Rapist Impressed With Kobe Bryant’s Ability To Stay Focused

SAN QUENTIN, CA--Richard Lutz, convicted rapist, is extremely impressed with Kobe Bryant’s ability to stay focused. Lutz, 49, was charged with rape in 1995 and understands the anxiety and inner turmoil of a person awaiting a court date. Bryant’s dominance on the court despite this distraction has Lutz shaking his head in wonder.

“Wow, I remember when I was charged with rape, I couldn’t eat, sleep or think about anything else,” said Lutz. “I quit my job and sat home all day wondering what would become of me. When I see Kobe out there playing on the big stage, making all those tough shots, and keeping himself focused, I can’t help but admire the guy. He truly is amazing.”

Lutz is still serving time for his 1995 conviction in the rape of a college student near the campus of UCLA. While awaiting trial, Lutz admitted he was a basket case.

“I can’t tell you how nervous I was,” he said. “I was staring jail time in the face and I knew the odds were against me getting off. I went through all my days in a trance, completely shocked and unable to function at all. Would I have been able to go onto a basketball court on national TV and compete against the best players in the nation? Hell no. But Kobe is different kind of animal. I don’t know if he’s guilty or innocent, but someone with that kind of transcendent talent should be allowed to walk no matter what.”

The national sports media has been heaping praise on Bryant for his amazing on-court performances, but Lutz still thinks his greatness is being understated.

“I hear a lot of people talking about how great he is, but I still don’t think they quite get it,” said Lutz. “Just imagine being out there and thinking about the prison sentence you’re facing, or your wife and kids, or whatever. No normal human being could endure something like that and still handle the stress of playing in the NBA playoffs. If he did actually commit this rape, then he’s even more amazing. They should put him in the hall of fame immediately.”

Bryant’s recent run is being compared to some of the all-time great playoff performances in NBA history. ESPN’s Steven A Smith says Bryant deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as people like Willis Reed and Michael Jordan.

“A flu ridden Michael Jordan leading his team to victory in 1997, Willis Reed emerging from the Knicks locker room against all odds during the 1973 playoffs, and Kobe Bryant playing his heart out while awaiting trial for rape and sexual assault,” Smith said. “These are performances that transcend athletics and teach us the potential of the human spirit. I’m telling you right now, Bryant is playing better than ever. It may turn out that this rape charge was the best thing that ever happened to him. He should be sending a thank you note to that accuser. We all should. Thank you, whoever you are, for providing us with some exciting playoff basketball.”

Lakers coach Phil Jackson attributed Kobe’s intense focus to his unique ability to block out all distractions and concentrate on basketball. Jackson, a devout Buddhist, has admired those qualities in Bryant since he first met him.

“Kobe has a very Zen-like approach to the game,” said Jackson. “He’s does not let a little thing like a rape charge affect his mind set. As soon as he was arrested and charged with physically abusing and raping that young lady, I immediately called him into my office to offer him some support. But he didn’t really need it. He just said ‘Coach, a rape is a rape, and a trial is a trial. But this is basketball, and nothing is gonna stand in my way of winning that championship.’ God, I admire that guy. He reminds me so much of one of my other players, Michael Jordan. The talent, the natural ability, the amazing focus and calm demeanor. Everything, really, except the rape allegations. But that’s what puts Kobe in a class all by himself.”

Lutz believes that Bryant’s display will be an inspiration to all those who have been accused of a violent crime.

“For so many years, suspects awaiting trial for violent crimes such as murder and rape have believed that they have nothing to live for,” said Lutz. “But Kobe is showing people that even under those circumstances you can excel. He’s really an inspiration to me and everyone else here in cellblock D. That one game when he came back from his hearing to score 37 points was simply incredible. The day after I had my preliminary hearing, I just sat in my house and cried. I guess I’m not half the man that Bryant is. He should get some kind of honorary citation from the government or something.“

As usual, Bryant downplayed his heroics during the playoff run, instead deflecting praise to his teammates and coaches.

“Hey, I’m just trying to play within myself,” he said. “It’s all about my teammates and this coaching staff getting us prepared to win every night. Me, I can’t be concerning myself with the allegations that I violently penetrated an unwilling teenage girl while my wife and newborn child waited at home. I just hope my child remembers how hard her daddy tried, even if the face of a rape trial. I hope my wife remembers, too. Actually, I hope she forgets. She’s really not that impressed with my focus. You just can’t please that woman.”