Kobe case: Prosecutors aiming for dismissal

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I still don't get some things though. For example in that letter or whatever Kobe wrote (or one Lin Wood or whoever) saying stuff like "I can see where she thought I was raping her" I don't understand that stuff, why did he even write something like that?

He didnt write that down, the prosecuters did, he had to sign it however. This was part of the agreement, its not like it said "Im sorry I raped you....lets be friends - Love Kobe", but more of a Im sorry that I put you in this situation thing. Also, the deal was that the prosecuters cannot use this situation as evidence in a following civil sue, so they cant say "Hey, he said he is sorry....thats really suspicious aint it?".

Its still a little wierd however that he had to sign it, basicly saying that its his fault that this whole situation has started, but I rather have this then him still being on that criminal trial, thats for sure

[Andrew]

I could be way off the mark here, but I think the point Jackal was trying to make about Kobe committing adultery is that it's something that other athletes are criticised for and their reputations dragged through the mud. With Kobe it's kind of been a case of "Come on, give him a break; he didn't commit a crime." And that's fine except other athletes and celebrities don't seem to receive the same sort of treatment.

[Sauru]

it seems most people are more upset that he went elsewhere when he had such a hot wife instead of the fact he cheated. seems no one cares, infact it seems like most people think its cool, if only he had done it with someone hotter. pretty sad indeed.

[Steve04]

I could be way off the mark here, but I think the point Jackal was trying to make about Kobe committing adultery is that it's something that other athletes are criticised for and their reputations dragged through the mud. With Kobe it's kind of been a case of "Come on, give him a break; he didn't commit a crime." And that's fine except other athletes and celebrities don't seem to receive the same sort of treatment.

I don't see anyone condoning the fact that he cheated on his wife. But I just find it amusing that in a world where everyone wants to run away from morals that people now want to act righteous all of a sudden.

[magius]

its like they said, jayson williams trial had much more evidence and he acutally KILLED someone. US judicial system comes down to this: If you got more money than the other guy your more likely tha not gonna win the trial unless there is 150% evidence + proof against you, there was basically no chance for the victim in a he said she said trial because she's a bum and kobe's a rich fuck. If it was me, I'd bow out too considering the system failed her at every corner left and right, they failed to keep her identity secret, they failed to keep court documents secret, and the idiotic media spread rumors about her rather than the other for whatever reason (money), all in all forgetting that she was the alleged VICTIM, not kobe. I believe that kobe was guilty, and its a shame how the system failed the victim, and how stupid some people can be to let something as irrelevant as basketball cloud their judgement over something serious like this. Let's face it, the only reason anyone who is backing kobe is backing kobe is because they like kobe as a basketball player, if it was anyone else, they'd either be nuetral or for the victim. I read on espn some dumb fucks quote saying basically "that bitch got what she deserved for costing the lakers this season". Christ, what an idiot, he should just stick a gun up his ass, fuck himself, and then accidentally shoot his dick off somehow (i'm sure he'd find a way considering his stupidity is infinite).

[Riot]

Christ, what an idiot, he should just stick a gun up his ass, fuck himself, and then accidentally shoot his dick off somehow (i'm sure he'd find a way considering his stupidity is infinite).

I don't think Kobe is guilty but I don't think he is innocent. Nobody knows besides Kobe and the victim. We all have opinions, obviously. Creating opinions can not be stopped but supporting them with evidence and reasoning helps persuade others. There is no evidence besides her past sexual history and her mental problems. I wouldn't say those make her a lying bitch but they make some interesting questions. But, Kobe is a superstar who thinks he can do whatever he wants (all superstars do) and maybe he didn't take no for an answer that day.

"Kobe is a nice guy, he wouldn't do this". He normally keeps to himself, nobody really knows if he is a "nice guy" or if it's just a gimmick. I think whatever happened in that hotel room will never be solved.

IF Kobe did rape her the gulit he should have inside will be overwhelming (I would hope so). If he is innocent I hope the victim learned her lesson.

Bottom line, we don't know what happened but making guesses and opinions is what we do. Don't base them on his basketball skill like maguis said, base them on the facts of the trial laid before us.

[Andrew]

I don't see anyone condoning the fact that he cheated on his wife. But I just find it amusing that in a world where everyone wants to run away from morals that people now want to act righteous all of a sudden.

I'm not trying to act righteous or take a "holier than thou" stance. It's just unusual to see people dismiss his infidelity or not make a big deal of it when other athletes have their names dragged through the mud because of such scandals.

I'm not saying Kobe Bryant's career and name should be ruined or he should be kicked out of the NBA or sent to jail or anything like that. I'm just noting the fact that it's not seen as the big deal that it usually is.

As Sauru said, he's criticised for cheating on his wife with someone who is not considered as attractive as Vanessa Bryant, not simply for cheating on his wife. Or it's noted that he didn't actually break a law - which is quite true. Both statements have merit (moreso the latter) but other professional athletes don't seem to get let off the hook so easily.

It's surprising the media hasn't given him more grief, even if the fans are not. The media loves to build up people in the public eye then tear them down at the first sign of weakness in their character. Again, I'm not saying the media should be tearing his image apart, I'm just surprised that they haven't jumped at the opportunity.

In a world where we love to "expose" celebrities and our perception of them is not unlike the popularity contests in high school, it's uncharacteristic of the media not to turn on one of their favourite individuals if it will mean a good story.

[Steve04]

See Andrew, here's why the media and others are not making such a big deal out of it. I'm a Kobe fan and I think what he did was horrible and wrong, and all that has happened whether he's innocent or not he's deserved. Bad habits have a way of exposing themselves at the most inopportune of times.

I think the reason there has not been such an uproar is one simple fact. He admitted it, and not only that, he apologized. Publically. He seemed genuinely sorry for his wrongdoing. Ofcourse he could have been sorry he was caught, but we'll never know. When one owns up to ones missteps people are much more forgiving. Throw in the fact that he had a squeaky clean record before that and hadn't given anyone a real reason to hate him outside of basketball and there you have it.

[Sauru]

actually i think the reason he is getting off easy from a media stand point is cause of the rape case. i think everyone knew(even haters) that he didnt actually rape her. i think that if this never went to trial and she just came out claiming to be pregnant or even just claiming to have slept with him it would have been worse. since she claimed raped it took the entire focus off of the cheating part and put it on the rape part, which is what the media dealt with. now you could say that the media could just flip flop and start on his cheating ways and how all athletes are cheaters or whatever, but i think the kobe story is played out now and the media and its viewers are bored with kobe.

basicly the only kobe anyone wants to see or hear about anymore is the on court kobe, and thats why the media is not all over his cheating habits.

[Andrew]

I think the reason there has not been such an uproar is one simple fact. He admitted it, and not only that, he apologized. Publically. He seemed genuinely sorry for his wrongdoing. Ofcourse he could have been sorry he was caught, but we'll never know. When one owns up to ones missteps people are much more forgiving. Throw in the fact that he had a squeaky clean record before that and hadn't given anyone a real reason to hate him outside of basketball and there you have it.

actually i think the reason he is getting off easy from a media stand point is cause of the rape case. i think everyone knew(even haters) that he didnt actually rape her. i think that if this never went to trial and she just came out claiming to be pregnant or even just claiming to have slept with him it would have been worse. since she claimed raped it took the entire focus off of the cheating part and put it on the rape part, which is what the media dealt with.

Both excellent points, I certainly agree with both of those assertions. The more serious accusations took the focus off an act that most people would think of as immoral, while Kobe apologised and showed remorse for his mistake. But still, the media isn't usually as forgiving as the fans.

The accusations and the trial have raised questions about his character and the Kobe we aren't exposed to. I wonder whether any books will be written that expose the "truth".

Again, I do not hate Kobe and I don't want to see him or enjoy seeing him the focus of a scandal. Perhaps I have an overly pessimistic and paranoid view of the sports and entertainment media. But I'm surprised not to see more attempts at character assassination in the media, not because I want them but because it's something they are capable (and seemingly willing) to do.

[Sauru]

i gotta agree with your point also. usually the media does anything in its power to tear down a mans life at the first chance they get.