The Sports Academy said the name change 'was a mutual agreement made in accordance with the wishes of estate.' The statement added: 'Thank you for respecting that decision in these turbulent times.' Sports Academy is still here to support current professionals and guide the next generation of athletes.' 'Sports Academy's mission remains unchanged. 'Today, with respect for an unparalleled legacy, the Academy will retire the 'Mamba' in the Mamba Sports Academy name - to raise it to the rafters, where it belongs,' the organization said in a statement. The group was flying to see a basketball tournament at the academy when the helicopter crashed in the hills northwest of Los Angeles on a foggy day. Bryant had led the organization before he, his teen daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in a January helicopter crash. The Mamba Sports Academy announced Tuesday that it has dropped the 'Mamba' name to respect the wishes of Kobe Bryant's family. NBA legend Kobe Bryant dies in California helicopter crash at age 41 05:52
