked in the moment with her jubilant teammates. The timing, she said, felt like a sign. “I look at it as like a gift from ...

A year ago it would have seemed bananas and nuts to consider a big long-term deal for defensive back Coby Bryant. After trying and failing as an outside cornerback and in the slot, it seems he ...