LOS ANGELES, June 8 (Reuters) - In a shocking development of the once-settled Kobe Bryant sexual assault case, the Eagle County (Colorado) District Attorney announced the indictment of Kobe Bryant's money and fame on charges of forcible sexual assault. John Sponder, DA, comments: "We can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Bryant's money and fame not only created the situation, but gave him the confidence or arrogance to perform the act with which he was once charged. Thus, under the law, Mr. Bryant's money and fame are accessories after the fact to the crime perpetrated that night on that chair."
This turn in events comes in the wake of Bryant's stellar performances in Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals. When asked how this development might affect him in upcoming Finals games, Bryant appeared somewhat ambivalent. "Well, lucky thing is my money and fame don't do nothin' for me on the basketball court . . . unless you're talking 'bout the refs of course . . . but Stern's got them in my . . . uh . . . anyways, I strenuously support my money and fame's innocence in the difficult situation in Colorado. And although they did play a pivotal part in getting me in that situation, they played an even bigger part in getting me out. So I'll always have their back." The interviewer noted that Kobe Bryant did not purse or lick his lips once during the entire interview.
League experts disagree with Bryant. ESPN Insider John Hollinger says, "If Bryant's money and fame are convicted for these crimes, it could be a crippling blow for his career. He will have lost three of the six qualities of superstardom that made him the greatest player in the league; i.e., fame, money, talent, work ethic, competitive spirit, and of course, class, which he put in severe danger when he bent that girl over that chair, and to which he said 'bye-bye' forever when he ratted out teammate Shaquille O'Neal for sleeping around."
On a related note, sources close to Bryant's wife Vanessa say she is monitoring the situation closely. A close friend who wished to remain anonymous said, "The loss of trust, chastity, and faithfulness was one thing, but if she loses Kobe's money and fame . . . mmm Honey!, she done with that man!"
