TV host Charles Barkley said Kobe Bryant “had a flaw that we all know about”, when discussing the late basketballer’s rape case as part of his legacy.
Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others in January.
Before his death, Bryant was accused of sexual assault by a 19-year-old female hotel employee in Colorado. She refused to testify in a trial, resulting in the charges being dropped. After the pair settled a civil lawsuit, Bryant issued a public apology, acknowledging that the woman did not consider the incident consensual.
Inside the NBA co-host and former player Barkley told the Today show that the allegation against Bryant is part of his legacy.
“You have to tell the picture in totality,” said Barkley. “We’re not making Kobe out to be no hero. We’re celebrating his basketball excellence. We understand what happened in Colorado. That’s fair, but two things can be true.”
He later added: “Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest basketball players ever. And he had a flaw that we all know about.”
Broadcaster Gayle King recently faced a backlash for mentioning Bryant’s rape case in an interview. Snoop Dogg was among those to lash out with threats before apologising.
Last year, a political reporter accused Barkley of threatening to hit her after she asked him to clarify which 2020 Democratic presidential candidate he supports. He later apologised.
