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?????????????????
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