This statement is being released on behalf of Mr .Kobe Bryant by his attorneys, Harold A. Haddon and Pamela Robillard Mackey, and his agent, Robert Pelinka.

Mr .Bryant is innocent and expects to be completely exonerated.

Mr. Bryant fully cooperated with the investigation by the Eagle County Sheriffs office. Mr. Bryant's lawyers were assured on July 3,2003 by the Office of the District Attorney that the investigation was ongoing and that no action would be taken until Monday, July 7,2003, at the earliest. We were told that the matter was under consideration by the District Attorney's office but that there was insufficient information to issue a warrant or to file charges. The District Attorney's office stated to us that more time was needed to complete and analyze the investigation before any decisions were made.

The District Attorney's office then notified the Eagle County Sheriff's office that no action was to be taken on the matter over the holiday weekend. Contrary to the direct instruction of the District Attorney's office, the Eagle County Sheriff's office sought and obtained an arrest warrant for Mr. Bryant. This action illustrates the complete bias of the Sheriff's office, the law enforcement agency charged with investigating the allegations against Mr. Bryant and searching for the truth.

No charges have been filed. Although the Sheriff's office can obtain an arrest warrant. only the District Attorney's office can file charges. We are hopeful that the investigation will continue with unbiased investigators. We are confident that upon the completion of an unbiased investigation, Mr .Bryant will be cleared of any criminal misconduct. The actions of the Sheriff's office are biased and unfair.

Harold A. Haddon
Pamela Robillard Mackey
Haddon, Morgan, Mueller, Jordan, Mackey and Foreman
Denver, Colo.