Some how I don’t think the people of Denver have forgotten about Kobe Bryant’s sexual assault allegation back in 2003 and I’m sure they will let him know it every chance they get. We’ll get into the game match up in other posts, but let’s go back to the summer of 2003 and Kobe’s first Denver spa adventure.

Kobe checked into The Lodge and Spa Cordillera hotel. A 19-year old hotel employee accused Kobe of raping her. Kobe admitted the adulterous sexual encounter with his accuser, but denied the sexual assault allegation. A year later the accuser refused to testify and the case was dropped by prosecutors. Kobe had to apologize to the alleged victim and he said, “Although I truly believe this encounter between us was consensual, I recognize now that she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did.”

All this turned out to be very costly:

1. Mc D’s and Nutella terminated Kobe’s endorsement contracts.
2. The accuser filed a civil lawsuit against Kobe and although terms were not disclosed, I’ll take a guess that it was a figure that had 7 or 8 digits and that doesn’t include the 2 digits after the decimal point.
3. Kobe bought a very large diamond ring shortly after all this, which he gave to his wife.
4. The final costly mistake appeared on his right arm. Kobe picked the worse tattoo imaginable, it has “Vanessa” spelled out and a Crown to represent the primary importance of his wife. Not only is it fugly, it’s a constant reminder he cheated on his wife. Good one.

Just a few basic reminders for players on the road to stay away from and remember during the road games in this series:

1. If  you’re married, adultery is wrong.
2. When coaches, teammates or media people say “stiff competition” they are referring to the Nuggets. I know it’s tough, but stiff isn’t something you give to 19 year old hotel employees.
3. Please use cash, because an ATM transaction can cost unwanted fees.
4. Please don’t do anything, so you feel compelled to get a shitty tattoo.
5. If it gets physical and coach says, “it’s time to start playing dirty”, it means on the court.
6. Please don’t get the Mile High Club and Mile High City confused, it’s not an opportunity to bang girls in Denver.

Unlike Mc Donald’s, who dropped Kobe Byrant after the summer of 2003, I’m loving it!

I think this is going to be a great series.  The Nuggets are playing better playoff basketball right now, so the current edge is going to the Nuggets.