[cferneyh]

Kobe HAD to release that statement as it was.
That was the only way they would dismiss the charges.
And Kobe's Lawyer actually read it into the record, Kobe did not.

Had to release the statement? How do you figure? If he was so innocent, why not refuse to release the statement and continue with the trial? He had the money and the lawyers. Seems to me he didn't have to do anything, especially if he was as innocent as he claims he is.