From Kobe to Maradona, a year of staggering losses in sports
Not long after came a seismic jolt, the helicopter crash of Kobe Bryant in the fog-shrouded California hills that reverberated across sports and across continents. Deep into the year, a bookend to Bryant, Diego Maradona died from a heart attack in Argentina weeks after brain surgery, the waves of grief rippling across soccer. The losses, of course, came against a backdrop of a pandemic, its number of fatalities rolled out daily on TV screens. Niekro won 318 games and pitched until he was 48, his knuckleball dancing and mystifying batters across the decades. Kurt Thomas in 1978 became the first U.S. male gymnast to win a world title but lost an Olympic shot in 1980 because of the boycott.
HOF linebacker, pass rush great Kevin Greene dies at 58
Greene died Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, the family confirmed, as did the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He played for Los Angeles Rams (1985–1992), Pittsburgh Steelers (1993–1995), Carolina Panthers (1996, 1998-99) and San Francisco 49ers (1997). “We lost an amazing player and person this morning with the passing of Kevin Greene,” Rooney said. “So sad to hear the news of Kevin Greene passing away,” Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward said. Prayers to Kevin Greene a legend.”Greene had 14 or more sacks in three different seasons, including twice with the Panthers late in his career.