Kobe Bryant: Lakers Star Absolved in Church Assault Debacle

Lakers star Kobe Bryant has sidestepped another legal battle. Bryant was absolved of any and all wrongdoing from a church altercation last year. 

TMZ reports San Diego City Attorney's Office has decided not to press charges stemming from a much-publicized altercation with a churchgoer last August. 

According to the report, Bryant became annoyed with a man by the name of Thomas Hagos at St. Therese of Carmel Church. Hagos had reportedly taken pictures against the wish of the Lakers star. 

That is when Bryant, according to Hagos, ripped the phone from his hand and injured his wrist in the process. 

The investigation has returned nothing that would provide any charges being brought against Bryant. In fact, the city attorney told TMZ the following:

"Based upon our extensive investigation and interview of independent witnesses, we’ve concluded that charges cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt."

Back in August, Bryant released a statement through his attorney Mark Campbell. Via LA Times. 

"Mr. Bryant is aware of the baseless allegations asserted against him and is prepared to defend against them fully."

An LA Times article dated in August describes parishioners that are very much on Bryant's side, well before he was cleared of any wrongdoing. 

Their mantra is that church is a private place where even celebrities should be able to practice in complete comfort. 

I will grant that, but that doesn't mean Bryant can put his hands on anybody. On the flip side, Hagos had to be up in Bryant's face if he was close enough to snatch a camera phone away. 

Bryant may be a public figure that is well used to having his pictures taken and video captured. So an action that causes the Black Mamba to lose his cool has to be pretty egregious. 

This is now a dead issue to the county of San Diego and has surely long been forgotten by Bryant himself. We sincerely hope Hagos' alleged sprained wrist feels a lot better. 

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