Readers React: Kobe Bryant’s suspected crime should keep him out of basketball’s hall of fame

To the editor: I applaud Robin Abcarian for reminding readers of a loathsome indiscretion that will forever cloud Bryant’s stellar sports career. (“As we celebrate Kobe Bryant’s career, we should remember too its darkest chapter,” Dec. 10)

Granted, in our criminal courts, Bryant is to be presumed innocent until convicted. But in the court of public opinion, a small measure of justice can be obtained.

Fortunately, that seems to be the case here, as the alleged victim’s account rings true, and unjust forces deterred her from seeking vindication. If suspected steroid use can keep Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds out of baseball’s hall of fame, so should Bryant’s suspected crime bar his admission to basketball’s hall.

Sandra Perez, Santa Maria, Calif.

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To the editor: Abcarian’s vicious attack exemplifies the often insurmountable stigma of rape allegations, even when the unproven charges are more than a decade old. Abcarian shows her hand early and often, relentlessly hurling aspersions on Bryant and his supporters, then ending with an emotional message of solidarity with his accuser.

Abcarian cites little actual evidence in support of Bryant’s guilt. She doesn’t claim to have conducted any investigation nor to have ever even spoken with Bryant’s accuser. Instead, she resorts to petty attacks on Bryant’s reputation.

These perceived flaws and his being a fan of in-your-face NFL star Richard Sherman seem to form the foundation for Abcarian’s attack. Her transparent agenda and lopsided reporting disqualify Abcarian as a voice of reason on the subject of Bryant’s legacy.

Mike Cavalluzzi, Los Angeles

The writer is a criminal defense attorney.

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To the editor: Abcarian nails it.

I became a Lakers fan during that truly extraordinary time when we had both Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, as well as Pat Riley and Chick Hearn. It was thrilling to be in the stands, rooting for Norm Nixon, James Worthy and Michael Cooper.

But Bryant’s alleged assault on that young woman took all enthusiasm for the game away from me. (Men, why aren’t more of you outraged when a sports “hero” punches a girlfriend or rapes? How can you go to a game and cheer for them?)

Good riddance, No. 24.

Lynne Ludeke, Pasadena

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