Say It Ain't So, Kobe

The NBA All-Star with the cool, clean reputation is charged with sexual assault in Colorado

They say big men don't cry. But they didn't say it last week--not if they watched Kobe Bryant speak publicly with a moist remorse that was almost Clintonian. The NBA's youngest-ever All-Star acknowledged having committed adultery. "I love my wife with all my heart. She's my backbone," he told reporters at the Staples Center, home of Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers. A tear scarred his cheek as he grasped the hand of his giga-gorgeous wife Vanessa and said, "You're a blessing. You're a piece of my heart. You're the air I breathe. You're the strongest person I know. And I'm so sorry...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!