He was not convicted of rape. The fact she settled indicates he stuck it in a money-hungry so and so who accused him and then Kobe followed typical lawyer advice on what to say and do.
That statement wasnt necessary at all.
EXCEPT if it was part of a settlement...
or
he desparately was trying to rehabilitate his image.
Remember he was married at the time. That admission in public was very costly in a number of ways. And he was VERY VERY careful not to blame the girl or say she was lying.
If a man tried to strangle me a Yes would turn into a No pretty damn quick. .and if he continued it would be rape.