The Once Impeccable Kobe Bryant Arrested On Sex Charges

How Will Allegations Impact Kobe's Marketability?

Lakers G Kobe Bryant "is free on [$25,000] bail after turning himself in to police on suspicion of felony sexual assault at a resort hotel" near Vail, CO, according to Brown & Marosi of the L.A. TIMES. Bryant "has yet to be formally charged and an arraignment has not been scheduled." A woman told police Tuesday that Bryant "had sexually assaulted her June 30." Under CO law, felony sexual assault "has a wide scope, from coerced touching to rape." Lakers execs said that they "would stand behind Bryant" (L.A. TIMES, 7/7). Nike spokesperson Nigel Powell: "We're pleased to work with Kobe Bryant as he is a great player. But since this is a legal matter, we cannot comment at this time" (ESPN.com, 7/6). Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak released a statement yesterday: "These allegations are completely out of character of the Kobe Bryant we know. For the seven years he's been with us he has been one of the finest young men we've known and a wonderful asset to both our team and our community" (Lakers). All three major network morning shows mentioned Bryant's arrest in their opening news segments today. On NBC's "Today" show, N.Y. POST NBA writer Peter Vecsey said when asked what impact the situation will have on Bryant's reputation, "If it is dropped, nothing. If it isn't dropped, and it has to go to trial or is settled out of court, ... [Nike] could drop him in a heartbeat" ("Today," NBC, 7/7).

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