Jackson saddened by Kobe situation
( 2003-08-21 18:33) (Msnbc)
Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson is saddened by the sexual assault
charge filed against star guard Kobe Bryant, who has his full support.
Jackson has coached Bryant for the past four
seasons with the Lakers. They won three consecutive NBA championships during
that stretch.
"He has
consistently demonstrated responsible behavior to me both on and off the
basketball court,” Jackson said in a statement issued Monday through his Chicago
attorney Todd Musburger.
"I was saddened by the allegations against Kobe.
Obviously, there are some difficult days ahead for the Bryant family. As his
coach and mentor, he has my full support,” he said.
Bryant was charged
Friday with a single count of felony sexual assault against a 19-year-old woman
at an exclusive spa where he was staying when he came to Colorado for knee
surgery. The case has already drawn widespread coverage, with one Web site
purporting to show photographs of the woman.
If convicted, he faces four
years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation, and a fine of up to
$750,000.
“Kobe is entitled to the presumption of innocence, a hallmark of
our legal system, and judgment must occur within the Colorado courtrooms,”
Jackson said.
Bryant’s lawyer, Pamela Mackey, said he will plead innocent.
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Bryant proclaimed his innocence at a news conference Friday, where
he held hands with his wife Vanessa.
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