It's really difficult to say whether he did anything or not. I am a huge Kobe Bryant fan and I agree that it seems completely out of character for him to do the things he's accused of.
But remember that Colorado law is really weird. If you fondle or touch a woman on the outside of her clothes, that's still considered sexual assault.
My theory is the girl may have gone to Kobe's room for a party and Kobe was kinda flirting with her/drinking a little. Later, another guy approached the girl while she was a bit tipsy and tried something (aggressive kissing). Obviously, Kobe the known to everyone so the first person she recalls is Kobe.
I don't think a guilty person would cooperate so fast with the police without his lawyer and if it was something close to rape, why didn't they charge him with rape instead of calling it sexual assault.
I don't think he did anything else than flirting with a girl and maybe some kissing...that's it
"MOISTURE IS THE ESSENCE OF WETNESS. WETNESS IS THE ESSENCE OF BEAUTY"
Friday, July 18, 2003 Posted: 7:16 PM EDT (2316 GMT)
EAGLE, Colorado (CNN) -- Professional basketball star Kobe Bryant was charged Friday afternoon with sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman in a Colorado hotel where she worked.
"I feel after looking at the evidence that I can prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt," said Eagle County District Attorney Mark Hurlbert.
Bryant immediately released a statement through his attorney claiming his innocence.
"I did not assault the woman who is accusing me. I made the mistake of adultery." Bryant's statement read. (Kobe Bryant statement)
The 24-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star was charged with one count of sexual assault, a class three felony. If convicted, Bryant could serve four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation, Hurlbert said. The charge also carries a fine of up to $750,000.
"It is alleged that he caused sexual penetration or intrusion, and he caused submission of the victim through actual physical force," Hurlbert said.
The woman alleges she was a victim of sexual misconduct by Bryant on June 30 at the Lodge and Spa at Cordillera in Edwards, just west of the Vail ski resort. A hotel employee, the woman filed a police complaint the following day.
No details of the victim's allegations have been made public, and a judge has sealed information in the case.
Bryant, who is married and the father of a daughter born in January, stayed at the Colorado hotel from June 30 to July 2, according to hotel manager Paul Pastoor.
Eagle County Sheriff Joseph Hoy issued an arrest warrant, and Bryant returned to Colorado from Los Angeles to surrender on July 4. He was released on $25,000 bond.
Hurlbert was consulted on the decision to issue an arrest warrant but reportedly disagreed on the timing. He held back the announcement of charges while completing an investigation and awaiting test results from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Bryant's wife, Vanessa Bryant, also released a statement.
"I know that my husband has made a mistake -- the mistake of adultery," she said. "He and I will have to deal with that within our marriage, and we will do so. He is not a criminal." (Vanessa Bryant statement)
Bryant's attorney, Pamela Mackey, planned to hold a news briefing in Los Angeles, California, at 6 p.m. PDT (9 p.m. EDT), her office said. It is not known if Bryant will attend. Bryant's next court date would be August 6, Hurlbert indicated before the charge was filed.
The alleged victim is a former high school cheerleader who friends describe as honest and ambitious, even auditioning for American Idol last year.
Micah Bernhardt is one of her friends. "She was real good on select choir, sang in graduation, she sang in a lot of football games, a lot of basketball games, doing the national anthems," Bernhardt said.
A hearing was held Thursday on a newspaper request to release police dispatch records of two calls to the victim's home in the past year responding to noncriminal actions. The hearing lasted about 90 minutes, but no decision is expected from the judge before July 25.
Bryant's image as a role model has fueled his popularity with fans, and fellow players have rallied to his defense.
The 6-foot-6 guard was a member of the Lakers team that won three straight NBA championships in the 2000-2002 seasons. He was named most valuable player in the NBA All-Star game in the 2002 season. In 1998, Bryant became the youngest player to appear in an NBA All-Star game.
Bryant turned pro out of high school seven years ago. He was a first-round draft pick by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 and later that year was traded to the Lakers, where he has played ever since.
Bryant's role-model image has added to his popularity with fans, and fellow players have rallied to his defense.
Lakers commentator John Ireland said Hurlbert will have a tough job convincing not only a jury of Bryant's guilt but also his many home team supporters in Los Angeles.
"People won't believe it unless this guy can actually prove it to them. He says he's got to prove it to a jury. He's going to have to prove it to the people of Los Angeles, because [Kobe] has built up that much good will over seven years," Ireland said.
NBA Commissioner David Stern released a statement Friday evening.
"As with all allegations of a criminal nature, the NBA's policy is to await the outcome of a judicial proceeding before taking any action. We do not anticipate making further comments during the pendency of the judicial process," Stern said.
Correspondents Gary Tuchman and Brian Cabell contributed to this report.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
I back him up 100% and don't look at him any differently then I did before this happened. He can play ball and is a good role model for young males to look up to, but he did commit aduletry so that means he cheated on his wife and that must also mean that the girl wanted to have sex w/ Kobe. At least he told the truth through it all. I have faith that it will all work out in his favor or at east i hope it does!!!!!
Im not in a position to judge who is telling the truth about what really transpired, but here's a question: Why would Kobe commit a crime at the height of his career knowing that doing so would hurt his stardom and his family and ruin everything he is enjoying right now? Kobe is not stupid. If he is a savvy criminal as his attackers are implying, he would have covered his tracks to make sure he wont get caught.
Originally posted by LadyFizz04 Tell me what ya'll think about Kobe and this sexual assualt case will go anywhere???
I dont think Kobe did it i think she just want money!!
I tend to think he didn't. But then he lied already whe he first said nothing happened. Now, I know Kobe is not a rocket scientist or anything, but I tend to think he's smart enough to know not to rape some girl, as he has too much to lose.
Originally posted by Young&Restless Im not in a position to judge who is telling the truth about what really transpired, but here's a question: Why would Kobe commit a crime at the height of his career knowing that doing so would hurt his stardom and his family and ruin everything he is enjoying right now? Kobe is not stupid. If he is a savvy criminal as his attackers are implying, he would have covered his tracks to make sure he wont get caught.
How do you know he's not stupid? From what I can gather, most basketball players are quite stupid. Just look at how poorly they do in school, even when all they have to do is pass Mickey Mouse classes.
How do you know he's not stupid? From what I can gather, most basketball players are quite stupid. Just look at how poorly they do in school, even when all they have to do is pass Mickey Mouse classes.
Hahahaha! You think being stupid is just being poor in school??? Now That's stupid! Stupidity is...getting involved in drugs...driving when drunk...stealing a car... --- we can go on and on! Bear in mind that not all A students ended up as filthy rich as Bill Gates who was a dropout. Your understanding of a person's stupidity needs a lot more intelligence.
Last edited by Young&Restless on 07-30-2003 at 09:01 PM |
Hahahaha! You think being stupid is just being poor in school??? Now That's stupid! Stupidity is...getting involved in drugs...driving when drunk...stealing a car... --- we can go on and on! Bear in mind that not all A students ended up as filthy rich as Bill Gates who was a dropout. Your understanding of a person's stupidity needs a lot more intelligence.
When you fail sham classes where just 1 ounce of common sense would get you an A in, then I'd say yes, you are stupid.
I believe the accuser right now. all evidence needs to come out of course. those that think Kobe has to much to lose to do such a thing need to think about the ego these guys get. he want's to be like everyone else. tough and get what he wants. guys like him don't take 'NO' very well. Plus he is always getting talked up that he can do what he wants. Why would the girl lie? to get money? it would be much easier to go for hush money then to accuse him of rape and then be in the public eye. my gut insinct tells me Kobe lost it and raper her. She should be getting the support not Kobe.
"How do you know he's not stupid? From what I can gather, most basketball players are quite stupid. Just look at how poorly they do in school, even when all they have to do is pass Mickey Mouse classes.
"
tats not true, kobe sats and grades were really high if u go checkit out
Kobe may have been being kobe.Some sexual contact occured.Kobe admits to adultery.The girl seizes an opportunity for "whatever" it may be worth.Stay tuned to life in America.
me i dont think kobe assualted her im with 50sgurl1 im gona back him up 100% and no one is gona say that kobe assualted that gurl and it aint gonna change how we liked him and he is gona make it and the lakers r gona win this year 2004 yeah
07-14-2003 12:00 AM
