Gary Payton has opened up about Kobe getting paranoid after getting lied on about the “Colorado” situation. And Vladtv has got more on Gary Payton also opening up about helping Kobe refine his defensive skills.
Gary Payton recalled stepping into a mentorship role with Kobe during their brief time as teammates. He spoke about helping Kobe navigate the Colorado situation and provide some sense of normalcy during that trying time.
In situations like what happened with Colorado, only two people know the 100% truth. The woman and Kobe Bryant (RIP). It is also possible they saw the same situation completely differently, but it was something that Kobe felt like someone was trying to ruin his life.
Here is the statement Kobe released the day his charges were dropped.
First, I want to apologize directly to the young woman involved in this incident. I want to apologize to her for my behavior that night and for the consequences she has suffered in the past year. Although this year has been incredibly difficult for me personally, I can only imagine the pain she has had to endure. I also want to apologize to her parents and family members, and to my family and friends and supporters, and to the citizens of Eagle, Colorado.
I also want to make it clear that I do not question the motives of this young woman. No money has been paid to this woman. She has agreed that this statement will not be used against me in the civil case. 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. After months of reviewing discovery, listening to her attorney, and even her testimony in person, I now understand how she feels that she did not consent to this encounter.
I issue this statement today fully aware that while one part of this case ends today, another remains. I understand that the civil case against me will go forward. That part of this case will be decided by and between the parties directly involved in the incident and will no longer be a financial or emotional drain on the citizens of the state of Colorado.
Kobe went on to settle the civil suit for $2.5 million.
It had been rumored that anyone who had any personal interaction with Kobe had to sign an NDA to make sure nothing like this ever happened again.
Flip to the next page to watch the exclusive interview from Payton speaking on Kobe’s paranoia.
