Friends Of Kobe Bryant Accuser Go On National TV
Bryant 'Went The Whole Way,' Friend Told
POSTED: 9:50 a.m. MDT July 14, 2003
UPDATED: 10:11 a.m. MDT July 14, 2003
A friend of the woman accusing Kobe Bryant of
sexual assault said the alleged victim told her that Bryant
"went the whole way."
Casey Strickler said on NBC's "Today" news program Monday that her
19-year-old friend didn't elaborate and that she didn't ask for
additional details.
The 24-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star allegedly assaulted the
woman June 30 at an exclusive hotel in Edwards, Colo., near Vail.
Bryant has denied the allegation.
Even though the name of the alleged sex assault victim has not been officially released, most people in Vail know her identity, since she is a former high school cheerleader.
Starlene Bray, 19. another friend of the alleged victim, says the 19-year-old woman is upset over the media stakeout outside her home and reports of emotional difficulties she's recently suffered.
"She's kind of in hiding right now," according to Starlene Bray. She was interviewed on ABC's "Good Morning America."
"She's been back and forth from Denver, kind of trying to avoid the media and the press right now," Bray said.
Bray talked with Diane Sawyer about the allegations.
Diane Sawyer: "At any time, did you have any doubt at all that what she is alleging is true?"
Bray: "Um, no, after she told me the story, I don't have any doubts. I really don't."
The Vail Daily News reported last week that the young woman sought a doctor's care this spring for serious emotional problems that resulted from the death of a friend, and a breakup in a relationship.
"She did seek some medical help," Bray told GMA. "She knew she needed it, so she went and got it. She was definitely emotionally fragile, but I don't think it had anything to do with what happened," she said.
The Eagle County District Attorney is reviewing the case and said he will announce this week whether Bryant will be charged.
Bryant has denied the allegations and said he "would never do something like that," in a story printed in Sunday's Los Angeles Times.
"When everything comes clean, it will all be fine, you'll see," Bryant told the Times.
Previous Stories:
- July 12, 2003: Kobe Bryant's Accuser Had Tried Out For 'American Idol'
- July 10, 2003: Prosecutors: Decision In Bryant Case Won't Come This Week
- July 9, 2003: Sheriff Concerned About Pressure On Kobe Bryant's Accuser
- July 9, 2003: Taxi Driver Says NBA Star Was At Hospital After Assault Claim
- July 7, 2003: Kobe Bryant Arrested For Alleged Sexual Assault
Copyright 2003 by TheDenverChannel.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.






