Quote:
Originally Posted by TomHudson
Kobe’s statement
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.
“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.”
Where’s this admission of rape?
I stand by my statement, and you obviously have made up your mind and certainly have taken the most inappropriate time to vent it.
Your view of “cheating” is about marriage infidelity and is a religious construct, as is judgment of others and forgiveness, of which you’ve selectively ignored.
While you may not view him as a hero, we’re supposed to pay homage to a man who contributed to society and died with his daughter and friends.
Your view of “hurting” people, again, is in the eye of the beholder. Since nobody is morally perfect or perfectly moral, your point of view and timing, was designed for no other purpose than to grandstand while nerves were raw.
Stop pretending that you have some entitlement to judge anyone.
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There is no such thing as an inappropriate time to make a statement helpful to society.
My view of cheating is not a religious construct. It is a vow Kobe made to his wife. It is the virtue of a man to keep his vows. Not only because it's the right thing to do to the person you made the vow to, but also it's the right thing to do to keep your integrity. And it's well known the mental implications of this stuff and the damage it does. The dangers of which have been known for thousands of years or more. I do not recall him apologizing for cheating, so I do not see how you can say that I am selectively ignoring my duty to forgive him. Absolutely nothing in Kobe's statement says anything about cheating.
According to the police report, while he was being questioned by the officers about the alleged sexual assault, Bryant said, “I should have done what Shaq does,” adding, “Shaq gives them money or buys them cars, he has already spent one million dollars.” The report added, “Kobe stated that Shaq does this to keep the girls quiet.”