from espn.com
 

Thursday, July 24

Kobe gives wife ring shortly after admitting adultery

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ESPN.com news services


Just days after admitting to millions of people that he cheated on his wife, Kobe Bryant has reportedly spent millions on a gift for her.

The Lakers star called what he did adultery. You can call what he bought his wife, Vanessa, whatever you want: damage control or sincere apology attempt.

According to the New York Post, People Magazine will be on the newsstands Friday with a report that Kobe has purchased a $4 million eight-carat, purple diamond ring for his wife.

"They looked very happy together," Raffi, the man who made the ring, told People after the couple picked it up Monday at an exclusive jewelry boutique in Santa Monica, Calif. Raffi also made the couple's wedding rings two years ago, according to People. The new bauble was specially commissioned two weeks ago.

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. 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.

At Friday's news conference, Kobe defended himself against the assault charge, but admitted to committing adultery with the accuser. Vanessa Bryant was at her husband's side during the news conference and released a statement.

"He is a loving and kind husband and father," she said in the statement. "I believe in his innocence. Because I know him to be innocent, I will stand by him and we will face this together."

Kobe's Purchase
 

Okay... in my office we have the "Question of the Day." I ask you this:

Do you think Vanessa Bryant should accept the ring as a step in the direction of healing their marriage? Is it just an very expensive pay-off? If your man (husband, SO, boyfriend) cheated on you, would you accept a gift?

I'll tell ya'll, I know that Vanessa is playing the Hillary Clinton, Efflie Baily (Marion's Ex)role:mad: :mad:, but I just see her taking that ring and all is forgiven. Part of me feels that she isn't a sistah and her response wouldn't be sista-ish. One thing about Efflie, she stuck by Marion's crack pipe azz, but when the hype was passed, she divorced his but and went back to college. Is the ring a pay-off or fresh start?

and i've never understood a man forcing a woman to perform it on him. i don't want to be graphic so i'll only say one word: teeth

Vanessa, according to these news channels (and their reports) is 21.

Thank YOU!!
 

That's the same thing I was thinking. If anything instead of "Stop, Drop, and Roll" she should have been thinking "Stop, Bite, and Run"

ROTFL!!!!!

Here is my .08 cents about Kobe.

I really want to know WAS it really worth it.

You remember on the MTV interview when he told the world that his wife was his all, his everything and that was all he needed.

In a way I really feel sorry for him but he has no one to blame but himself. But I applaud Venessa (Please, don't hit a sista) because some marriages are going to go through the good, bad and ugly and she is supporting him. Now I hope she is supporting him because she loves him and that they need to stick this out for their child, not because Kobe can afford a four million dollar ring.

That's my .08 cents!!

When I first heard that Vanessa was sticking by her man, my first thought was what else is she going to do. I didn't and still don't think for a minute that she would leave him. It was reported here that Kobe has been very distant since the birht of their daughter, and has been going out, where in the past he didn't. Also it was reported that since the birth of their child that he hasn't been attracted to Vanessa in a sexual way.

WHAT???
 

How do folks know what's going on in their bedroom? Dang....

So instead of spending more time with Vanessa and still finding her sexually attractive (she gave birth to your child you idiot), he goes out and have sex with another woman, bareback and all, with the possibility of conception taking place. How smart is that???? :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Frankly at 21 I dont see the point of sticking by your man. I mean after 10 + years and you have been happy and then your man slips up you can give him a break. But I think it is way to early in a marriage or any relationship for that matter to "stand by your man". She is only 21. I dont believe in working out relationships when you are that young and beautiful no matter who your man is. This not Hillary Clinton- they have only been married for what 2 years. Girl is young and fine enuff to find a man who she wont have her put up with this bull. I think her standing by Kobe is really ridiculous like she has spent her entire life with him and she cant let go. But if this stuff is happening already she will spend her entire life dealing with it- I dont think it's worth it

:o

Even though they have not been married that long, and NO she didn't sign a pre-nup, but I think that she will get more at this point by sticking with him that fighting ina divorce, so again I say what else was she going to do. She may love him, but I'm sorry I think the $$ is what she really sees.

Re: WHAT???
 

Dang, you got me laughing because that is soooooo true.

ttt for those in the celebrity thread...

Monday, July 28

Kobe could still take part in 2004 Games

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Associated Press


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Vince Carter was named to the U.S. Olympic qualifying team Monday, replacing Kobe Bryant.

Bryant withdrew from the team last week because of shoulder and knee surgery. The Los Angeles Lakers' star still plans to play for the U.S. team at the 2004 Olympics if the Americans qualify.

Bryant was charged earlier this month with felony sexual assault. The 24-year-old Bryant is free on bail and is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 6.

Carter led the U.S. team in scoring at the 2000 Olympics, averaging 14.8 points per game and shooting 50.6 percent as the Americans won the gold medal.

"It is a wonderful honor to once again be representing USA Basketball," said Carter, who plays for Toronto.

Carter has been slowed by knee injuries since the Sydney Games and averaged only 20.6 points last season -- his lowest total since his rookie season -- in just 43 games.

Also on the U.S. team are Seattle's Ray Allen and Nick Collison, Sacramento's Mike Bibby, Elton Brand of the Los Angeles Clippers, Tim Duncan of San Antonio, Philadelphia's Allen Iverson, New Jersey's Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson, Karl Malone of the Lakers, Tracy McGrady of Orlando and Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal.

The team opens training camp in New York on Aug. 10.

Is this the beginning of possible MORE "pulls"? :confused: