Lakers’ Brown Won’t Face Sex Assault Charges

Prosecutors on Tuesday rejected filing sexual assault charges against Lakers center Kwame Brown because of a lack of evidence.

A college student accused Brown, 24, of sexual assault during the Lakers’ first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns. Brown steadfastly maintained his innocence and on Tuesday expressed his anger and frustration at the allegations after prosecutors declined to file charges.

“Two months ago I assured everyone that I was completely innocent of any wrongdoing,” Brown said in a statement. “I am gratified that the authorities have come to the same conclusion and that the matter is being dropped. I have been upset and frustrated to be wrongly and very publicly accused of something that I did not do and to have my name and reputation so unfairly damaged.”

In a charge evaluation report, the district attorney’s office referred to a medical exam of Brown’s accuser that “revealed no signs of forcible sexual assault.” The report also said the woman admitted to engaging in some consensual activity with Brown and remained in his home for several hours.

The woman claimed the assault allegedly took place in the early-morning hours of April 29, after the Lakers took a 2-1 series lead over Phoenix.

No forensic evidence was found to corroborate allegations by the 23-year-old Long Beach State student. Prosecutors referred to the allegation as a “one-on-one” situation.

Brown was forceful in his reaction Tuesday.

“It is nothing short of despicable that in today’s environment completely unfounded allegations can so easily be made against someone in the public eye with no accountability whatsoever,” Brown said.

“There is no point served by any further comment on the situation and I simply would like Laker fans to know that I am putting it behind me and focused on advancing my career and helping my team in any way I can,” he said.

Brown’s attorney, Brian O’Neill, said the district attorney’s office “looked at the evidence in the calm light of day and, having viewed it objectively, felt that there was nothing there.”

Prosecutors declined to comment, referring inquiries to the charge evaluation report.

Brown, who is engaged to be married, is the father of a 3-year-old daughter.

The No. 1 pick in the 2001 draft, Brown played four mostly disappointing seasons with the Washington Wizards.

Last season with the Lakers, Brown averaged 7.4 points and 6.6 rebounds during the regular season. Against the Suns in the playoffs, he averaged 12.9 points and 6.6 rebounds; the Lakers lost the series in seven games.