Kobe Bryant’s judge has determined that Colorado’s so-called Rape Shield Law is constitutional, even though it’s discriminatory on its face:
Enacted in the 1970s, the law prevents the sexual history of an alleged victim from being introduced as evidence unless the defense proves that it is relevant…Bryant’s attorneys had argued that the law was unfair because a defendant’s sexual history can be disclosed at a trial.
This is a bad ruling, and Rape Shield Laws are bad laws. The basic principle here should be what’s good for the goose is good for the gander, so either we talk about both parties’ sexual histories or we talk about neither’s. Innocent until proved guilty, after all.
Perhaps depressed about this ruling, Kobe turned in a pathetic performance in Game 3, where the Pistons showed the world that the Lakers are vastly over-rated. This was one of the most enjoyable sporting events I’ve ever seen, and not in small part because it showed the so-called experts for what they really are. The Pistons didn’t just put Kobe into a box, they shut down O’Neal and the rest of the team. Even the usual pro-Laker bias on the part of the officials wasn’t enough to turn the tide in LA’s favor, and the defeat was so convincing I imagine several Lakers are wondering if it’s even worthwhile to show up for the next two games.
So we stand by our prediction: Pistons in 5.
UPDATE: See Laker anguish here.