Kobe-watch Is Better Than This. So Is Almost Anything

Not unlike the NFL, the NBA has had way more than its fair share of problems with off-court drama. Who can forget when we were on Kobe-watch not because he wanted out of L.A., but because he wanted out of the trial that lost him all of his endorsements.

But time heals all wounds, and for the most part (especially since that girl didn't want to go forward with the charges), Kobe's past as a would-be-rapist is not of concern.

Maybe the alleged actions of a few others should be. I had always heard that the off-season is when NBA players get into the most trouble (i.e., Kobe's memorable night in Denver), but the pre-season is making a run at that title.

Today, one big star and one player you have probably never heard of are in hot water for their alleged sexual assaults in two separate incidents.

Let's start with the big star. New Jersey Nets superstar Jason Kidd, not immune to controversy for his treatment of women, has been accused of molesting a 23-year old woman in a club when he allegedly grabbed her crotch at a club. Incredibly, after the woman yelled at Kidd, she claims that he grabbed her crotch again.


On the opposite coast, facing more serious allegations is Sacramento Kings player (I use that term loosely because he was already barely with the team, and this won't help matters) Justin Williams, who has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in his home last Friday. No formal charges have been filed.

I don't know what's going on with these guys, or if these allegations are true or not, but something has to give. If they are true, then we really need to do a better job of teaching these guys to respect women, and the women need to stop letting these players disrespect them just because they want attention. There is no way that Jason Kidd should be getting into an altercation with anyone unless they attack him. But as I have been saying from the beginning, this behavior doesn't start as an adult, it starts a a child, and its everyone's responsibility who encounters a prospective star athlete to make sure that the behaviors are monitored and kept in check.

If these ladies' stories aren't true, and both or one of these guys is completely innocent, then I would not be surprised because it happens just often enough to make one question every situation that occurs. We know people will do anything to get money or fame but it shouldn't have to come at the expense of falsely accusing an NBA player, and possibly ruining his life and career. Even Kobe, widely considered the premier player in the league, was going to be locked up for a loooooong time until the alleged victim decided not to continue on with the case.

I think a little boost to the self-esteem - not the ego - would go a very, very long way for all involved. This is truly getting out of hand.