What do Mike Tyson and Kobe Bryant have in common? Hopefully nothing. The heir to Michael Jordan's throne is on trial for his life. Bryant faces four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation for felony sexual assault, or rape of a 19-year-old female. The situation is potentially serious.
There have been reports that one of the young woman's co-workers saw her shortly after the alleged incident with red marks on her face and neck. The young woman checked herself into the hospital the next day for a rape examination. Clearly, there is enough evidence for a trial, but is there enough for a conviction?
Colorado has some of the harshest sex offender laws in the country. However, Bryant has had a stellar reputation since being the 13th overall pick in 1996 straight out of High School. Bryant's clean-cut image will surely help him.
In addition, Bryant's case is also helped by the woman's discredited character. About two months before the alleged incident, the young woman suffered two heavy losses: the death of a friend and a difficult break-up with her ex-boyfriend. Both events culminated in an apparent suicide attempt via drug overdose. These stories have quickly brought the woman's character into question. The young woman has struggled as of late, but does that make her unreliable or, better yet, a liar? No, but it's one of the defense's best arguments.
In all likelihood, Bryant will spend whatever it takes on O.J. Simpson-caliber attorneys, and he will probably emerge with a decision of not guilty or some sort of probationary ruling. Either outcome would be a mere slap on the wrist for such a serious charge. Despite the media's pervasive optimism about the case, Bryant will still incur great losses that extend far beyond the courtroom.
The public's perception of Bryant's character will be changed forever. There has already been a fallout among Bryant's supporters. Bryant signed an endorsement deal with the Nutella Company. In light of the accusations, Nutella terminated its contract with Bryant, citing various reasons including the sexual assault case. Nutella is the first of many companies that will reconsider their investment in Bryant. Sprite and Nike will probably follow suit at some point in the future. The loss of endorsements will quickly remove Bryant from being the NBA's most visible star.
Some of Bryant's peers have also spoken out in anger and disappointment. Recently, superstar Tracy McGrady, of the Orlando Magic, strongly criticized Bryant, saying, "If you're married, stick with your wife. Don't do anything crazy that's going to cause problems in your household. Keep a happy family." Bryant's wife recently gave birth to their first child -- a girl. McGrady's advice seems to be self-evident, especially with Bryant's public lifestyle. However, professional athletes repeatedly deal with paternity suits and sexual assault cases.
Bryant's situation will provide all athletes with important lessons. The NBA is strengthening its rookie orientation program, and the Portland Trailblazers are in the process of drafting a player code of conduct. Hopefully, Portland will lead the way in defining appropriate behavior for NBA players, despite the team's reputation as a bunch of thugs.
Bryant made a huge mistake, one that he would take back in a second. NBA players will learn from Bryant's grave mishap, but how long will it take this lesson to fade in the minds of athletes? Of course, Bryant is still presumed innocent until proven guilty. Let's hope that Bryant is telling the truth that the sex was consensual, and his career will not follow Tyson's route. Bryant's stellar image is now in question, and it's time to examine his character.
