Kobe Potentially Admits to Sexual Assault

Kobe Bryant's statement admits that the female in his case may not have given consent. Without consent, a person is committing sexual assault.

(PRWEB) September 3, 2004 -- According to Associated Press reports this past Wednesday (September 1st), Kobe Bryant's attorneys released a statement from Kobe Bryant that included, "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's case in Eagle County, Colorado involving charges of him sexually assaulting a female were recently dropped). Consent is based on both people consenting together. Bryant cannot have consent if she didnt give him consent.

Later in the statement released by his attorneys, Bryant says, I now understand how she feels that she did not consent to this encounter." Kobe Bryant, it is not what she feels -- it is what she knows! She knows she didnt give consent. She did not endure the past year of agony because she felt" that she didnt have consent. She remained strong because she knew what she experienced (as all survivors do). Let's not forget that it was your defense team which contributed to the horrible allegations made against her.

In a statement that cannot be used against Bryant in a criminal or civil suit, now he suddenly tells the truth? Why isnt everyone in the media and in the sports world reporting that Kobe potentially admitted to rape? Instead, the coverage is filled with headlines such as Case Dropped"; Can He Get His Endorsements Back?"; or What Were Her Motives?".

Why is no one is asking, Isnt something wrong when Bryant admits the truth only when he is completely safe of being held accountable?" In his statement, he acknowledged the agreement included that his statement could not be used against him in any criminal or civil court. What if this admission were to a different crime such as murder? After all, murder and rape are considered the most horrific crimes in our society. If a celebrity said, I think I might have killed a person. I just didnt realize it at the time," we would see reactions of outrage and disgust. Where is the outrage with Kobes statement?

For the millions of sexual assault survivors across America who watched this case unfold, please know that many of us are outraged and furious. We will continue to speak out until the heart of this issue begins to be addressed -- respect and consent!

Mike Domitrz, the Executive Director of The DateSafe Project", is the author of "May I Kiss You? A Candid Look at Dating, Communication, Respect, & Sexual Assault Awareness" (Awareness Publications 2003). As a renowned expert on sexual assault awareness, he travels the country speaking in schools, communities, and on college campuses challenging students, parents, educators, and people of all ages to examine their own views on consent, dating behaviors, and sexual assault (http://www.healthy-dating.com).

You can visit his special "Media & News Room" online section for Media and News Professionals at www.healthy-dating.com (including video footage of recent TV interview). Mike is a very engaging and thought-provoking guest. For an interview with Mike Domitrz, call Rita Hookstead at (800) 329-9650.

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