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CNN Sunday Morning

Charges Filed Against Bryant Surprise Ex-Girlfriend

Aired July 20, 2003 - 07:08   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Many perceived Bryant as having a squeaky clean image and they were shocked to hear the sexual assault charges against him. That includes an ex-girlfriend. Tricia Takasugi of our affiliate station, KTTV, talked to her.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KOBE BRYANT, LOS ANGELES LAKERS, NBA: I sit here before you guys, embarrassed and ashamed for committing adultery.

TRICIA TAKASUGI, KTTV CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Jameina Williams maybe one of the few people who was not surprised at Kobe Bryant's admission of marital infidelity.

JAMEINA WILLIAMS, DATED KOBE BRYANT: When Kobe admitted to having an affair with this young lady it did not surprise me whatsoever, because he is an honest person. And honest people, when they make a mistake, they do come forward and tell the truth.

TAKASUGI: Williams says she dated Kobe Bryant for several months in 1997, when he was still new to the Lakers. Now, she is shocked at the allegations of forcible sexual assault against a 19-year-old Colorado hotel employee.

BRYANT: I didn't force her to do anything against her will.

WILLIAMS: He's never been aggressive or forceful. He's a very courteous, kind -- he's a gentleman. Kobe definitely knows that no means no. He would not -- if you tell him no, he will not move forward or attempt to persuade you into doing something you're not interested in doing.

TAKASUGI: Although it's been several years since Williams has had contact with Bryant, she believes he hasn't changed much.

WILLIAMS: He was such a sweet, nice gentleman. I can't see him changing his demeanor just because of the money, the fame, you know? I don't see that happening to him. He was always rooted in his background and a family person.

TAKASUGI: Williams says Bryant is innocent and she's even willing to testify as a character witness. But perhaps more importantly...

WILLIAMS: I'm keeping him in my prayers.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com






Aired July 20, 2003 - 07:08   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Many perceived Bryant as having a squeaky clean image and they were shocked to hear the sexual assault charges against him. That includes an ex-girlfriend. Tricia Takasugi of our affiliate station, KTTV, talked to her.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KOBE BRYANT, LOS ANGELES LAKERS, NBA: I sit here before you guys, embarrassed and ashamed for committing adultery.

TRICIA TAKASUGI, KTTV CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Jameina Williams maybe one of the few people who was not surprised at Kobe Bryant's admission of marital infidelity.

JAMEINA WILLIAMS, DATED KOBE BRYANT: When Kobe admitted to having an affair with this young lady it did not surprise me whatsoever, because he is an honest person. And honest people, when they make a mistake, they do come forward and tell the truth.

TAKASUGI: Williams says she dated Kobe Bryant for several months in 1997, when he was still new to the Lakers. Now, she is shocked at the allegations of forcible sexual assault against a 19-year-old Colorado hotel employee.

BRYANT: I didn't force her to do anything against her will.

WILLIAMS: He's never been aggressive or forceful. He's a very courteous, kind -- he's a gentleman. Kobe definitely knows that no means no. He would not -- if you tell him no, he will not move forward or attempt to persuade you into doing something you're not interested in doing.

TAKASUGI: Although it's been several years since Williams has had contact with Bryant, she believes he hasn't changed much.

WILLIAMS: He was such a sweet, nice gentleman. I can't see him changing his demeanor just because of the money, the fame, you know? I don't see that happening to him. He was always rooted in his background and a family person.

TAKASUGI: Williams says Bryant is innocent and she's even willing to testify as a character witness. But perhaps more importantly...

WILLIAMS: I'm keeping him in my prayers.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com