Not Surprised...
- wadE
Were any of us surprised yesterday when rape charges against Kobe Bryant were dropped?
This had been rumored for weeks. We heard rumblings that "the accuser" was clinically
depressed, didn't want to testify, couldn't go through with it.
And you really couldn't blame her. The list of "accidental" leaks was starting to get
ridiculous, and once the judge allowed her sexual history to enter the courtroom, that
really sealed it. What person wants their sexual history detailed in public record?
I feel bad for both parties. I truly believe that the accuser felt she was raped, and
I truly believe that Kobe thought it was consensual.
I have no idea why Kobe said this if a civil case is still a possibility, but I think
this is an accurate way to describe what he's been thinking:
"Although I truly believe this encounter between us was consensual, I recognize now
that she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did," Bryant said. "I now
understand how she feels that she did not consent to this encounter."
What really happened, we'll never know. I'm guessing Kobe did in fact invite her up.
I'm guessing she was thrilled at the invitation. I'm guessing he made a pass at her. I'm
guessing she was flattered, and reciprocated. I'm guessing one thing led to another,
and at some point she decided that maybe she didn't want to what she thought she had
wanted to do minutes earlier.
Depending on what happened next really defines whether or not that was rape, but from
the lack of physical harm done to her, and the possibility that she had sex with another
person not long after this encounter really makes matters foggy.
This sort of thing happens every day. Sexual encounters that leave one or both
parties full of remorse. How do you determine rape if there is no evidence of physical
or verbal threats, no evidence of a struggle, and it's just a he-said she-said?
I am just glad it's over. Now the crews from Access Hollywood, Extra, and all
the other tabloids can move on the next big thing. They been stretched so thin, we
have hardly had enough reporting on Nicky Hilton's marriage!!!
UPDATE
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1872928
"First, I want to apologize directly to the young woman involved in this incident. I want to apologize to her for my behavior that night and for the consequences she has suffered in the past year. Although this year has been incredibly difficult for me personally, I can only imagine the pain she has had to endure. I also want to apologize to her parents and family members, and to my family and friends and supporters, and to the citizens of Eagle, Colo.
"I also want to make it clear that I do not question the motives of this young woman. No money has been paid to this woman. She has agreed that this statement will not be used against me in the civil case. Although I truly believe this encounter between us was consensual, I recognize now that she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did. After months of reviewing discovery, listening to her attorney, and even her testimony in person, I now understand how she feels that she did not consent to this encounter.
"I issue this statement today fully aware that while one part of this case ends today, another remains. I understand that the civil case against me will go forward. That part of this case will be decided by and between the parties directly involved in the incident and will no longer be a financial or emotional drain on the citizens of the state of Colorado."
AND
Roger Cossack: I thought the apology was bizarre. He has claimed for a year he didn't do it. However, later on, Pamela Mackey indicated why it was made - a demand by the victim and her attorneys. Mackey has said that was the only reason he did it.
What do you think? Drop us a line at webmaster@simpleprop.com and give us some
feedback. Maybe we'll even run your letters in future Gambits. 'The Daily Gambit' is updated every weekday.
