'Terrified': Bryant speaks from Lakers' camp

Louis Cypher · 10-05-2003, 05:22 AM

Saturday, October 4, 2003

Associated Press

HONOLULU -- Kobe Bryant returned to the basketball court Saturday, admittedly out of shape and scared about what lies ahead for his family as his sexual assault case proceeds.

After participating in a few drills with his Los Angeles Lakers teammates at training camp, the superstar guard said he considered not playing until his case is settled.

"Basketball to me just took a back seat, man," Bryant said in his first public comments since July 18, the day he was charged with sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman in Eagle, Colo.

Surrounded by a throng of media in a steamy gym at the University of Hawaii, Bryant said he decided about a month ago that he would play, a decision supported by his wife, Vanessa.

"You know, I have a job to do," Bryant said, dressed in a gold practice jersey and purple shorts and with a towel around his neck.

"This is my job, coming back to work," he said. "My family and I, we've been dealing with this for a while now, and we're going to continue to deal with it. I'm coming back to work and do what I do."

Bryant is accused of raping a woman June 30 in his suite at a mountain resort where she worked. He has said the two had consensual sex. Free on $25,000 bond, Bryant is scheduled to appear Thursday in Eagle for a preliminary hearing to determine whether he will stand trial.

Bryant smiled occasionally as he spoke Saturday, although he mostly appeared serious.

Asked whether he was scared about the case, he replied: "Terrified."

"Not so much for myself, but just for what my family is going through," Bryant said. "They had nothing to do with this, but just because their names have been dragged in the mud I'm scared for them."

Did Bryant feel more comfortable walking back into a gym?

"No," he replied. "You know what? You can't imagine what it's like going through what I've gone through, still going through. I come out here to play, and this is my job, and I'm going to come out here and do it well."

Bryant said his family was the main reason he considered sitting out.

"I just wanted to spend as much time as I can with my family," Bryant said. "You go through something like this, you realize how important your family is, seeing my daughter grow up and being at home. Basketball to me is just a distant second."

Bryant reported to training camp a day late, telling the team through his agent that he was "under the weather." He refused to be more specific Saturday.

Bryant was asked whether his experience with on-court pressure would help him deal with his off-court problems.

"In this environment, this world, people think a seventh game is pressure," he said, laughing. "Are you kidding me?

"Playing the game of basketball is not difficult for me. Going through what we've been going through is difficult."

During the offseason, Bryant underwent surgery on his right shoulder and had minor knee surgery the day after he is charged with committing the sexual assault.

He said stress affected him to the point where he couldn't train.

"I've got work to do," said Bryant, who spent part of Saturday's practice riding a stationary bike.

Bryant doesn't plan to speak with his teammates about his case.

"Why?" he said. "I could put it into words a million times, they'll never understand, they'll never get it. It doesn't matter. We'll come here, we'll work together as a team and we'll play the game.

"We're living through this," he said, referring to his family. "Everybody else is just watching."

What has his life been like?

"Like a roller coaster," he said. "You have your good days, you have your bad days. At home, you have your worst days, then other days are great. Sometimes it doesn't seem like there's a light at the end of the tunnel. You pray, you have faith. The next thing you know, the light is brighter than ever."

Bryant also said his life has "been pretty crazy. My wife and I go out on a date and everybody overanalyzes it."

Bryant was asked about what happened in Colorado.

"Are you serious?" Bryant said, before walking away.

Bryant arrived in Honolulu late Friday night, and coach Phil Jackson hadn't had a chance to sit down with him for a one-on-one talk.

"This gym is not appropriate," Jackson said. "It's too noisy. We'll wait until we have a space which is appropriate for it."

surfin joe · 10-05-2003, 05:36 AM

GUILTY

Bluto · 10-05-2003, 10:38 AM

This guy is a complete A--hole trying to influence public opinion to suit his needs, and the media assisting his efforts. Lets not forget who the victim is. You would think he was the one that was assaulted by his comments. Yeah "Its been real tough" Kobe, living in that gated mansion and sycophant reporters kissing your ass putting you in a positve light. Money may buy your freedom but don't pretend to be a self-respecting gentleman, your a rapist regardless of the innocent verdict you will receive.

Conrad · 10-05-2003, 10:52 AM

Keep in mind that there is no such thing as equality before the law. It doesn't exist - it's just a myth.

10-05-2003, 11:10 AM

I don't care who you are...you get a taste of the courtroom you get jellylegged.
The only people that do not are the A$$holes that deserve to be there.

Conrad · 10-05-2003, 11:21 AM

You don't seriously think he's going to spend time behind bars, do you?

jjgold · 10-05-2003, 12:20 PM

Go against Lakers until trial is over, Kobe will not be the same player.

tor-evans · 10-05-2003, 04:54 PM

I have no sympathy for the guy!

10-05-2003, 04:57 PM

No jail time is up to -2800 in this book.

big action · 10-05-2003, 06:19 PM

<< [i]You don't seriously think he's going to spend time behind bars, do you?[/q

I think Kobe will do significant time in prison.

Mike Tyson was convicted on much less evidence.

KidVegas · 10-05-2003, 06:20 PM

Terrified as in going to jail. Anybody that thinks this is going to be another O.J. Simpson. Forget it. He is going to jail. Prosecutor expert witness will testify that the pictures of the victims neck that shows bruising are similar to people that have been strangled.

10-05-2003, 06:28 PM

PLEASE...you just forced me to up the line to -3300

NO WAY JAIL TIME...

You have to be really in a fog to believe jail. A FOG , I tell you.

tvdrjim · 10-05-2003, 06:29 PM

Prob terrified cause he has not told his wife he poked the gal in the ass. The Mrs. will find out at the trial.

boblynch · 10-05-2003, 06:30 PM

even if he gets prison time,
it will be one of those cushy
ones that look like college
campuses.

big action · 10-05-2003, 06:31 PM

Sportman---what line are you using on your prop? Put me down on "Yes" for the limit.

Kobe Bryant will be in prison during the 2006-2007 NBA season.

10-05-2003, 06:34 PM

Your in BA.

The difference between Tyson and Kobe is that he is hiring lawyers that specialize in such cases.
Not a tax lawyer that King BOUGHT Tyson.

I'm going to be rich off this one gentlemen . RICH I TELL YOU..RICH . FILTHY RICH.

big action · 10-05-2003, 06:49 PM

Sportman---do you remember how many people on this forum were convinced that charges would not be brought against Kobe?

KidVegas · 10-05-2003, 07:04 PM

sportman, I'm calling you to bet more than the max on the yes, the rapist is going to jail.

Pancho Sanza · 10-06-2003, 05:34 AM

How can a guy who has the world at his feet risk it over some young pussy?

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