What Makes A Legend
Dear Self,
A few days ago, I read an article - Kobe Bryant's Colorado prosecutor recalls the case that linked them - that recounts some of the details of the controversial rape accusations against Kobe Bryant a few years ago.
In brief, Kobe Bryant was accused of sexual assault by a woman who worked as a concierge in a hotel/ spa that the basketball star was checked in. She was invited into his room, they kissed, and eventually, had intercourse... the question, of course, was whether this was consensual or not. Just to note, the woman had bruises on her neck (from choking) and tears on her vagina. While the case was ongoing, the woman received death threats, primarily because her identity was conveniently revealed by one of the defense's lawyers. Ultimately, the woman dropped the case, and a settlement was agreed upon, along with a public apology from Bryant.
I think he's lying. I firmly believe that this is an actual case of rape. You know why? It's the way the defense handled it. Instead of addressing the issue, answering the question of whether Bryant did or didn't do the deed, they decided to use dirty tactics. They attacked the woman's credibility, they destroyed her reputation. Apart from divulging her identity, they also accused her of being promiscuous. CHEAP, DIRTY TACTICS.
Perhaps a few years ago, I would've given Bryant some benefit of the doubt. But, you see, for a huge part of last year, we had a similar encounter. To protect our money and assets, we filed cases of adultery against my former mother. We thought we had a strong case - pictures, testimonies, messages - and were more than prepared to address the issue at hand. However, to my surprise, it wasn't what was asked when I testified. Amusingly, one of my personal documents, that was falsified so many years ago by none other than my own parents (hence, I had absolutely no knowledge about this), was brought up. And I was being threatened that they would report this to the respective bodies overseeing my medical license, which would, of course, lead to my suspension and/or expulsion from the practice of medicine - THE ONLY THING LEFT THAT MATTERED ANYTHING TO ME.
CHEAP. DIRTY. But effective.
He is not a hero. No, sir. He may be a great basketball player and probably inspired generations of youth to go for their dreams, but I cannot separate his accomplishments from the glaring evil that this incident signifies.
History is written by those who are victorious. In this circumstance, he emerged the victor. And, thus, in spite of this dark past, his name will only be remembered as the champion and legend, the Black Mamba. Life's not fair like that - there is no such thing as true justice; only good lawyers who know how to play the game.
Hopefully, he repented. Hopefully, he was reformed. Hopefully, his daughters, his family, had changed him. But to that girl who was silenced, who was made to experience what power, influence, and money can do... I hope she has found her peace. I hope she has moved on. I hope, too, that maybe, in some small part of her, she has found it in her to forgive - not for his sake, but for her own.
Me? I cannot imagine forgiving that person who I used to consider my mother. I was made to go through too much to let it go just like that. I am angry. I am hurt. I am scarred.
Sincerely,
Lagundi
A few days ago, I read an article - Kobe Bryant's Colorado prosecutor recalls the case that linked them - that recounts some of the details of the controversial rape accusations against Kobe Bryant a few years ago.
In brief, Kobe Bryant was accused of sexual assault by a woman who worked as a concierge in a hotel/ spa that the basketball star was checked in. She was invited into his room, they kissed, and eventually, had intercourse... the question, of course, was whether this was consensual or not. Just to note, the woman had bruises on her neck (from choking) and tears on her vagina. While the case was ongoing, the woman received death threats, primarily because her identity was conveniently revealed by one of the defense's lawyers. Ultimately, the woman dropped the case, and a settlement was agreed upon, along with a public apology from Bryant.
I think he's lying. I firmly believe that this is an actual case of rape. You know why? It's the way the defense handled it. Instead of addressing the issue, answering the question of whether Bryant did or didn't do the deed, they decided to use dirty tactics. They attacked the woman's credibility, they destroyed her reputation. Apart from divulging her identity, they also accused her of being promiscuous. CHEAP, DIRTY TACTICS.
Perhaps a few years ago, I would've given Bryant some benefit of the doubt. But, you see, for a huge part of last year, we had a similar encounter. To protect our money and assets, we filed cases of adultery against my former mother. We thought we had a strong case - pictures, testimonies, messages - and were more than prepared to address the issue at hand. However, to my surprise, it wasn't what was asked when I testified. Amusingly, one of my personal documents, that was falsified so many years ago by none other than my own parents (hence, I had absolutely no knowledge about this), was brought up. And I was being threatened that they would report this to the respective bodies overseeing my medical license, which would, of course, lead to my suspension and/or expulsion from the practice of medicine - THE ONLY THING LEFT THAT MATTERED ANYTHING TO ME.
CHEAP. DIRTY. But effective.
He is not a hero. No, sir. He may be a great basketball player and probably inspired generations of youth to go for their dreams, but I cannot separate his accomplishments from the glaring evil that this incident signifies.
History is written by those who are victorious. In this circumstance, he emerged the victor. And, thus, in spite of this dark past, his name will only be remembered as the champion and legend, the Black Mamba. Life's not fair like that - there is no such thing as true justice; only good lawyers who know how to play the game.
Hopefully, he repented. Hopefully, he was reformed. Hopefully, his daughters, his family, had changed him. But to that girl who was silenced, who was made to experience what power, influence, and money can do... I hope she has found her peace. I hope she has moved on. I hope, too, that maybe, in some small part of her, she has found it in her to forgive - not for his sake, but for her own.
Me? I cannot imagine forgiving that person who I used to consider my mother. I was made to go through too much to let it go just like that. I am angry. I am hurt. I am scarred.
Sincerely,
Lagundi
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