[xm177e2]

Bryant then called his alleged victim a liar.

"I've been falsely accused of something," Bryant said, "and I'm innocent."

This is the nastiest possible way of saying "Bryant says he is innocent." This columnist is basically saying Bryant's been accused of something so horrible that he should not even have a chance to claim that he's not guilty.

What is it with these rapist sports columnists? I can call him a rapist if I want. It's not like O'Connor can deny that he's a rapist, or he would be calling me a liar. And, you know, it's wrong to call someone a liar, even if they, you know, might be lying. Yeah. </sarcasm> <Note that this is sarcasm, and I'm not actually accusing Mr. O'Connor of being a rapist>

[bd476]

"Bryant then called his alleged victim a liar."

"I've been falsely accused of something," Bryant said, "and I'm innocent."

You wrote: "This is the nastiest possible way of saying 'Bryant says he is innocent.' "

It looks as if the Sports writer quoted Kobe Bryant.

Are you saying that Kobe Bryant did not speak those words? Are you saying that Kobe Bryant said something completely different?

If so, then the Sports writer should admit the error and correct the quote.

Has "USA Today" printed a retraction?