Kobe Bryant

[Jeff O Rocks]

Kobe got arrested for a sexual assault...if it is true, I guess he fell into the "dumb ass" pit now!! :roll:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Details:
Bryant Surrenders on Sex-Assault Charge
47 minutes ago

By COLLEEN SLEVIN, Associated Press Writer

DENVER - Los Angeles Lakers (news) star Kobe Bryant (news) turned himself in to police and posted a $25,000 bond on a felony count of sexual assault, the Eagle County sheriff's office said Sunday.

The 24-year-old All-Star guard was released after turning himself in on Friday.

The sheriff's office said an arrest warrant was issued after deputies investigated a report made Wednesday claiming sexual misconduct by Bryant.

The report said the incident happened on the night of June 30 in a hotel in the Edwards area of Eagle County, near Vail.

After a series of interviews and a review of the physical evidence, investigators met with representatives for District Attorney Mark Hurlbert and concluded they had enough evidence for the felony sexual assault count, the sheriff's office said in a statement.

"During the investigation, Bryant was cooperative with investigators and remains cooperative with authorities," the sheriff's office said.

Judge Russell Granger ordered the case sealed.

Attempts to reach Bryant for comment were not immediately successful.

"These allegations are completely out of character of the Kobe Bryant we know," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement. "For the seven years he's been with us, he has been one of the finest young men we've known and a wonderful asset to both our team and our community.

"However, since this is a legal matter being handled by the authorities in Colorado, we must refrain from further comment at this time."

Bryant was the NBA's second-leading scorer last season, averaging a career-best 30 points a game. He scored 40 or more points in nine straight games in February and also had career-high averages of 6.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists while playing in each of the Lakers' 82 games.

The Lakers were eliminated from the Western Conference semifinals by the San Antonio Spurs (news), ending Los Angeles' run of three straight NBA championships.

Bryant underwent shoulder surgery on June 12 in New York. The Lakers expect he'll be ready by the start of training camp in October.

Bryant married Vanessa Laine in April 2001. Bryant and his parents recently mended a rift that developed when he became engaged to Laine when she was an 18-year-old high school student.

Vanessa, gave birth to their first child, Natalia Diamante Bryant, in January.


I really hope it turns out to be a false allegation.

[Turbulence]

I sincerely think (and hope) that this is not true...the guy has shown all indications of being a class act. He's indefinately smart and from all accounts a great family man...but I guess it wouldn't take much for a sleazebag woman to make up these allegations. I have full faith that Kobe will be cleared...

[nccanes]

I agree Turby, which is why it is oh so important that high profile athletes not put themselves in a position to have something like this even get this far. If he was alone with this woman (which maybe he wasn't, but they claimed they had enough evidence of "felony sexual assault") it may be a big ol' mess for him.

Then again who is to say that smart people always do the right thing. Remember the new football coach for Alabama? Got caught at a strip joint ordering lap dances and then having a young woman in his room ordering "one of everything off the room service menu - to go" the following morning. :roll:

To quote Mona - "dumbass".

[Turbulence]

http://www.classicart.biz/733t/Pics/gen12.jpg
...some people can get themselves into the thick of it. Hope it works out for him...

I must admit that the only reason for this post was to post this picture...I couldn't find a better thread to slip it in. :angel:

[Jeff O Rocks]

Here is an update...

A.: No Decision On Charges Against NBA's Bryant
Laker Turns Self In, Posts $25K Bond After Sexual Assault Allegations

POSTED: 7:01 a.m. EDT July 7, 2003
UPDATED: 7:10 p.m. EDT July 7, 2003

Prosecutors said Monday it could be days before they decide whether to charge Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar who has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman last week in Colorado.

Eagle County District Attorney Mark Hurlbert said the decision may not come until "beyond the end of the week."

Bryant turned himself in to authorities on Friday, and the married father of one was released the same day after posting $25,000 bond on a felony count of sexual assault. Hurlbert said authorities found "probable cause" for an arrest warrant in the case.


Bryant's lawyer defended his client, saying the 24-year-old is not guilty.

Bryant turned himself in Friday and the Sheriff's Office said he has been "cooperative with authorities."


The incident allegedly occurred the night before at the Lodge and Spa at Cordillera in Edwards, Colo., near Vail, where Bryant was staying.

Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said the allegations are "completely out of character" for Bryant.


In a statement released Sunday, authorities said the warrant was issued after deputies investigated a report made Wednesday claiming sexual misconduct by Bryant. The report said the incident allegedly happened in a hotel in the Edwards area of Eagle County last Monday.


The case has since been sealed following an order by Judge Russell Granger, so no further information is being released. No mug shot will be released either, said the spokeswoman from the Eagle County Sheriff's Office, who refused to go into details about the case.


Bryant married Vanessa Laine in April 2001 and he and his wife had their first child, Natalia, in January.

The NBA refused to comment on the case.

Legal Problem Mars Well-Polished Image
Word of the arrest can only be described as shocking to most basketball fans and Bryant's family.

Since coming into the league as a high school star, Bryant has maintained a squeaky-clean public image.

In fact, there have been whispers that his popularity has suffered among some hoops fans because he didn't have enough of a so-called "street" image. Attempts to reach Bryant for comment on his arrest weren't immediately successful.

Bryant has an image as a clean-cut, dignified, NBA celebrity. He has been known to forgo drinking and late-night partying with his colleagues to be with his wife, whom he was engaged to when she was only an 18-year-old high school student. That engagement caused a rift between Bryant and his parents, but Bryant defended his wife, quoting the bible in his public remarks. The rift was later mended after Bryant's first child was born in January.

Kupchak said the allegations "are completely out of character of the Kobe Bryant we know." He refrained from further comment because it was a legal matter.


Bryant, who helped lead the Lakers to three consecutive National Basketball Association titles, lives in Los Angeles with his wife and their infant daughter

Bryant was the NBA's No. 2 scorer last season. He averaged 30 points a game -- a career best. He also scored 40 or more points in nine straight games in February.

[puckin_A]

I would believe that Jimmy (what's his face, the evangelist) would have
prostitues in his hotel room before I would believe this about squeaky
clean Bryant. I mean the guy doesn't go out and party with the rest of
them or anything like that. I am not saying it didn't happen, because I
was not there. But I will be extremely SHOCKED if it were true.

[nccanes]

I would believe that Jimmy (what's his face, the evangelist) would have
prostitues in his hotel room before I would believe this about squeaky
clean Bryant. I mean the guy doesn't go out and party with the rest of
them or anything like that. I am not saying it didn't happen, because I
was not there. But I will be extremely SHOCKED if it were true.

Well Jimmy Swaggert DID have a prostitute in a hotel room, so that one is taken care of. And really, not that I have anything good to say about Swaggert, he wasn't going out and partying either.

This makes me ill:

In fact, there have been whispers that his popularity has suffered among some hoops fans because he didn't have enough of a so-called "street" image. Attempts to reach Bryant for comment on his arrest weren't immediately successful.


Kobe Bryant not popular enough?

My kids like to wear Nike and Adidas (adidas moreso), but you do have to wonder about paying those premium prices to line the pockets of LeBron James and Tiger Woods (let alone the likes of Allen Iverson). I mean really - who needs 90 million dollars?

[crazy4canes]

This makes me ill:

Mona's article wrote:
In fact, there have been whispers that his popularity has suffered among some hoops fans because he didn't have enough of a so-called "street" image. Attempts to reach Bryant for comment on his arrest weren't immediately successful.

Is there a new rule that you have to be a drug-pushing thug to be a popular basketball player? Oh wait....I forgot we were talking about the NBA. Nevermind. :roll:

[Jeff O Rocks]

This makes me ill:

Mona's article wrote:
In fact, there have been whispers that his popularity has suffered among some hoops fans because he didn't have enough of a so-called "street" image. Attempts to reach Bryant for comment on his arrest weren't immediately successful.

Is there a new rule that you have to be a drug-pushing thug to be a popular basketball player? Oh wait....I forgot we were talking about the NBA. Nevermind. :roll:

Not to stereotype but that is the image alot of NBA stars portray...thank goodness for David Robinson and Tim Duncan...two very visible guys and excellent role models!!

[talkingcanes]

This makes me ill:

Mona's article wrote:
In fact, there have been whispers that his popularity has suffered among some hoops fans because he didn't have enough of a so-called "street" image. Attempts to reach Bryant for comment on his arrest weren't immediately successful.

Is there a new rule that you have to be a drug-pushing thug to be a popular basketball player? Oh wait....I forgot we were talking about the NBA. Nevermind. :roll:

Not to stereotype but that is the image alot of NBA stars portray...thank goodness for David Robinson and Tim Duncan...two very visible guys and excellent role models!!

I agree with you JOR, but I think for many of the NBA players it's not only the image they portray, it's the image they want. I don't know why myself, but it certainly has evolved over the years to "street ball". The players from bygones eras must cringe. It is attractive to young men and that's the audience they want. I don't care how they look, but I wish they would pay more attention to how they act. But I can say that for musicians, actors, etc. that behave badly as well.

[crazy4canes]

It's a shame. All this image is doing is alienating the older crowd who can actually go see a game. Seems like all they're worried about now is selling shoes to teenagers who can con their parents out of 200 bucks. :sad:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I agree crazy........the game of basketball has become secondary in the NBA...now it is all about the merchandise and advertising!! :roll:

Here is the latest on Kobe and the ""accuser"
Bryant's Accuser Is Colorado Woman, 19

POSTED: 3:18 p.m. EDT July 8, 2003
UPDATED: 3:23 p.m. EDT July 8, 2003

EAGLE, Colo. -- Police are saying a little more about the woman who's accusing NBA star Kobe Bryant of sexual assault.

The sheriff in Eagle, Colo., said she's a 19-year-old Colorado woman, but he's not discussing any other details of the case. The sheriff said the alleged victim has left on vacation with her family.

The sheriff's office has accused the Lakers star of felony sexual assault, and investigators have sent some evidence to the state Bureau of Investigation to be analyzed. Prosecutors are expected to decide by the end of the week whether to file formal charges.


An arrest warrant alleges that Bryant attacked the woman last week at a hotel near Vail. Under Colorado law, sexual assault could range from fondling to rape.

Bryant's lawyer says he's innocent.

[Guyute]

I LOVE that he was arrested, yet they still don't have enough evidence to file charges.

He should've been detained for questioning, yes.... but should not have been arrested. I shudder to think what happens if this were to become a trend.

Look how easy it'd be: My neighbor gets pissed at me over some trivial crap... and calls the cops saying I attacked him. I'm arrested for assault, battery, whatever... on his word alone. And then LATER they look for evidence.

Word of the week is:

Gestapo

[nccanes]

Well, he admits to having sex with her, but consensual sex.

I'll say what I said in my very first post - high profile athletes (and coaches) must be very careful to avoid putting themselves in these situations. The stakes are extremely high.

Kobe Bryant charged with sexual assault

By COLLEEN SLEVIN, Associated Press Writer
July 18, 2003
EAGLE, Colo. (AP) -- Kobe Bryant was charged Friday with sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman in a case that is bound to tarnish the career of the NBA superstar.

The 24-year-old Bryant faces four years to life in prison if convicted on the single felony count, Eagle County District Attorney Mark Hurlbert said during a news conference.

The woman worked the front desk at the resort where Bryant was staying while in the state for knee surgery.

The Los Angeles Lakers' guard insisted he was innocent of the charge, saying he was guilty only of adultery.

``Nothing that happened June 30th was against the will of the woman who now falsely accuses me,'' Bryant said in a statement.

His wife, Vanessa, also released a statement, saying she stood by her husband. ``He is not a criminal,'' she said.

Bryant's attorney, Pamela Mackey, scheduled a news conference for later Friday.




So maybe he's not up to sexual assault....just adultery. :roll:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I'll say what I said in my very first post - high profile athletes (and coaches) must be very careful to avoid putting themselves in these situations. The stakes are extremely high.



So true Eileen...they are human and not perfect, but they have to realize that every choice they make may very well make it on the front of every newspaper in the country and be the lead story on every channel!! :roll:

[Shell]

This really bums me out. So many children in the country love basketball and look up to these people. I will say I am ignorant in regards to the NBA, but from what I knew, Kobe was one of the very, very few standup guys. I actually thought he was probably innocent but it matters not. He admits to cheating on his wife of only 2 years, who was taking care of their 7 month old baby. I don't like him. I wish the media would focus a wee bit of their energy on the good guys so kids know you don't Have to have a street rep to do well :roll: . Maybe that is the reason hockey gets no attention, there isn't enough drama (leafs excluded).

There is a longer article here, with Kobe's official statement:
http://www.abcnews.go.com/sections/us/Sports/bryant030718.html

[nccanes]

Thanks for the longer article, I saw the ap article just as I was walking out the door.

Not only do the high profile athletes have to worry about bad press (or is it "good" press that gets them street cred? :crazy: ), but I'm specifically talking about the risk they take for their own personal freedoms - like jail or a criminal record.

Sorry to be crude, but is an extramarital romp in the sack (I changed this from something more crude) really worth that?

BTW, this is no way means I'm certain he's not guilty of something more - only he or she know that.

[caveman]

... Mike Tyson.

Seriously, hear me out. Obviously Tyson and Bryant have different images -- but that's not the issue.

A strong, athletic, powerful man is alone in a room with a woman, and they have sex, and it is not videotaped, and there are no witnesses...

Tyson went to prison. Can Bryant really expect less?

Tyson's defense was that it was consensual. It appears that Bryant's defense will be the same.

But will his fate?

Unless something comes out of the woodwork which we just haven't seen, or the alleged victim in this case changes her story very drastically and believably, Bryant will go to prison whether he is really guilty or not.

The wheels are in motion. If I were Bryant I would seriously consider taking my millions and fleeing the country to a place where there are no extradition laws, whether I was guilty or not.

In the end, it will be the victim's word against Bryant's. The same as it was for Mike Tyson. Bryant has a much higher reputation for honesty, but will that be enough to save him from prison?

[caveman]

I LOVE that he was arrested, yet they still don't have enough evidence to file charges.

He should've been detained for questioning, yes.... but should not have been arrested. I shudder to think what happens if this were to become a trend.

Look how easy it'd be: My neighbor gets pissed at me over some trivial crap... and calls the cops saying I attacked him. I'm arrested for assault, battery, whatever... on his word alone. And then LATER they look for evidence.

Word of the week is:

Gestapo

If your neighbor gets pissed at you over some trivial crap and calls the cops saying you attacked him... that IS the evidence upon which you are arrested.

However they can charge you or not charge you with a crime at the time of arrest, release you and then haul you back in later, etc.

You could then have your neighbor sued for LIBEL or, if written, SLANDER, or arrested for "False Report to the Police" or "Interference with Policy Duty", depending on the statues of the state.

(IANALBMWI) (I am not a lawyer but my wife is.)

Plus, if your neighbor went on to testify against you falsely, or testifies to a grand jury, he could be found guilty of PERJURY if proven false.

If the Gestapo hauls you away, usually you aren't heard from again. Here if you are arrested, you can make a public defense against your accuser.

[folgersnyourcup]

I'm still baffled as to why the heck he cheated on his wife. What a jerk. If he's done it this time with a completely random person which he may or may not have raped then who's to say he doesn't do it several times at every city he visits during the season.... Of course his wife is sticking up for him even though he admits to cheating on her, look at how much money he's making for her to enjoy.

[nccanes]

Kobe himself is still only 24 and isn't his wife even younger? I'm not surprised that she issued the statement - it's really just a PR move and what would a "you son-of-a-*****" statement do at this point?

Maybe she would like to attempt to salvage her young family as opposed to preserving the "money he's making for her to enjoy". I trust that if she wanted to end the marriage today, she'd walk away a very wealthy woman.

[Jeff O Rocks]

I trust that if she wanted to end the marriage today, she'd walk away a very wealthy woman.

That is exactly what I wanted to say Eileen.......my gut instinct is, she will stay with him and give him support throughout the ordeal, but when it is over, guilty or innocent, she will take the child and a lot of the $$$$$. I saw her face on in the interview....she will be through with him! :roll:

[folgersnyourcup]

His parents did not want him to get married for reasons such as that it might be hard for him to staytrue to her with his celebrity status, he went against their wishes and married her anyway, and then went right ahead and cheated on her. It's very difficult to not find fault in Kobe in this situation. If he felt the need to sleep around at the age of 24 then perhaps he should've thought twice about getting married. I understand your point nccanes and for some reason the thought of that she has the ability to leave and take oodles of money did not cross my mind. She must really want to make this work though she comes across as a bit naive....I think it would be very smart for her to leave him sometime in the future though. At her and her child's young age, with the amount of money she would take with her if she chose to leave Kobe at any point in the future whether it be after the trial that may or may not come or before, it would be hard for her to not pass that up. It would be naive of her to think that Kobe has not done this many times before.

One thing is for certain whether the woman who accuses him of rape was raped or not....Kobe Bryant was not raped. He was not forced or held at gunpoint to have sex, whether consensual or not with the woman. There has been no evidence that he had even seen her before. With the knowledge that he was willing to have sexual relations outside of his marriage with a completely and totally random stranger, the question of whether he was asked by her to have sex or chose himself to rape her is irrevelant except in the criminal case that may or may not take place. But that information alone seems to signify that he HAS done this before, and most likely not just once. He's on the road most of the year.....

Just my thoughts.

P.S. This isn't some personal thing against him, I have always liked him as a player and wished that George Shinn had kept him with the Hornets.

[nccanes]

Don't disagree with a thing you said Folg. I'm not at all surprised by the behavior however, regardless of how good a guy he seems to be. Young athletes are put on ridiculous pedestals when they've barely left puberty. Girls throw themselves at them from that point on. Reality is a very warped place for them. Of course I'm not making commentary on anything forcible that may have occured, merely the wanderings of a mega star athlete.

Hell, didn't Marv Albert have a little whacked biting thing going with a girl while he was engaged? :sick:

I just was pointing out that she doesn't have to stay for the money. :D

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Putting the whole possibility of rape aside and only commenting on the adultery....folgers I have to tell you that, to me anyway, your post sounds as if it comes from someone who is obviously not married. I sure as hell hope that my husband never cheats on me but if he did I can tell you it would not be so simple as just up and leaving. I very much love him and we have built a life together and as much of a total betrayal as that would be I'm not sure I would not find some way to work things out....if we were not talking about a compulsive, long-standing, habit which there is no evidence of in Kobe's case. And if we had children that would be even more of a reason to stay.

For me at least, one episode of adultery (if followed by genuine apology and a commitment from both parties to work things out) is not necessarily a deal breaker on the life-long commitment I have made. I don't know how long the Bryants have been married but I don't think it's very long. Most marriages that end in divorce end within the first seven years because the first seven are generally the hardest. If they can work through this and repair their relationship their relationship will be stronger and better because of it. Just my 2 cents.

[folgersnyourcup]

SHC, thanks for the post. You've definitely got my respect and I certainly do not have the experience you do in this world which makes me come off as a bit of a dope at times due to my lack of personal experience with marriage... :)

Thanks for providing a different and better informed view. I certainly am not wishing the Bryant's marriage to end in shambles, I've no personal vendatta against them. Just some hypothesizing was done on my part thinking about just how many days of the year he's on the road and him now caught cheating on his wife which led me to the purely speculative and perhaps rash conclusion that he may very well be doing it all the time. I hope that's not the case for their young child and their family's sake and that this is a one-time thing that is never again repeated.

I'm hoping all this garbage is resolved soon though...I'm already having nightmares of Canes' games being pulled from the broadcast schedules on Fox Sports Net due to "important" court trial coverage that we all must be forced to see. And wouldn't it work out just perfectly if the Canes lone nationally televised game (if we get one) is bumped for that....Woohoo indeed....:(

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Oh, folg, you didn't sound like a dope at all!! I just thought I'd offer a different prespective. I'm sure there are many other folks who are more experienced with marriage and don't agree with me one bit!! :)

I agree...hopefully they will get it all over with! And I hope that his accusor has her allegations investigated thoroughly and properly.....and if she is lying may she rot in hell for making life even harder for women that actually are raped.

[Jeff O Rocks]

.....and if she is lying may she rot in hell for making life even harder for women that actually are raped.

That is the truth!!!

Someone at work said she was off-duty...if so, why did he take a room service order to his room? :roll:

[Shell]

Can your forgiveness be bought for 4 million? Wonder how she believes in his innocence when he is at least already guilty of adultery?

Thursday, July 24
Kobe gives wife ring shortly after admitting adultery
ESPN.com news services

Just days after admitting to millions of people that he cheated on his wife, Kobe Bryant has reportedly spent millions on a gift for her.

The Lakers star called what he did adultery. You can call what he bought his wife, Vanessa, whatever you want: damage control or sincere apology attempt.

According to the New York Post, People Magazine will be on the newsstands Friday with a report that Kobe has purchased a $4 million eight-carat, purple diamond ring for his wife.

"They looked very happy together," Raffi, the man who made the ring, told People after the couple picked it up Monday at an exclusive jewelry boutique in Santa Monica, Calif. Raffi also made the couple's wedding rings two years ago, according to People. The new bauble was specially commissioned two weeks ago.

Bryant was charged Friday with a single count of felony sexual assault against a 19-year-old woman at an exclusive spa where he was staying when he came to Colorado for knee surgery. If convicted, he faces four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation, and a fine of up to $750,000.

At Friday's news conference, Kobe defended himself against the assault charge, but admitted to committing adultery with the accuser. Vanessa Bryant was at her husband's side during the news conference and released a statement.

"He is a loving and kind husband and father," she said in the statement. "I believe in his innocence. Because I know him to be innocent, I will stand by him and we will face this together."

[Alicia]

Love is truly blind... :roll:

[folgersnyourcup]

This is truly ridiculous. I could understand them working together as a family to get through this but when Kobe buys his wife a 4 million dollar ring because of it, it just reeks of paying her off. It's obvious this 4 million dollar ring was not something he had been planning to buy before this whole thing happened. Couldn't he have been a little more secretive about it at least? Or perhaps purchase a "cheap and crappy" mere 1 million dollar ring as opposed to springing for the four million dollar model? Buying something this enermous is bound to draw attention. The maker of the ring chose to mention that they looked happy together......

If I was a girl (and I'm not) and I was married to a guy (which I'm not) who had just cheated on me and was trying to pay me off to forget about it I would slap him on his face. :mad: ROUGHLY. I can understand working though the whole ordeal as a loving family, but WHY DO YOU NEED TO PAY HER OFF??

At the very least she could have denied the gift and told Kobe that she didn't want 4 million dollar gifts and that she just wanted his love and to able to possibly one day in the future completely trust him again.

PHOOEY ON KOBE!

[talkingcanes]

You know, I would pack his bags if he cheated on me, but other people choose other options. If he wanted to buy her a ring and she chose to accept it, then it's really their business. The jeweler is the one who talked to the media, not Kobe or his wife. I think anyone who cheats on their spouse is scum, but how the offended spouse deals with it is up to him/her. But cheating is not rape. Of course, if he did rape that girl, I hope he spends many miserable years in prison and his wife spends every dime he has while he's gone.

[nccanes]

If he wanted to buy her a ring and she chose to accept it, then it's really their business. The jeweler is the one who talked to the media, not Kobe or his wife.

I agree TC. As I read the article, I was thinking - what kind of jeweler gets $4 mil for a ring and then blabs to the media? I mean I would think that it would be a common courtesy that you respect your clients privacy and would presume that big stars ask for that privacy in writing before dropping the big bucks.

:laugh: What the heck do I know about being a gazillionaire? :crazy:

[Shell]

One thing I enjoy is complete and total trust in my husband. He has never broken my trust, and I just cannot imagine him doing so (yes, guyute can come off rough here, but he really is one of those rare really good guys). If I had some other husband that cheated on me and then bought me a $4 million dollar ring, I would feel like a very expensive prostitute!

BTW, wonder if he used the same jeweler as Modano?

Thursday, July 24
Modano trying to recover championship ring
ESPN.com news services

DALLAS -- Dallas Stars captain Mike Modano never expected to find his 1999 Stanley Cup Championship ring on eBay.

But that's where the ring landed, and he is trying to get it back.

Modano told Fort Worth television station KTVT that he had taken the ring to Denis DeBoulle of DeBoulle jewelers in Dallas to get it duplicated and upgraded. Modano said the jeweler asked to keep the original to put on display and he agreed.

Apparently the jeweler then sold the ring to a Florida man, who put the ring up for auction on eBay. Bidding on the ring soared to at least $20,000, but the bid has dropped off the radar.

"The item was no longer on the site as of Thursday morning," eBay spokesman Kevin Pursglove told ESPN.com. "I don't know if we decided to pull the item or the seller pulled it."

The eBay posting shows that the ring was authenticated by DeBoulle.

A woman at the shop told The Associated Press on Thursday that DeBoulle was out of town and not available for comment.

[Guyute]

awww shucks. http://tridead.net/canes/images/smilies/icon_redface.gif

umm... did anyone catch whatever tv show just did a big interview or something on this? I didn't hear what show it was... just caught a 20-second spot by Rome mentioning that this network decided (brilliantly) to publicize the girls name!!?!?!! un-frikkin-believable.

There's a very good reason the victim's name is Normally left out, and it might not even have to do with protecting That victim. Maybe she's lying, who knows. In any case.... if you pull that crap... you're sending a message to other victims not to come forward because you will be exposed. People that go through that need to to feel secure that they CAN say something, and put the scum away. Not think, well, if I come forward, everyone will know.
(***NOTE*** I'm not saying Kobe is guilty of anything. just generally speaking at the assanininity -nice word eh?- of these people exposing this girl)

that's all I got.

[nccanes]

I heard this being discussed on tv on a morning news show yesterday, and I *think* they were saying it was a radio "shock jock" that released her name. :mad:

[Shell]

yep...

Radio Host Reveals Name Of Bryant Accuser
POSTED: 8:32 a.m. EDT July 24, 2003
UPDATED: 8:59 a.m. EDT July 24, 2003

LOS ANGELES -- A radio talk show host is openly revealing the name of the alleged sexual assault victim in the Kobe Bryant case -- and that's drawing controversy.

Tom Leykis isn't apologizing, instead he says such accusers should be named in order to have a fair trial.

But at least one trauma counselor says by violating the alleged victim's privacy, Leykis is inflicting more psychological damage on her.

Controversy like this isn't new to Leykis. In the past, he's aired the names of accusers in other cases, including one involving sportscaster Marv Albert.

The syndicated talk show host says he's getting about 100 e-mails an hour since he first gave out the name of Bryant's accuser. According to Leykis, they're running 60-40 against his decision. He adds that many of the negatives come from people who don't usually listen to his show.

[folgersnyourcup]

EDITED BY GUYUTE. :mad:

[nccanes]

Didn't you yourself say:

I don't think it's very right that all this information is being exposed.

Um - any reason you felt it necessary to further publish it then?

As a side note, that makes two posts in the last two days that seemed uncharacteristic of Folg. :crazy:

[nccanes]

Thanks Guy!

[Guyute]

As a side note, that makes two posts in the last two days that seemed uncharacteristic of Folg. :crazy:

yes, uncharacteristic indeed. of course, I don't think folg is the only one who uses his computer. I know how it works. so, folg, if it's you... that was in Very Poor taste.

If it's someone using folg's log-in... well... we'll continue later then.

[Shell]

as an aside, the info you just published to hundreds of people is not even the same girl. I feel SO BAD for this poor girl!

washingtonpost.com
Suit Eyed Over Wrong ID of Bryant Accuser
By COLLEEN SLEVIN
The Associated Press
Thursday, July 24, 2003; 9:08 PM

EAGLE, Colo. - The family of a young woman wrongly identified on the Internet as Kobe Bryant's accuser is demanding that Web site operators remove her photograph.

Beth Matthews, the mother of the wrongly identified woman, said Thursday that her daughter was upset to see two photographs of herself, apparently lifted from a high school Web site, spread to hundreds of sites and viewed by people around the world.

Strangers in Internet chat rooms rate her appearance while others make judgments about her character, sometimes using four-letter words, Matthews said.

"I keep telling her these comments are not about you," Matthews said. "But I don't think the real person should have to go through this either."

Her 18-year-old daughter is a year younger than the woman who accused the Los Angeles Lakers superstar of sexually assaulting her June 30 at an exclusive mountain resort.

Both young women graduated from the same high school and have similar first names and hair color, but they don't bear much resemblance to one another.

Matthews said her daughter, a straight-A student, soccer player and dancer, was working three part-time jobs this summer, saving for her freshman year of college in the fall, when she learned that the photographs were posted on the Internet last week.

Since then, she has come home from work early some days because it has been difficult to escape the talk about the case and the mistaken use of her picture.

Reporters call on her cell phone and show up at her house. Matthews said her daughter hesitates before going out to the supermarket in this town of 3,500.

"She just can't get away from it," she said. "It's just not stopping. There's no relief."

Matthews said her daughter, an acquaintance of the alleged victim, has been obsessively spending hours online each day finding out where the photos have spread and seeing how they have been doctored. One site features her daughter's head imposed on the photograph of a nude woman.

One photograph shows her daughter smiling at the prom. In the other, she is posing at a dance team event, not cheerleading, an activity that the alleged victim was involved in during high school.

Sienna LaRene, a lawyer hired by the family Wednesday, said she has been sending letters warning Web sites to stop using the photographs. No decision has been made about whether the family will file lawsuits.

LaRene said she was still investigating who first posted the photograph, starting a chain reaction of misinformation.

"Every time they push that button, they've taken a smile away from a young girl's face, and heaven help them for that," LaRene said.

[folgersnyourcup]

This is upsetting. I am at home for the moment, I came in to work this morning and am back home getting some bagels to bring back because I don't want to pay the new cafeteria prices especially since I don't really care for the food. :( I was not posting at all from work today or yesterday afternoon and my last post in the Kobe thread was the one responding to SHC's post. Could you please block the IP address that this message is coming from? I think that would help A LOT. Especially since I am able to post at work without worrying about someone else using my name AND I am in my apartment at UNC Charlotte the majority of the year so therefore I spend very little time on my computer at home.

Thanks for deleting the post Guyute. Sorry about the trouble. Blocking this IP address will make sure it never happens again. It was really very rude for this to have been posted and I feel bad and sorry for the girl that is having to endure people thinking that she is someone that she is not. Someone really jumped the gun on this. There should certainly be some punishment for whoever first put these pictures and contact information on the internet.

[glace]

The scary thing is mistaken identity can happen to anyone. I am also appalled by some of the comments being made by the alleged victims friends. They are doing too much talking. As the old saying goes, with friends like these, who needs enemies.

[Shell]

very glad that it wasn't you folgers.. neither made sense coming from you!! As a note though, the IP that came up for the post was your work computer at the state (the same IP HockeyPat posts from)

[Guyute]

we've been through this before. (re folg and others using common IP's).

we can talk about this in PM land if you want folg.

[caveman]

I was listening to Bob and Tom this morning and they were saying some of the stupidest things about the Kobe case. Like, "if Kobe is found to be innocent, the girl should serve the prison sentence" and just horrible, stupid, inane things. I've been listening to them for going on 10 years, and while they say some horribly crude things, nothing this outright disturbing and stupid.

This case seems to be bringing out some of the worst qualities of people. Why is it that when one of our "beloved" celebreties is involved, somehow everybody's brains shut down?

The alleged victim's name should not be released. There are already enough cases of rape which go unreported without at least some of this basic protection. The defense should not be broadcasting personal information about the defendant prior to the trial -- it is a tactic intended to coerce the alleged victim into not testifying, which is not something I would think Kobe's camp would want to do, seeing as he is already accused of coercing the girl into other actions already.

So to me, Kobe is already guilty of adultery, and guilty of using vicious legal tactics in an attempt to coerce a 19-year old girl into cowering away from his might and glory. This to me paints him with a similar brush as a potential rape conviction might. It makes him look like (a) the kind of guy who has sex with other women while his wife is home caring for his child, and (b) the kind of guy who thinks he can coerce a woman into doing what he wants her to do.

Kobe, for shame. Fight the allegations with dignity if you want to have any left, even if you are found innocent. Stop your campaign of coersion to publicly degrade and humiliate your accuser. If you want to win in the court of public opinion, win with the dignity and humility you have long maintained that you possess.

[folgersnyourcup]

What the....now I'm confused. I am back at work now, please do not block THIS IP address. I definitely don't want hockeypat and me to be unable to post from here! This sounds similar to what happened several months ago when my brother was on here under a different name for a fey days, said a couple rude things, and then left. That was when I was in Charlotte though and Guyute told me that it had come from a different IP address, though one that I had used many times as well (because it was coming from my home IP address). I did not talk to my brother when I went home because I knew it had to be him. My father would never do anything like that and noone else knows that I post here.

Is it possible that he somehow stole my IP and when I was back at home then it was still posting under that IP?? I remember one of my roommates last year at school would do a whole lot of tampering with IP stuff and after my XBOX Live somehow ruined his IP he ended up stealing someone else's on our hall in order to use the internet because that person had moved out and left the room vacant.

I think my brother has got WAY too much time on his hands if he really did that. It would explain things. I will ask him about it this afternoon and tell my dad. My brother got in trouble last time after his postings here when I told my dad he was trying to get people mad at me here and make them think it was my alias.

Thanks for understanding! Sorry about all this.

[Jillsdad]

I am going to say my peace about the whole Kobe incident and then not say anything else about it. It really irks the hell out of me that because he had this "clean" image that most people are saying that he cannot be guilty of this. Everybody is so quick on the bandwagon to doubt the girl's story when in truth she might have a squeaky clean image as well. Kobe has already lied one time right after he was arrested when he said nothing had happened and that we would all see and his good name would be cleared(i am paraphrasing not quoting) Then suddenly after he is charged with rape, he admits that he had sex with her but that it was mutual and he did not force himself on her. He has lied once to us already, so I am more inclined to believe her story than his, why are so many other people blind to this fact? I personally feel he is guilty and I hope they sentence him to life without parole(although that will never happen) and I hope the girl can get on with the rest of her life and put this tragic occurrence behind her. (Climbing off my soapbox now)

[caveman]

He has lied once to us already, so I am more inclined to believe her story than his, why are so many other people blind to this fact?

A very good question, and one which I surely hope the prosecution raises to the jury, all in good time.

[nccanes]

The whole thing is a shame. I'm not so quick to judge Kobe (other than for the adultery obviously), but I really hate that people outside the parties involved are piping up.

I read a quote from LeBron James that said

""I will support Kobe, because he's my man," James said. "It's a tough situation and a bad situation. And he has my support, whatever happens.".

Now tell me, just how well does LeBron know Kobe, how the hell does he know what went on, and why the hell is the press asking LeBron about Kobe's case?

I totally understand when a person's family chooses to support them (Mike Peterson's kids, Scott Peterson's parents, etc.), but really wtf does LeBron James' opinion mean in the whole thing?

[Stormbringer]

I read a quote from LeBron James that said

""I will support Kobe, because he's my man," James said. "It's a tough situation and a bad situation. And he has my support, whatever happens.".

Now tell me, just how well does LeBron know Kobe, how the hell does he know what went on, and why the hell is the press asking LeBron about Kobe's case?

I totally understand when a person's family chooses to support them (Mike Peterson's kids, Scott Peterson's parents, etc.), but really wtf does LeBron James' opinion mean in the whole thing?

LeBron's opinion means nothing to you and me. But ever since the media has made LeBron their NBA "golden boy" through covering his high school games (Which was absolutely ridiculous from the get-go.) and all, he should know and care about everything in the NBA, therefore his opinion should mean something. :roll:

Obviously, I think the Lebron James stuff is a load of crap, and definitely agree with you Eileen about there being no need to ask the guy about the Kobe mess...and you want to know something ironic? Kobe himself went into the NBA straight out of high school, just like LeBron James, but I don't think a big deal was made about him to the extent that ESPN covered his high school games... :roll:

[caveman]

The whole thing is a shame. I'm not so quick to judge Kobe (other than for the adultery obviously), but I really hate that people outside the parties involved are piping up.

I read a quote from LeBron James that said

""I will support Kobe, because he's my man," James said. "It's a tough situation and a bad situation. And he has my support, whatever happens.".

Now tell me, just how well does LeBron know Kobe, how the hell does he know what went on, and why the hell is the press asking LeBron about Kobe's case?

I totally understand when a person's family chooses to support them (Mike Peterson's kids, Scott Peterson's parents, etc.), but really wtf does LeBron James' opinion mean in the whole thing?

LeBron saying ".. he has my support, whatever happens" can only be said is a good example of foolishness. LeBron really can't be saying he supports Kobe, even if Kobe did indeed rape this girl?

Can he?

[nccanes]

Kobe himself went into the NBA straight out of high school, just like LeBron James, but I don't think a big deal was made about him to the extent that ESPN covered his high school games... :roll:

Since that was 8 years ago and sports and tv programming has changed dramatically in those same years - along with the absurd amount of money athletes get paid, it's not really a fair comparison. And I don't think Kobe was considered the player Lebron is (at that time anyway in terms of immediate impact).

[caveman]

Caught a bit of Rome on AM 850 today. He started out on such a logical note I had hope, paraphrased "You don't hear me saying stuff like he is innocent, she just wants attention because I don't know what happened in that room that night."

But, almost predictably, it went downhill. "All I do know is what is being reported, about her overdosing on drugs and attempting suicide and all that. I don't see how that can't be considered relevant to the case, and it's a huge win for Kobe".

First of all, all of that information is heresay and (as I mentioned earlier) a coersion attempt on the part of Bryant's legal team to pound the girl into submission. Secondly, the alleged overdose happened 4 months earlier, coinciding with personal tragedies (deaths in the family, etc). Lastly, even if all of it is true, is Rome really saying that he thinks that all 19 year old girls who are hospitalized for severe depression are "free targets" for rapists? Because that is what it began to sound like. So another "for shame" from me, this time to Mr. Rome. He should have just stuck with his original guns, because the only thing that matters in this case is what happened in that hotel room on that night. Nothing earlier, nothing later, nothing done by anyone else to anyone else. If Bryant was a serial rapist, the prosecution would still have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed this act at this time, just as if this girl happened to have been depressed at some time in her life, the defense still has to create reasonable doubt that she is lying about this act at this time.

Maybe sports personalities should just be banned from speaking about the subject on the air. But I guess they get their ratings, and their sponsors don't care what they say to get those ratings.

[folgersnyourcup]

(Real Folgers)

You are right Eileen. Kobe was thought to be good but in no way were the same ridiculous expectations placed on him that are being placed on LeBron. When expectations are this unbelievably high, people are just being set up for disappointment. I don't doubt he will be a good, solid player but these expectations are pretty wild.

Still, I was a little annoyed when Shinn got rid of Kobe before even playing a game with the Hornets. They got Vlade Divac for him and he's good but just think if they'd had Kobe....oh well.

And I don't know why they are bringing him into this. I'm thinking this whole ordeal will go on for a long, LONG, time.

:(

I'm getting pretty tired of it already. At least it's not stealing any time away from hockey talk (the small amount it gets) on television and radio though.....yet.

[folgersnyourcup]

Caveman, I love Rome and I was disappointed in that take as well. I really not see what an overdose has to do with anything. Several television and radio personalities have said that an overdoes might indicate she doesn't have a grasp on her surroundings and shows that she is always looking for attention.... On the Imas (spelling?) in the morning radio show one of the guys mentioned that she had tried out for American Idol and that showed she was looking for attention. Thousands and thousands of people tried out for American Idol, and I don't see what taking a chance and having fun has to do with possibly being RAPED.

I don't know more than anyone here does in terms of what happened. But it looks as though the defense is trying everything in their power to dig up anything that they can possibly use to defame the accuser's character. Of course that is always done in court.......but I digress. Especially given the circumstances around the overdose and how depressed she must have been at the time I just don't see why that automatically makes her out to be an awful person whose word apparently can not be trusted.... If anything, Kobe should be treated the same way and viewed as someone who cheated on his wife and someone who can not be trusted.

:sad:

[Guyute]

caveman.. there's something I don't agree with you on...

there is some relevance to this girl's mental state leading up to that night. if she was severly depressed, or screaming for attention, or not right in the head, etc... then who's to say instead of just sleeping with Kobe and being able to brag to her friends, that she might not make a Much bigger deal out of it? I'm not saying that's what she's doing. I'm just saying, when you have something as severe as this charge is, Everything becomes relevant. period.

I know the comparison to the Tyson debaucle has come up before. I think they're almost carbon copy situations. I really think the initial charge that Tyson faced was a load of bullpucky. I think a girl saw dollar signs. That was a different Tyson. NOW he deserves to sit in jail... and not the country club he went to that first time. But.... I don't think that what the girl portrayed, really happened.

There's obviously no way anyone can say whether or not it did happen, except for Kobe, and that girl. But... you have to believe there's more than just one possibility. And... in the end.... that's what jurors are for.

[Guyute]

If anything, Kobe should be treated the same way and viewed as someone who cheated on his wife and someone who can not be trusted.

I agree. both of them should be taken with a grain of salt. problem is... gonna be a real damn chore figuring out where the truth lies if they're the only 2 that know.

[Jeff O Rocks]

If anything, Kobe should be treated the same way and viewed as someone who cheated on his wife and someone who can not be trusted.

I agree. both of them should be taken with a grain of salt. problem is... gonna be a real damn chore figuring out where the truth lies if they're the only 2 that know.

I agree on both of these counts......Kobe's rep will always be tarnished guilty or innocent.... and guy is right, only the two of them know the truth....all we know is that she was in his room...beyond that????

[Stormbringer]

You are right Eileen. Kobe was thought to be good but in no way were the same ridiculous expectations placed on him that are being placed on LeBron. When expectations are this unbelievably high, people are just being set up for disappointment. I don't doubt he will be a good, solid player but these expectations are pretty wild.

A classic example of what you're saying (Which I agree with, Folgers.) is Yao Ming. Remember all the expectations being placed on him as the numero uno draft pick last year? Yao's good and looks to possibly improve within the next few years, but he's nowhere near as awesome as everyone made him out to be. I think the same will go for LeBron, he'll more than likely be good and improve in a few years, but will start out and/or end up being a bit rusty, since there is a HUGE difference between high school and pro hoops.

And I don't know why they are bringing him into this. I'm thinking this whole ordeal will go on for a long, LONG, time.

:(

I'm getting pretty tired of it already. At least it's not stealing any time away from hockey talk (the small amount it gets) on television and radio though.....yet.

Amen Folgers...I'll be burned up if my hockey is taken over by all the (possible) razzin' frazzin' Kobe trial coverage, especially if it is stretched to OJ-like proportions as it's looking like it will. :sad:

[nccanes]

A classic example of what you're saying (Which I agree with, Folgers.) is Yao Ming. Remember all the expectations being placed on him as the numero uno draft pick last year? Yao's good and looks to possibly improve within the next few years, but he's nowhere near as awesome as everyone made him out to be.


This is waaaay off-topic, but it was my impression that Yao Ming exceeded most expectations this season. I thought opinions were that he would need several years to bulk up and adapt the NBA game. In fact, a great number of "experts" predicted him to be a failure. Didn't Barkley make some stupid bet that he lost w/in just a few months of Yao's debut? The mystique about Yao was that he's from China and the red tape associated with that (let alone his size and potential) - it wasn't that he was another kid that had sky high expectations from the media.

Anyway, it's nice to see that most posters have reasonable opinions about the Kobe matter and can discuss it with civility. :D

[Stormbringer]

A classic example of what you're saying (Which I agree with, Folgers.) is Yao Ming. Remember all the expectations being placed on him as the numero uno draft pick last year? Yao's good and looks to possibly improve within the next few years, but he's nowhere near as awesome as everyone made him out to be.


This is waaaay off-topic, but it was my impression that Yao Ming exceeded most expectations this season. I thought opinions were that he would need several years to bulk up and adapt the NBA game. In fact, a great number of "experts" predicted him to be a failure. Didn't Barkley make some stupid bet that he lost w/in just a few months of Yao's debut? The mystique about Yao was that he's from China and the red tape associated with that (let alone his size and potential) - it wasn't that he was another kid that had sky high expectations from the media.

Well, as someone who doesn't follow pro ball other than what's hot in the news and what my b-ball loving brother knows, watches, and/or tells me, I got the overall impression that Yao didn't do as well as he was expected. (Not just from my brother, but what I read in the media too.) But then again, my brother happens to be a huge Shaq fan, which can explain why he sounds so ho-hum whenever Yao is brought up anyway. :)

Oh well...tis much ado about nothing. :)

Anyway, it's nice to see that most posters have reasonable opinions about the Kobe matter and can discuss it with civility. :D

To go back on-topic, what you said Eileen. :)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I can't believe you guys are surprised that everyone is already assuming the woman is lying. Isn't that what usually happens in a celebrity-rape case? Or any rape case for that matter? I'd say, though, that this case has been worse since Kobe was looked on as such a fine, up-standing young-man until this. At another forum I visit they are even into the 1950s debate of "what was she doing going into his hotel room....normal women don't go into men's hotel rooms unless they are looking for sex." So I guess those abnormal women all deserve to be raped, huh? :mad:

Unfortunately I think that when LeBron James says he supports Kobe no matter what....that is exactly what he means. At the university I attended for undergrad there was a HUGE amount of "you watch my back, I'll watch yours" among the athletes. There was a whole lot of rape going on in the athlete's dorm but no one could ever prove it because they all lied for each other.....even the ones who were not involved. I'm sure that is fairly common and I'm sure it carries over into professional sports as well.

Again, I will say, that if the woman is lying I hope she rots in hell. And of course, if she is not, I hope Kobe rots in jail....which he won't. Even if he is found guilty (if it even goes to court) he'll just get a slap on the wrist. But you better not forge a check! That'll land you in the slammer for sure. :roll:

[caveman]

FBI investigating threats against Hurlbert (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/story?id=1585836)

Saturday, July 26

FBI investigating threats against Hurlbert

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Associated Press


DENVER -- The FBI is investigating threats against the district attorney prosecuting Kobe Bryant, The Denver Post reported Saturday on its Web site.


Krista Flannigan, spokeswoman for District Attorney Mark Hurlbert, confirmed on Saturday that the threats were being investigated. The FBI did not return a call asking for comment Saturday morning.


"I wouldn't say threats (against the prosecutor) are common but it has happened in the past,'' Flannigan said.


Flannigan wouldn't comment on whether any threats had been made against the 19-year-old woman who alleges Bryant sexually assaulted her in Eagle County.


Nor would she say what precautions if any Hurlbert has taken. Visitors entering the office now must show identification and the door is locked, The Post said.


"It has been difficult for people to get their regular work done and accommodate the media, although I think they have a done a remarkable job,'' Flannigan said in a telephone interview.

[Jillsdad]

Looks like she came out of his room looking disheveled whith marks on her and possibly ripped clothes according to the bellboy who saw her. If it is true and granted he has not been subjected to cross yet it looks as if Kobe might have some splainin to do!!!!

[nccanes]

I read an article today about the Kobe case and it talked about how Colorado has the toughest laws in the country concerning sexual assault and the "definition of consent".

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/2003-08-05-bryant-state-laws_x.htm

[Shell]

in case you were curious what a $4 million dollar ring looks like:

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20030803/i/1059894224.3892355160.jpg

Wonder if he got her the bracelet too :roll:

[CaniacManiac]

I heard that they were spotted wearing those bracelets. Hers said "I love Kobe" and his said "I love Vanessa". Isn't that just too sweet for words? :roll: Makes me want to gag!!!!!:p

[Jillsdad]

If he is found guilty he might have to switch to a bracelet that says I Love Bubba !!!!

[Jeff O Rocks]

If he is found guilty he might have to switch to a bracelet that says I Love Bubba !!!!

LMAO......... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Stormbringer]

If he is found guilty he might have to switch to a bracelet that says I Love Bubba !!!!

http://smilies.networkessence.net/s/otn/realhappy/xxrotflmao.gif

[nccanes]

I've never quite been able to put my finger on how I feel about Mark Cuban. No question he is a smart man, worked his ass off to get where he is, has the ability to laugh at himself, and done some very good things along the way, but his comment about the Kobe case really chapped me. Good for David Stern to jump on it....

NBA commissioner critical of Cuban's thoughts on Bryant case
By CHRIS SHERIDAN, AP Basketball Writer
August 5, 2003
NEW YORK (AP) -- NBA commissioner David Stern criticized Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban on Tuesday after Cuban said the league can't help but benefit financially from the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case.

``Any suggestion that there will be some economic or promotional benefit to the NBA arising from the charge pending against Kobe Bryant is both misinformed and unseemly,'' Stern said in a statement issued by the league office.

``That idea does not reflect the views of the NBA, NBA owners generally, or others associated with our sport,'' Stern said.

Cuban, the most outspoken of the league's 29 owners, has said the NBA is bound to get an economic boost when Bryant returns to the court for the Los Angeles Lakers because it will draw the interest of casual fans and non-fans.

Bryant is due to appear in court Wednesday in Eagle, Colo., where he will be formally informed of the charges against him.

Cuban appeared on the television show ``Inside Edition'' on Monday night and said of the case: ``From a business perspective, it's great for the NBA. It's reality television, people love train wreck television and you hate to admit it, but that is the truth, that's the reality today.''

He made similar comments to The Associated Press for an article published last week, and he expounded on his belief Tuesday in a 35-minute radio interview in New York and in an e-mail.

``From a business perspective, the UNFORTUNATE REALITY is that in this country notoriety sells. You only need to look at Mike Tyson as the #1 draw in boxing as proof,'' Cuban wrote. ``I went back and tried to find examples in the entertainment business where it hurt. I couldn't.''

Cuban went on to explain that the Bryant case is a tragedy for everybody involved, along with their families. Cuban also acknowledged that the economic effect of the Bryant case is a difficult subject to discuss.

``It will draw viewers,'' Cuban wrote. ``I'm not saying this a good thing. I'm not saying it's a positive reflection of who we are as a country. It's just reality. It sells papers, it increases TV ratings. The NBA will benefit from that.''

The statement issued by Stern was the commissioner's first public upbraiding of Cuban in a while.

The NBA has fined Cuban more than $1 million since he purchased the team in January 2000, mostly for criticizing referees, but Cuban made it through last season without incurring any fines.




I don't care if Cuban is right (God, please let the American people be wiser than that) or if it is a "business reality" - you don't need to go on record predicting that.

No offense to the players of the NBA, but they aren't all the smartest of the lot - and to have an owner come out and use the words "great for the NBA" is really irresponsible.

The article I read in USA today said this:

Cuban added that the intrigue factor will make TNT's Oct. 28 Mavericks at Lakers season opener "must see TV."

"Take away the personal aspect and the reality is that there will be more people watching our game against the Lakers," he said. "Who do you know won't watch the Lakers game with Kobe?"



No only are his comments insensitive and offensive, I guess he is certain that Kobe's innocent!? Will Kobe even be on the court in October? I can tell you one person who won't be watching - regardless.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I won't be watching. :mad: It's no freaking wonder the NBA is full of thugs. Apparantly it's good for business. :roll: That's disgusting. :sick:

And that ring is damn ugly. It looks like one of the plastic rings you get out of a gumball machine. I'm sure the picture just isn't flattering but it's hard to get a stone that large that doesn't look fake, IMO.

[Shell]

I agree with the disgust at the article, even if it is truer than I wish it was. I never watched basketball before though, and I certainly won't watch that game so I can see some ass play.

I think rings like that always looks tacky.. even if it looks real, think about how much good he could have done with $4 million dollars! What a waste.

[Jeff O Rocks]

And that ring is damn ugly. It looks like one of the plastic rings you get out of a gumball machine. I'm sure the picture just isn't flattering but it's hard to get a stone that large that doesn't look fake, IMO.

I was thinking the same thing Angie.....it does look cloudy..like those fake ones after you wash your hands in them a time or two.

[Shell]

wow, what a coincidence!!

August 14, 2003
Latest Reality Show
Movie that finished shooting before Bryant's arrest mirrors his case
By Rob Fernas, L.A. Times Staff Writer

By now, the story is well-known. A respected NBA superstar has his seemingly perfect life turned upside down after a woman accuses him of rape.

Kobe Bryant is living it.

Dale Davis could profit from it.

In a remarkable instance of life imitating art, NBA veteran Davis came up with the idea and used his own money to produce the movie "Playas Ball," a fictitious story that mirrors Bryant's sexual assault case.

The independent film wrapped up shooting in Los Angeles in February — five months before the Laker guard was charged with felony sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman in Colorado.

It wasn't long after Bryant's arrest became national news that the makers of "Playas Ball" realized its uncanny connection to their project.

"I was just amazed," said Jennifer Harper, the film's writer and director. "We were calling each other like, 'Can you believe the timing of this?' "

Even more extraordinary, Harper said Bryant was the model for the lead character, played by actor Allen Payne.

"In rehearsals, Allen Payne asked, 'What athlete is this based on?' " Harper said. "I said, 'Just think of Kobe Bryant. He's loved by everybody. He has all the endorsements. That's who this character is.' "

The similarities between "Playas Ball" and Bryant's case could prove advantageous for the movie, which recently completed post-production work but has yet to find a buyer for distribution.

Davis is said to be entertaining offers and intends to have the film sold before he returns to the Portland Trail Blazers to start his 13th season.

As executive producer, Davis financed the movie for less than $1 million through World Ain't Right (W.A.R.) Entertainment, his Atlanta-based company that has film and music divisions.

Davis said "Playas Ball" is based on a side of NBA life that goes largely unnoticed by the public — how high-profile athletes can be exploited because of their wealth and fame.

"It happens to athletes in general, entertainers in general," he said. "Sometimes these are the things you have to go through if you have money, and the extent some people will go through to try and get it.

"Being in the NBA, you see a little bit of everything. You hear the stories, and you're in that lifestyle. From an entertainment aspect, it made sense to me to try to put that in movie form and see if we could get an audience."

Davis said he doesn't want to exploit Bryant's situation to gain publicity for his movie, but he predicted the film would make "a huge statement" in light of the sexual assault charge filed against one of the NBA's most popular players.

"No one is perfect, [but] I don't think he did it," Davis said of Bryant. "Knowing him and knowing what he stands for, it just doesn't make sense.

"Everybody has their opinion, but if I'm a betting man, I say [the charges] are not true."

"Playas Ball" refers to the party held during NBA All-Star week that attracts many of the stars of professional sports and hip-hop music.

In a scene that is likely to induce laughter from viewers, a woman at the party wonders aloud if Bryant will show up. Her friend replies, "Well, who's that?" and is admonished for not knowing the Laker All-Star.

The movie's main character, Cedric Tinsley, is a 27-year-old NBA superstar who is described in a press kit as "handsome, adored by millions, talented, rich and preparing to propose to his beautiful live-in girlfriend, a professional model." His team and the city he plays in are never mentioned.

Days after Tinsley signs a multimillion-dollar shoe deal, a woman he claims he doesn't know serves him with a paternity suit. (Coincidentally, Bryant was arrested only days after he signed a shoe deal with Nike worth about $45 million.)

Tinsley begins losing support from his friends after DNA testing shows he is the father. The mother of the child threatens to go to the media with claims that he raped her unless Tinsley agrees to a substantial out-of-court settlement.

Tinsley's life spirals out of control, leading to a family tragedy, before a surprise ending reveals the truth behind his dilemma.

"The movie has a very happy ending," said Harper, a first-time director. "There are messages throughout the movie in terms of responsibility."

In the film, the Playas Ball is given by the leading hip-hop recording artist as a fund-raiser to launch a mentoring foundation. NBA players Scottie Pippen and Derek Anderson make cameo appearances and talk about the importance of having mentors.

The largely African American cast is headed by Payne, who has gained a following through his roles in such movies as "New Jack City" and "The Perfect Storm." The film also stars Elise Neal as Summer Twitty, Tinsley's publicist and a rival for his affections.

Davis, who has other film and music projects in the works, said he was glad to give so many African Americans, particularly women, chances to work on "Playas Ball."

The film's writer-director, producer and casting director are all black women.

"It's fun for me," Davis said. "With the exception of Magic [Johnson], no athlete has really gotten into developing music and film projects. No one has really had that formula yet. We're really in a great position to break that barrier."

[Jeff O Rocks]

very strange... :crazy:

[Shell]

hahahaha.. serves 'em right!!

Bryant's Lawyer Gets Unwanted Calls After 'SNL' Skit
'Weekend Update' Host Gave Out Mackey's Phone Number
POSTED: 7:56 a.m. EDT October 15, 2003

A skit on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" has generated some unwanted phone calls for Kobe Bryant's defense attorney in Colorado.

The skit targeted attorney Pamela Mackey for repeatedly using the name of the woman accusing Bryant during last week's preliminary hearing.

During SNL's "Weekend Update," co-host Tina Fey used Mackey's name at least six times and gave the name of her firm and the Colorado area code.

A receptionist says Mackey's firm had received numerous phone calls by Monday morning.

A spokesman for the show wouldn't comment except to say, "The joke speaks for itself."

Bryant is accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman on June 30 at a Colorado resort.

The Los Angeles Lakers star says the two had consensual sex.

[puckin_A]

looks like this is headed for the courts (with jury).....should be interesting.

No one knows what really happened that night, so I can't really comment
on what I believe is true (without hearing all the details)....

Some of the stuff about her showing up in the hospital with someone elses
sperm on her underwear is a bit wierd.

Being an avid fan of the Lakers, I was shocked by the accusations but
Kobe is a little wierdo and WHO KNOWS!! We don't know what he really
is like.

sorry....just babbling....

ok, one more thing......she says she said no twice....he said he didn't hear
her......................whatever.............but if someone was raping you,
would you be kicking and scratching and screaming??????

[Shell]

I'd sure as hell do something more than "say no twice" if that is the case. I also have no idea what went on, and hope the jury comes to the right conclusion. However, he's already mud in my book for admitting he slept with a 19 year old girl while married.

[puckin_A]

unfortunately Shell it's more common than we think with pro sports
players......they think they are above it, I guess.

[Shell]

oh, I know! I am glad my nephews look up to Ronnie Francis instead of Rodman, that is for sure!!!!