L.A.'s Bryant charged

• Ferd Lewis: Do we really know sports heroes?

By Colleen Slevin
Associated Press

Lakers' star Kobe Bryant, accompanied by wife, Vanessa, told reporters in Los Angeles yesterday he committed adultery but did not sexually assault a 19-year-old woman June 30 at a resort in Colorado. Associated Press

Bryant denied the charge, fighting back tears at a news conference in Los Angeles and saying he was guilty only of adultery.

"I didn't force her to do anything against her will. I'm innocent," he said, with his wife, Vanessa, at his side. "I sit here in front of you guys furious at myself, disgusted at myself for making a mistake of adultery."

The 24-year-old Los Angeles Lakers' guard faces four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation if convicted of the single felony count, Eagle County District Attorney Mark Hurlbert said.

Hurlbert said Bryant forced the woman into "submission" through physical force but refused to disclose other details.

The woman worked the front desk at the exclusive spa where Bryant was staying while in the state for knee surgery. Hurlbert said she would not be made available for comment.

Bryant, free on $25,000 bail, must return to court in Eagle on Aug. 6 for a hearing.

Bryant's attorney, Pamela Mackey, said he will plead innocent.

Speaking at Bryant's news conference at the Lakers' arena, Mackey said the defense will be that the sexual encounter was "between two consenting adults."

Bryant needed several seconds to compose himself before speaking, and his voice quivered once he started. His wife, who had their first child in January, held his right hand.

"I love my wife with all my heart. She's my backbone," he said, turning to her.

Earlier, Vanessa Bryant released a statement, saying she stood by her husband. "He is not a criminal," she said.

The case has riveted the sports world for nearly two weeks because it involves one of the NBA's most magnetic stars. Bryant has also used his clean image to land lucrative endorsement contracts.

Just last month, he signed a multimillion-dollar sneaker deal with Nike to go with contracts he already had with Sprite, McDonald's and Spalding.

The case also raises questions about Bryant's summer plans and whether he will be able to play with the U.S. Olympic qualifying team, which begins practice Aug. 10 in New York.

The Lakers start practice in October for the 2003-04 season.

"Naturally, we're disappointed with today's announcement," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said. "While there are many questions concerning this issue, we will wait for time and the judicial process to answer them."

NBA commissioner David Stern said the league would have no comment until the case is settled.

Hurlbert, who took office in December, said he consulted prosecutors around the state and pored over physical evidence and testimony before making his decision.

"This did not come easily," he said.

Bryant is accused of assaulting the woman June 30 at the gated Lodge & Spa at Cordillera in nearby Edwards. Bryant, who was having surgery in Vail, arrived at the lodge that day.

Eagle County sheriff's deputies took Bryant to Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs for tests early July 2, later letting him leave in a taxi with his bodyguards.

The woman also underwent tests, and Hurlbert has said he needed information from the state crime lab before making his decision.

Bryant surrendered to authorities July 4 and was released an hour later after posting bond.

The arrest was announced July 6.

Here are the statements released by lawyers for Kobe Bryant and his wife, Vanessa, after the sexual assault charge was filed:

Text of Kobe Bryant statement

I am innocent of the charges filed today. I did not assault the woman who is accusing me. I made the mistake of adultery. I have to answer to my wife and my God for my actions that night and I pray that both will forgive me.

Nothing that happened June 30th was against the will of the woman who now falsely accuses me.

These false allegations have hurt my family. I will fight against these allegations with all my strength.

My wife is the strongest person I know. She is willing to stand by me despite my mistake. That means everything to me.

I have so much to live for. And by that I do not mean the contracts, or the money, or the fame. I mean my family. I will fight for them.

I appreciate all those who have supported me. Thank you for believing in me. My family and I are going to need your support and prayers now more than ever.

Text of Vanessa Bryant statement

I know that my husband has made a mistake — the mistake of adultery.

He and I will have to deal with that within our marriage, and we will do so. He is not a criminal. I know that he did not commit a crime, he did not assault anyone.

He is a loving and kind husband and father. I believe in his innocence.

Because I know him to be innocent, I will stand by him and we will face this together. I will give him all the strength and support he needs to face these false accusations. I will not let him face these accusations alone.

I know Kobe better than anyone. The great person you see on the court and in the public is a far greater person off the court.