[George W. Bush]

There will not be a trial. This case begs for a settlement. The nutcase will get some dough and Kobe will play the entire season.

I think the same thing. Bryant running out to buy a $4 million bauble for his wife four days later is a signal to the accuser's lawyers that he'd spend at least that much to get her to drop the charges. He'd spend more to get her to recant, say "I was confused", and destroy her own credibility (so the D.A. couldn't have any winnable case) and then Kobe could continue his endorements as well as his playing in the NBA, probably even more popular as the maligned hero.

[dwd1]

One thing for sure. He is trying to atone for his mistake with his wife. The grandiose nature of the gift (no way he can take it back, it is hers for keeps) tells me that Kobe has either told her the truth and she has decided to forgive him after he shows a little more contrition or he has not told her everything and is trying to cushion the blow or she has agreed to stand by him to keep him out of trouble but only because she does not want this other young lady getting Kobe's money because she wants it. It will be interesting to see how Mrs. Bryant behaves after this case is resolved.

The reason I also bring this up is because I always wondered why men try so hard to make up for mistakes with things instead of good behavior and why women will accept an apology as being real only if some large expensive gift is offered (understanding that each couple is different)