STORM2K

This was SUCH a WASTE of time and tax payers dollars, I mean, we all KNEW this woman was ONLY out for the money!

http://www.azcentral.com

Charge dropped; Bryant apologizes
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Associated Press
Sept. 2, 2004 12:00 AM


EAGLE, Colo. - The criminal case against Kobe Bryant collapsed Wednesday as prosecutors said they had no choice but to drop the sexual-assault charge because his accuser no longer wanted to participate.

Bryant, whose trial had been days from opening arguments, responded with an apology to the woman who had accused him and whose civil suit for damages is still pending.

"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," Bryant said.

With the parents of the 20-year-old accuser looking on, District Judge Terry Ruckriegle threw out the case under a deal that means no charges will be refiled.

The dismissal marks a stunning turn in the high-profile case against one the NBA's brightest young stars. For months, prosecutors had insisted they had a strong enough case to win a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt.

Big waste of time and money.

Civil suit? damages?
What damages? - that the world knows she's an immoral woman?

He should counter sue. This whole case has caused him a lot of pain and expense.

I think this is another example of an overpaid egotistical celebrity playing the Legal system in order to skate. Once the Judge made the ruling about her past life being admissable (which it shouldn't be since Rape has nothing to do with sex), she then knew that it was going to be her on trial and not Bryant. The Civil case in my estimation falls into the same category as the civil case against OJ-the victim and her family realizing that they will get no Justice from the Legal system decide to get it from the Tort system-unless, of course that you believe that both OJ and Bryant are innocent which I don't.

Steve

Another thing worth considering is that this alleged victim was receiving death threats - almost on a daily basis. Court employees mistakenly released her full name, not once but TWICE, and the threateneing phone calls and letters never ceased. She and her family were under police protection and were terrified. It was rumored several months ago that she had considered refusing to testify because she was concerned for her own safety, and that it was all the prosecutors could do to get her to hang in there.

I wont claim to know who was innocent and who was guilty here. Date rape is a nearly impossible thing to prove - but it happens and it is devestating to the victim. But the way the system let this young woman down disturbs me.

CO Law limits damages that can be awarded in a case like this to $733k which is chump change to a clown like Bryant so it's not like she is cashing in.

Steve