Kobe’s mistake: Being a guy

We hope Kobe Bryant beats the rap in Colorado.

We hope it turns out to be the combination of an overwrought 19-year-old woman and an overeager prosecutor.

We hope this compelling case ends on a whimper instead of with a prison sentence for the accused, or some deal-cutting admission of guilt on his part.

Bryant was one of the leading citizens in sports until the woman stepped into his hotel room.

He was almost too perfect: bright, charming, young and talented.

He was billed as the heir to Michael Jordan’s basketball eminence, which, in a way, was a backhanded compliment.

Bryant, to be accurate, remains ahead of Jordan in the maturation process.

Bryant, who moved from high school to the pros, earned his third NBA championship ring at 23. Jordan did not claim his third NBA title until he was 30. Bryant is a more accomplished shooter on the perimeter than Jordan was at the same age. Bryant also has had Shaquille O’Neal at his side, while Jordan was consigned to playing with a succession of stiffs early in his career.

Of course, these comparisons are inevitably tricky, certainly debatable, the succulence that contributes to the passion in sports.

However, there is no arguing the proposition that Bryant is in a position to exceed Jordan’s legacy. Bryant, who already has completed seven seasons in the NBA, turned all of 25 last month. It undoubtedly was the worst birthday celebration he ever had.

Bryant has taken a beating in the national press since admitting to his adulterous affair in Colorado. His future has been placed on hold. His so-called “carefully cultivated” image as a good guy has been portrayed as a lie.

The latter charge is unfair at this point in the case.

Bryant could be both a good guy and a guy who is susceptible to the same temptations as any other guy. Young guys, in particular, married or not, have a belt-notching tendency about them with women.

Or haven’t you heard?

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