LA Daily News: Bryant withdraws from Olympic team
By Howard Beck
Staff Writer
EL SEGUNDO -- Kobe Bryant withdrew from the U.S. Olympic team Friday afternoon, the latest consequence of his ongoing legal troubles in Colorado.
Bryant's participation this summer had been in doubt from the moment he was arrested last July and charged with sexually assaulting a 19-year-old hotel worker. Bryant says the sex was consensual.
Until recently, Bryant had held out hope that a trial would not conflict with USA Basketball's schedule. But after another round of pretrial hearings this week, attorneys for both sides said they expect a trial to be scheduled in August or early September.
The U.S. team begins training July 26 and if it makes it into the medal rounds in Athens, it will be playing through Aug. 28.
Bryant's agent, Rob Pelinka, issued a statement noting the "scheduling conflicts concerning the case pending against him" and said "it is unlikely that he will be able to participate in this summer's Olympic Games."
Although Bryant would not rule out playing if circumstances changed, USA Basketball is moving on without him.
"Our understanding is that he's withdrawn," said Craig Miller, spokesman for USA Basketball.
If Bryant's case were dismissed, or the trial held at a different time, Bryant could ask to rejoin the team. However, "the (selection) committee would have to reconsider him for a position, if one existed," Miller said.
The committee must file a 12-man roster in July. Once it does, the only way for Bryant to be reconsidered would be if another player withdrew.
"We would be unable to just push someone else off the roster," Miller said.
At the moment, USA Basketball has filled eight of 12 roster spots. Officials are holding open spots for Shaquille O'Neal and Minnesota's Kevin Garnett. New Jersey's Richard Jefferson is also reportedly in the mix.
Karl Malone is among the eight players committed to the team, although he has wavered since tearing a ligament in his knee in December.
