KOBE vs Ben.. Double Standard or Different Circumstances? What do you think?

I have an ongoing debate with several friends of mine. They claim Kobe was tried in the court of public opinion, and lost his endorsements, "primarily" due to the fact he cheated on his wife. I seem to recall SEVERAL media outlets painting him as a proverbial sexual deviate, typical urban athlete turned millionaire, rapist, and Sodomite, that only cared about ingratiating/pleasuring himself.

In the forum of "morality", while cheating on your wife is without question more serious than indiscriminately having sex (as a single man). They were both "ACCUSED" of a "CRIME"........ And that was the basis of Kobe's ridicule. No one gave a DAMN about his wife, or the fact he was married. Take a look at the articles below, NOT ONE OF THEM mention infidelity as a basis for their criticism. Not saying they didn't exist. I'm just saying, that was not the focal point of the criticism he received, the loss of endorsements, or the fallout that ensued.

Is ESPN trying to preserve its relationship with Roethlisberger?
Posted by Mike Florio on July 21, 2009 12:38 PM ET

The current lead item on Deadspin focuses in part on ESPN's decision not to mention the case, but it's still not clear why. We've been trying to get an explanation directly from Bristol, but to no avail.


REMEMBER KOBE WAS ARRESTED BASED ON AN ALLEGATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The primary criticism was NOT based on him "cheating on his wife".

Sheriff sticks to his guns on Kobe. A day after the Kobe Bryant rape case collapsed, the lawman who made the controversial decision to arrest him a year ago insisted he has no regrets and said he would do it all again.


What If Kobe Bryant Has Been Falsely Accused?
Why the Law of Acquaintance and Date Rape Should Seriously Penalize False Reports
By JONNA M. SPILBOR
Monday, Aug. 11, 2003

This phenomenon of "conviction before trial" is especially acute in Bryant's case. One of his current sponsors, Nutella, has already pulled out because of the present allegations. Will Nutella re-sign him to an endorsement contract if he is ultimately acquitted? It's doubtful - and in any case, Bryant's pride may counsel him not to accept

Meanwhile, it's become clear that the prosecutors are going after Bryant with a vengeance. Eagle County District Attorney Mark Hurlbert asked for an additional $105,000 from the state budget to cover anticipated expenses in this matter. The budget Commissioner not only granted his wish, but went further, allotting him $150,000 dollars, nearly a third more than requested, so he would have a "buffer."

At Bryant's hearing, 75 news organizations and more than 300 media employees stumbled over each other to get a scoop. When the trial heats up, they'll be out in even bigger force. And they will again take their cue from the tabloids, elevating into hard news any kinky kink·y

**** Some may accredit the hype surrounding Kobe to his Global celebrity status, but Ben is a 2 time SuperBowl champion, and his case was reduced to a relative footnote. ****

But one thing has been reasonably clear from the get-go: The prosecution never had a strong case. It was riddled with inconsistencies and evidence that challenged the accuser’s story. It was highly unlikely that 35-year-old District Attorney Mark Hurlbert and his equally youthful staff could have convinced a jury of Bryant’s guilt, even if the young woman had not decided at the last minute that she didn’t want to proceed with the case.

Some other sources see the gamesmanship of the Bryant prosecution as proof a prosecutor succumbed to the allure of convicting a public figure at the expense of common sense. The GJ Sentinel, in Colorado, takes the person who made the decision to indict Bryant to task.


It's convenient that you guys say it was about infidelity now, but at the time, infidelity was NOT the bone of contention. Did Guiliani not cheat on his wife? Gov. Mark Sandford? Sen. Edwards? Brad Pitt? John (from John & Kate + 8}? Sen. Foley? How many prominent members of society get outed for cheating on their wives and they go on with their lives as if it's just a bump in the road? They face ridicule, but they are seldom "arrested" on hearsay, or frivolous accusations. Compelling evidence MUST be presented.

Black ppl have long been victims of GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT. The difference here is how the media and law view the "allegations". With Kobe they went hard body immediately. All they needed was proof he had sex, all the "facts" would get sorted out, AFTER THE FACT.

Meanwhile, minorities get crucified the "INSTANCE" a rape allegation is made. I am clear headed on this one guys, and I know, cause I had a family member experience this kind of scrutiny as the result of a false allegation. He too was arrested and was tried in the court of public opinion, until he was able to prove his innocence in a court of law. Only difference is, he wasn't famous, so he didn't lose any endorsements. At the end of the day, both Ben and Kobe are both role models, and the reaction to the allegation should have been the same.



WHAT DO YOU THINK?????????????????

RE: WHY RELATIONSHIPS FAIL

The reasons relationships fail are primarily due to a LACK of sacrifice, understanding, and compromise, {{{PERIOD}}}. You and I often go back and forth over this issue, but I believe, for all intents and purposes, that we are on the same track. We just define the consequences differently.


When a relationship is new, there are temptations, fear, and doubt, but we "willfully" overcome those hurdles because we are "interested" in the person, and we're willing to sacrifice, understand, and compromise in order to move the relationship forward.


But you know how the saying goes, "Familiarity breeds contempt", that doesn't apply just to relationships; it applies to all aspects of our social welfare. When we get "comfortable" it is usually accompanied by a "lack of appreciation/understanding" which ultimately leads to a lack of both sacrifice and compromise.


Do your own inquiry, and try to determine at what point past relationships failed. I guarantee either you or your partner began to play the power struggle, began thinking selfishly, communication broke down, or, ALL OF THE ABOVE, in some form or fashion.


I'm not saying the "Devil" doesn't exist, but sometimes his "existence", relative to our problems, are a matter of perception and/or your willingness to accept things you cannot change and/or your willingness to compromise {negotiate} with the one you love in order to move the relationship forward.


Sounds like I'm simplifying the issue? Try to incorporate those 3 principles, the next time you're at odds with anyone you’re close to or intimate with. You'll gain a whole new appreciation for the difficulty of the situation once you're in the heat of the moment.


Many of us are not "inherently Evil", and we all basically want the same things out of a relationship LOVE-Security-Success, but we should never lose sight of SACRIFICE UNDERSTANDING & COMPROMISE. In good times it's easy to roll with the punches, but when the ish hits the fan, that's when your "True Character" and the "True Barometer" of your affection is DEFINED.

To each his own.........


Sincerely,
Blaq Ops
www.blaqops.blogspot.com
www.themachinenetwork.com
FACEBOOK/ MYSPACE/ & TWITTER

GENDER WARS.... THE SAGA CONTINUES

WHAT DO YOU THINK??

Please leave {MATURE} comments if you feel strongly about the subject.

I debate my peoples on this issue all the time. The women are often stuck in some type of chivalrous fantasy, unconvinced, or in denial, but as time passes by the facts/statistics are undeniable. The women of today are not like Grandma, or even Moms for that matter. Ladies, the ERA movement has worked so well, it is OFFICIALLY a level playing field now. So act accordingly.

When a man assaults a woman {i.e. C Breezy} he is automatically labeled public enemy number one. Although we hold an unflattering share of the blame in the "PAST", nowadays men can find themselves caught up in some shit, without a window to throw it out of {{{{EZ}}}}}.

At what point would this dude's retaliation be justified? After she ripped open an artery? Shot him? Cut his penis off? FWYH, if that was me, I'm going to jail!!!!!

Like I was telling my girl the other day, I am so glad women are not stronger than men, because A LOT of men would be getting pounded out on the regular, I assure you. Psycho women nowadays are often calculating, manipulative, conniving, and grimy. They say make better choices, but you seldom know what you’re dealing with until you been with someone for a while, or live with them.

I know, I know….... They always say "Just leave her", or, "bounce until she cools off", but anyone that has ever been in a passionate/drama filled/up and down relationship knows it is seldom that easy to just walk away.

I take no pleasure in being vindicated; I only want us to have an OPEN and HONEST discussion. I know men are stronger, but that's irrelevant. Whether or not I am stronger than a particular Man, Woman, or Child, I feel EVERY individual should RESPECT themselves, and if someone assaults you, {{{{REGARDLESS}}}}, you are within your right to defend yourself.

We could break up afterwards, but in the "heat" of the moment I'm serving up two piece sandwiches. You may say I'm wrong, but if you don't want to get punched in the mouth, KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF, PERIOD!!!!. It's really quite simple.

Sincerely,
Blaq Ops 2009
www.themachinenetwork.com
FACEBOOK MYSPACE & TWITTER

Both men and women CAN be abusive, although we paved the way, you ladies are making up ground QUICKLY!!!



***************
http://www.thisis50.com/pr..ofiles/blog/show?id=784568..%3ABlogPost%3A15309360

Sara Stokes was arrested earlier last week for stabbing her husband three times as her children watched. The police have reported that she and her husband Tony were arguing and she slipped and fell and began stabbing her husband:

The former singer from Diddy’s MTV reality show “Making the Band 2″ has once again made the cut — but cops say this time Sara Stokes was using a knife … to stab her own husband.

We know what you’re thinking, “someone must’ve beat the crap out of this woman” — but according to cops, it was the exact opposite.

This bloody mug shot was taken after Stokes was arrested for domestic violence August 2 at their home in Moreno Valley, CA.

According to law enforcement sources, Sara stormed out of the house after arguing with husband Tony — she tripped, fell down and accused him of doing it.

We’re told Sara — who hurt her head in the fall — grabbed a knife and stabbed Tony in the arm — while their 3 kids watched.

Paramedics and cops came and Stokes was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence. The D.A. is deciding whether to charge her.

Sara’s lawyer, Eric Kayira, tells us, “Sara and Tony have a very passionate and loving relationship that on August 2, while having an evening of fun, she slipped and fell, hitting her head heavily on the ground and somehow in the process of helping her Tony got injured.”

I remember she was head over heels for him on the second season of Making The Band

TRUE BLOOD {Diplomacy & Intelligence} over BULLETS

I took a few days in between hearing about the release of Laura Ling and Euna Lee, because I was waiting to hear from the Right Wing.  Maybe we should send a Box Set of the True Blood series to every Napoleon complex, Birther, and self serving Radical Extremist for a bit of enlightenment. Perhaps it could permeate the titanium armored ignorance/rhetoric that has been deeply embedded into their souls/psyches.     

.. ..

Needless to say, 5 days after Fmr. President Clinton’s successful trip, I’m still waiting….   Besides some garbage about U.S. “apologizing” to the North Koreans, this story has been reduced to a relative footnote, just like Tehran, but make no mistake about it, the Administrations approach to these separate, but equally volatile issues was handled quietly, sophisticated, and above all else, diplomatically. 

.. ..

....North Korea.... doesn’t think we’re weak as a result of the negotiations.  This act of diplomacy will not prompt them to ratchet up their nuclear program, or launch preemptive strikes against the West.  On the contrary, maybe we will FINALLY, after 60 years of senseless political posturing, engage in civil and sensible dialogue.  While we’re at it, let’s lift the embargos on ....Cuba.... too. 

.. ..

Just like the Iranian election fiasco.  The best thing we could have EVER done was extricate ourselves from the conversation.  Why inflame an already volatile situation with “empty” or “provocative” rhetoric, which would have done nothing but justify every Middle Eastern Radical/Extremists perception of the West.  Not much in the headlines now about this story either.

.. ..

It would have been disingenuous, lest we forget about our own voting fraud (er fiasco) just a few years back.

.. ..

I only wish every single Extremist around the globe (particularly those under 40) could watch the entire True Blood series.  It is refreshing to see the message of TOLERANCE delivered so cleverly on a prime time platform.  Last night’s episode epitomizes the strength that is displayed when someone (something) so supremely powerful and formidable uses diplomacy instead of bullets to settle a dispute. 

.. ..

It displayed how much character it takes to utilize this approach, and how it can even make some of your most loyal subjects conspire against you….   But guess what, if they are treasonous, envious, conniving, or power hungry opportunists, it’s better you get rid of them sooner rather than later anyway. 

.. ..

When a powerful entity (i.e. Godrick) governs in a compassionate but firm manner it only makes it stronger.  Had we taken this approach to ....Iraq...., our unemployment numbers are probably halved right now, or better.  WE WILL NEVER LIBERATE THE MIDDLE EAST WITH BULLETS. Many people in that region have been suffering longer than most of us have been alive.  Death is often a welcomed consequence. 

.. ..

I’m not saying we should not retaliate with every single weapon in the arsenal {{{IF WE ARE ATTACKED DIRECTLY BY A NATION/COUNTRY}}}, but many more lives and resources will be saved if we just learned to dispute our differences diplomatically.  Not only does it make you stronger, but it also gives you an unquestioned upper hand if the need for force ever arises.  

I continue to HOPE we will evolve as Global Citizens and not as adversaries, driven by some ideologues thirst for power, hatred or insecurity.  Our collective futures may very well depend on it.  When will we learn, only the “people” suffer when we relent to fear and demagoguery.  FWYH, it takes far more strength and character to govern justly, especially when you are “CLEARY” stronger than your adversary.  The masses got it twisted.  WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!!!!

.. ..

 

.. ..

Sincerely,

BLAQ OPS 2009

www.blaqops.blogspot.com

www.themachinenetwork.com

FACEBOOK & TWITTER