Yes, just a misunderstanding. But his prepared, lawyers-approved statement was read and heard as Bryant’s admission to an unwanted sexual episode.

But then he just walked away from it. He wasn’t even suspended by the NBA. He returned to the Lakers and thunderous applause and to Nike to sell expensive, cheaply made Kobe-model sneakers.

And two Sundays after his death, it’s still considered a mortal, low-down, dirty sin to even hint at such a truth about a newly deceased NBA superstar. It just doesn’t fit Bryant’s coast-to-coast canonization. And if you dare tell this truth, look out below!

His non-consensual sex victim? Why would anyone care about her? Close your eyes and ears. No, tighter.