HoopsHype.com Articles
The
players' point of view
by Morris
O'Kelly / July 23, 2003
A
wake-up call has gone out around the NBA, and every player should take
notice. The decisions you make in the course of a split-second could change
your life forever. Momentary lapses in good judgment could have permanent
repercussions. The felony sexual assault charge staring down Kobe
Bryant should give pause to every player and any future
inappropriate liaison they might consider.
This is what several
of them told HoopsHype about the case:
Nick
Collison, Seattle
"As soon as you
get to the league, you have a bunch of people warn you and lecturing you
about situations to avoid. I'm not talking about whether Kobe's innocent
or not, or passing judgment. I'm just saying that as a rookie it's a lesson
to me and everyone that we've got to make good decisions. Hey, if Kobe
can find himself in a situation like this, that sends a message to everyone."
Anfernee
Hardaway, Phoenix
"I couldn't believe
it. Kobe? Well I couldn't believe he was arrested and then when they finally
filed charges, I couldn't believe that either. But we don't know what
went on. We have to just wait until the facts come out."
Bo
Outlaw, Phoenix
"I just felt
for Kobe. I just hope that none of it is true so he can get on with his
life. You never want to hear about this happening to anyone. It's a sad
situation for everyone involved, not just Kobe. I, you know, feel for
the brother."
Earl
Watson, Memphis
"It's hard to
swallow. I don't know what happened or who's at fault, but I know a lot
of kids look up to Kobe and even if he's found innocent, there's just
some stuff he can't get back with them."
Patrick Ewing,
Houston
"I feel for Kobe.
You always have to be careful. You have to be careful to not put yourself
in situations where you're vulnerable. There are a lot of things out there
that can mess you up. I hope he didn't do anything wrong."
Morris O'Kelly
is a regular contributor to HoopsHype.com
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