Kobe Bryant charged with rape

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant was charged on Friday with raping a 19-year-old woman at a Colorado resort in a case that has stunned fans and threatened to derail one of the most sensational careers in professional sports.

Bryant proclaimed his innocence in an emotional appearance with his wife at his side, but admitted to adultery with his accuser and said he wished he could "turn back the hands of time."

The 24-year-old superstar was charged with felony sexual assault involving force and "violence" which could send him to jail for from four years to life if convicted.

Eagle County District Attorney Mark Hurlbert said he was confident that he could prove that Bryant had used "physical force" during an encounter with the alleged victim on June 30 and had inflicted "sexual penetration or intrusion."

Bryant allegedly raped the woman, a concierge at the four-star Lodge & Spa at Cordillera, the night before he had knee surgery at a Vail, Colorado, clinic.

But in a press conference at Staples Center in Los Angeles to respond to the charges, Bryant gripped the hand of his 21-year-old wife, Vanessa as he apologized to her and said he had been falsely accused.

"I'm innocent," he said. "I didn't force her to do anything against her will. I'm innocent."

Speaking haltingly, he continued: "I sit here in front of you guys furious at myself, disgusted at myself for making the mistake of adultery."

Then, turning to his wife and wiping away a tear, he said: "You're a blessing. You're a piece of my heart. You're the air I breathe. And you're the strongest person I know and I'm so sorry for having to put you through this and having to put our family through this."

The emotional appearance marked Bryant's first public comments about the alleged rape since he surrendered two weeks ago to the Eagle County sheriff's office, posted a $25,000 bond and was released.

'A RUSH TO JUDGMENT'

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sides refused to comment on facts in the case, which has been sealed by a Colorado judge's order, and Hurlbert said the woman wanted to maintain her privacy. Her attorney, Rob Wheeler, had no comment on the charges.

Bryant's attorney, Pamela Markey, criticized Colorado police for arresting the NBA all-star before a thorough investigation had been completed by prosecutors.

"It was a rush to judgment by the sheriff's office certainly," she said. "I can't help but think that affected the decision today" to press charges.

The complaint filed against Bryant claimed he used physical force or violence to coerce the alleged victim into having sex.

Bryant "unlawfully, feloniously, and knowingly inflicted sexual intrusion or sexual penetration ... causing submission of the victim by means of sufficient consequence reasonably calculated to cause submission against victim's will," the complaint said.

Paired with all-star center Shaquille O'Neal, Bryant, a five-time all-star and the Lakers' leading scorer, led the team to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002.

Bryant, who is the son of former NBA player Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, recently signed a multimillion-dollar advertising contract with Nike Inc., the world's No. 1 maker of sports shoes, and is one of the most recognizable athletes in America thanks to other endorsements.

"As with all allegations of a criminal nature, the NBA's policy is to await the outcome of a judicial proceeding before taking any action," NBA Commissioner David Stern said.

Bryant is scheduled to appear in court in Colorado on Aug. 6, when he will be formally advised of the charges.

Hurlbert said he expected the trial to take place in Eagle County. Bryant's lawyers said that was their preferred venue, but criticized Eagle County Sheriff Joseph Hoy for speaking out on the case in a way that could prejudice potential jurors.