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7-22-03. NBA all-star basketball player and point guard for the
Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, 24, has been charged with one
count of sexual assault. Bryant admits he had consensual sex
with his 19-year old accuser; however, he denies his actions
were criminal. His wife was by his side at the press conference
as he stated, “you know. I didn’t force her to do anything
against her will. I’m innocent. You know. I sit here in
front of you guys furious at myself. Disgusted at myself for
making a mistake of adultery.”
Many are surprised by the allegations because Kobe Bryant
has such a clean-cut, endorser-friendly image. Jameika Williams,
a former girlfriend from 1997 says he was never rough nor aggressive
with her and that the accusations are out of his character, that
“he was always a calm, nice person—a family person.”
Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers Coach, says “he has
consistently demonstrated responsible behavior to me on and off
the basketball court.”
The
Accuser
According to a friend, the alleged victim in the Kobe Bryant
sexual assault case is sickened by his denial of the allegations.
The victim, 19, is a former high school cheerleader who
worked at the hotel where Bryant was staying. According to accounts
by friends she was distraught over the death of a friend and
a recent breakup with her boyfriend.
On July 1, a day after the alleged attack, Bryant’s accuser
filed a complaint with the Eagle County Sheriff’s Department
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Kobe
Bryant True Fan Club Stands Behind Bryant 100% in Spite of Recent
Allegations of Sexual Assault
Released By: Kobe Bryant True Fan Club
Muskegon, MI – July 30, 2003 -- With the launch of their
new website, www.KobeBryantTrueFan.com,
fans or true fans as they prefer to be called, have banded together
in protest of the recent allegations against Kobe Bryant for
sexual assault charges.
As stated on their website, www.KobeBryantTrueFan.com,
“We as the true fans of Kobe Bryant have already forgiven
him of adultery, and intend on supporting Bryant 100% because
these allegations are false and a total injustice. We feel no
credibility has been lost.”
The Kobe Bryant True Fan Club members, who have followed his
career from the All Star McDonald high school team to the NBA,
are outraged and stand firm in their support of Mr. Bryant. When
asked what is their purpose, John Churchwell, President of the
Kobe Bryant True Fan Club stated, "We are asking that the
true fans, at least 2 million of us, come together and support
Kobe Bryant 100% as we work towards keeping a man who is innocent
of these sexual assault charges, from being bombarded by the
media blitz and negative critics who go overboard and get so
out of control that it buries the truth."
Churchwell, also made it clear of how seriously they believe
in Mr. Bryant's innocence by saying, “We are ready to boycott
any product that Mr. Bryant’s endorsers if as a result formal
charges brought against Bryant causes his commercial endorsement
duties to be negatively affected. We are prepared and ready to
ban these companies’ products on a nationwide level. We
truly believe that the voice of one, the voice of many is the
power of the truth.”
With the upcoming preliminary trial on August 6, 2003 in Eagle
County, CO the true fans are anxiously waiting and praying that
the allegations in this case will be seen for what they are which
in their opinion is a plot to get money and ruin Mr. Bryant’s
credibility, and that the charges will be dropped and his name
cleared.
“We are convinced and believe 100% that Mr. Bryant is
innocent of these allegations and that the truth will prevail,
and although the very words of the accusations can’t be
erased, we hope Mr. Bryant will be able to heal, and grow from
this experience and continue building his family life and basketball
career,” said Churchwell.
Supporters are urged to visit the Kobe Bryant True Fan Club
at www.KobeBryantTrueFan.com.
This way they can stand firm and be united. A person is not a
true fan until they join and become an official True Fan Club
member. "Be a hero for Kobe as he has been for his million
of adoring fans by showing your loyalty and supporting him in
his time of need, said Churchwell."
Timeline: Kobe Bryant, the NBA All-Star
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