Small Dog Dies a Month After Being Kicked by Homeless Man Kobe Bryant Branded Shoe to Return Venice Beach-Themed Sneaker

A Gofundme to Support Treatment of the Dog Surpassed Its Initial Goal of $10,000

By Zach Armstrong

Bart the Yorkshire terrier, a small dog that was kicked by a homeless man in Venice last month, has died after extensive veterinarian treatment, Patch reported.

On June 14, the dog was sent flying into a bobcat tractor trailer after a man approached and kicked the pet. The suspect identified as Michael Langman, 39, was arrested on scene after the victim and witnesses prevented him from escaping. A subsequent GoFundMe that was set up to support treatment of the dog surpassed its initial goal of $10,000 with $32,213 in donations.

Langman has a scheduled court date on July 17, Patch reported. Rosenfeld is searching for a burial place for Bart, such as a garden. Plans for a vigil are also in the works.

Nike Is Bringing It Back in a Revival of the Kobe-Branded Shoes

The Nike Kobe 8 Protro, known for expansive Lunarlon cushioning and exceptional traction on the court, is reintroducing its “Venice Beach” color scheme as part of the silhouette’s recent revival in 2024, SneakerNews reported.

Following the announcement of Nike’s plans to relaunch the late Kobe Bryant’s brand on Mamba Day, observed on Aug. 24, with the release of the Kobe 8 Protro “Triple-White,” it has been disclosed that the eighth signature shoe will also make a comeback in its original colorway by summer 2024. The shoe is set for a price tag of $180.

Initially launched in 2013, paying homage to the sandy shores of Venice Beach located approximately 16 miles away from the former Staples Center, this distinctively titled colorway prominently features teal, red, yellow, and silver hues throughout its mesh upper. The model’s signature TPU heel counter is adorned with a turquoise shade, while the medial side showcases vibrant yellow Swoosh logos and a striking orange sock liner against a grayscale background on the heel.