KOBE SCORES SPIN WIN PRESS CONFERENCE PAINTS DEFENDANT AS VICTIM OF FALSE ACCUSATIONS.

Byline: Rachel Uranga Staff Writer

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant - appearing vulnerable, remorseful and most of all innocent - pleaded his case to America in what lawyers and spin doctors Saturday called a brilliantly orchestrated opening salvo in his battle against sexual assault charges.

The tears, taut lips and seemingly heartfelt apologies to his wife, Vanessa, endlessly broadcast over the voice of pundits this weekend, sought to reframe Bryant's image from an accused felonious sexual predator to a remorseful husband who is the target of false allegations.

``This was better than classic damage control,'' said Robert Pugsley, professor of criminal law at Southwestern University of Law. ``It was well- thought-out, wrapped and ready to go as soon as it was necessary.''

The Friday press conference, held at the Staples Center, where Bryant's Lakers are three-time champions, lasted less than half an hour and came just four hours after Eagle County, Colo., District Attorney Mark Hurlbert announced he was filing a single Class 3 felony charge against the 24-year-old Bryant, a charge that is the legal equivalent of rape.

The press conferences drew the battle lines for the perennial all-star's legal fight against a charge that could send him to prison for four years to life or leave him on probation as a registered sex offender for the rest of his life.

At stake is not only his freedom, but also his career and millions of dollars in endorsements his clean-cut image brings in each year from some of America's best-known brands such as Nike and McDonald's.

As Bryant delivered his statement, his 19-year-old wife of two years and the mother of his 6-month-old daughter sat beside him. She said nothing but issued a statement declaring her belief in his innocence and that his infidelity was a matter to be resolved between them.

The press conference began with lawyer Pamela Mackey insisting the accusation will be proven false and then Bryant, pausing to gather his thoughts and compose himself, proclaiming his innocence.

In both subtle and overt ways Bryant was painted as a contrite husband seeking the guidance and forgiveness of his wife.

The religious cross dangling from Vanessa's neck, Bryant looking a bit more plain - cleanshaven, wearing a white sweater and without the earrings or sunglasses he usually wears - and of course the couple's locked hands lent a polished quality to the well-scripted spontaneity.

The presence of Vanessa and Mackey, two women appearing strong and confident, softened the accusations of a 19-year-old hotel worker, experts said.

``Whatever the district attorney said was drowned out by the press conference,'' said Mark Geragos, a prominent Los Angeles attorney who himself is wrapped up in the high-profile defense of Scott Peterson in the Laci Peterson murder case.

Bryant's attorneys did a ``masterful job'' countering the charges, just hours after they were announced, he said.

``The way they approached the situation was about as good as it gets as Kobe faces these horrible charges. Their immediate response, in the same cycle as when the charges were announced, boosted his defense and it shows contrition.

``There have been a lot of rumors and supposed evidence released to the press so far, and you never know what's actually true, so this press conference was a great way to counter the negative press.

``It was effective and appropriate.''

During the conference, Bryant sorrowfully defended himself.

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

``I sit here in front of you furious at myself, disgusted at myself for making the mistake of adultery. I love my wife with all my heart.''

Turning to Vanessa, Bryant said: ``You're a blessing. You're a piece of my heart. You're the air I breathe. And you're the strongest person I know. I'm so sorry for having to put you through this and having to put our family through this.''

The subtext is mildly reminiscent of another high profile man who although not criminally charged with sexual assault, was held to a much higher level of public scrutiny, said Laurie Levenson, a criminal-law professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles and a former federal prosecutor.

``It's a page out of the (President) Clinton book,'' she said. ``The drama of this is to show that he's not a bad guy.

``He is a human who has his flaws and he didn't come across as a sexual predator.''

Much of the press conference was aimed at creating credibility, the same all-American-boy quality Bryant has honed throughout his career.

``It was designed to do several things,'' Levenson said. ``First, to make it look like a confession that is good for the soul. If his wife forgives him why should we care? They are also trying to emphasize this is a private matter. And reading between the lines that he's the one being punished.

``The more he bears it all in public, the more they think they know him.''

That goes a long way in influencing not only the way the public and potential sponsors view him but more importantly the view of potential jurors in Colorado.

Mark Barnhill, a former crisis-management consultant at Fleishman- Hillard, which handles high-profile celebrities as well as companies, said the most important thing Bryant's defense team did was frame the story ahead of the media horde.

``You have to view this as a crisis-management exercise,'' he said. ``You can't wait for the media to define the story. Now, it's a story about sin and forgiveness.

``There's no question that he established clearly it wasn't going to be whether or not something occurred but whether it was something that was consensual. It's clear that in cases like this, when you are dealing with a prominent public figure, there are two trials - the trial in court and that of public opinion.''

Sally Stewart, author of ``Media Training 101,'' which is set for release this fall, said Bryant's come-clean approach coupled with his previous good relations with reporters will work to his advantage.

``It really helps that for a long time Kobe has been doing everything right. He is reaping the benefits of good will that he has sowed over the years. He would always stop and talk to the sports reporters.

``Those same ones that he was gracious to in the past are giving him the benefit of the doubt by giving him good coverage.''

Staff Writer Kevin Modesti contributed to this report.

Rachel Uranga, [phone]

rachel.uranga(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

4 photos, box

Photo:

(1) Kobe Bryant and his wife, Vanessa, proclaim his innocence with legal team Harold Haddon and Pamela Mackey, just hours after the announcement of Bryant's sexual assault charges.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer

(2) Bryant

(3) no caption (Lodge & Spa at Cordillera)

(4) no caption (Kobe Bryant booking photo)

Box:

Bryant charged with sexual assault

SOURCE: Associated Press