Darren Rovell

  (3:33 PM)

i have arrived. i'm ready to go. and i'm sure we have plenty of kobe questions to get to. Remember, I do business, I'm not a lawyer -- so legal questions won't be answered.

Ken, Somerset, NJ

How soon might we begin to see the companies who have Kobe under contract begin to drop him and which brands will we most likely separate from Kobe? McDonald's? Sprite? Even if is found innocent, can he still endorse to children? Jordan was finishing his career when his affair came out.

Darren Rovell

  (3:34 PM)

Ken, it's a good question. There are morality clauses in most contracts that would allow these companies to get out if they want to. But it depends on their business. Nike can still sell shoes if they have a good shoe and the Lakers win the championship. McDonald's and Sprite see less of a benefit and if it's about family values, I'm afraid Kobe's future with those companies doesn't seem to bright. However, at this point these companies are at least saying that they are waiting it out.

Rashida (Washington,DC)

Before this accusations about Kobe came out he was viewed as a clean-cut guy, it's been a big isuse about his street cred. as well. Do you think he will gain street cred. now because kids can relate and see he does make mistakes?

Darren Rovell

  (3:37 PM)

Rashida, street cred might be increased with bar fights, but sexual assault is not cool anywhere -- from the suburbs to the streets. Kobe's innocent until proven guilty and the people that say that this will increase his street cred haven't been to the streets.

Mark, roslyn,ny

How much do you believe Kobe's endorsements will decrease from his alleged criminal sexual assault charge?

Darren Rovell

  (3:39 PM)

Mark, if he is innocent I believe that kobe will still take a hit. At the very least, he cheated on his wife and that's always going to be in the minds of marketers when they are deciding between kobe and someone else. Kobe has plenty of endorsements right now. It's going to be interesting to watch how his current partners handle things as they progress.

Darby (Washington, DC)

I have to admit that even though I tend to be a major activist for women's rights, especially when it concerns such serious issues as race, my initial reaction has been to believe Kobe, especially after Friday night's press conference. How do you think that and the media's constant personal comments on Kobe's credibility will effect the case one way or another?

Darren Rovell

  (3:43 PM)

I can't really speak to how it will help the case, Darby. What I can say is that the speech Kobe gave seemed very well rehearsed. He was clearly counseled both from a legal and a pr standpoint.

Jeff, (LA, California)

If Kobe is not convicted, do you think there is any chance of Kobe restoring a once perfect image? Or do you think views of Kobe will always be tarnished now?

Sean (Atlanta, GA)

Darren, I have been (and will continue to be) a huge Kobe fan. I believe in his innocence as far as any criminal conduct is concerned. I can't understand why Kobe is getting crushed in the media, when our last president did similar things, lied about them, and still got 70% approval ratings. Can you touch on this subject?

Darren Rovell

  (3:47 PM)

Sean, that's a good question. For one, Bill Clinton was never accused of assaulting Monica Lewinsky. I think the talk is really due to hero worship of our sports stars. I think we expect more from them to be role models and Kobe always seemed -- at least on the outside -- to be clean. Some might argue that we would expect more from the President of the United States.

Jon, Indy

What do you think of all the statements that "The Kobe I know" would never do this? The average fan only knows Kobe on the basketball court and sports reporters only know him from interviews. Does anybody really know Kobe?

Darren Rovell

  (3:50 PM)

Maybe not. Perhaps the real kobe is "clean cut" and this is a one time transgression. But I have the feeling that many people want to say they "know kobe" when they really have only interacted with him on a very limited basis. From their stories of him, we have for years made him a marketing saint.

curtis: the bronx

At this point I don't think Kobe is concerned about losing endorsements. And why should he. I think it was last reported that his contract from the Lakers is about 13 million. Assuming that he's found innocent, and if he loses the endorsements, once his current contract expires he'll be rewarded with a healthy contract on the merit of his court performances.

Darren Rovell

  (3:53 PM)

Kobe already has enough money, he doesn't have to worry about his endorsements from that standpoint. He has to worry about them because he is aligned with them and if there was a feeling that he didn't care before, he wouldn't be making the money he is making selling product. Coke and Nike would cringe at your reasoning...

josh - newark

How much will Lebron's arrival save the NBA from Kobe's troubles?

Darren Rovell

  (3:56 PM)

LeBron will certainly help, although given how much NBA players have been in the news off the court recently, LeBron has to become more of a marketing savior by the minute. As far as on the court, I don't think the average NBA fan cares that much about their favorite player being a role model off the court. They just want them to stay out of trouble so that they can continue playing and win them the championship.

Brian (Utah)

It's funny how we hear about every other NBA player making big mistakes and it all settles down after a while. Jason Kidd's domestic violence seems to be one good example. Why should we think that this will REALLY hurt his image?

Darren Rovell

  (3:59 PM)

Jason Kidd has bounced back to some extent because he has led the Nets to two NBA finals appearances. But the domestic violence incident has still hurt his marketability. Kobe can bounce back from this if he is innocent and the Lakers win, but it will be tough to ever get back to his old form since this will be in the back of marketer's minds.

mina, oh

Even with Kobe's fame, I have been surprised at the media onslaught. I even found a talk radio station today giving a website address where you can find Kobe's accusers picture and supposedly her address, home phone # and e-mail address. And this was a talk station with a conservative reputation. What is your take on why this has gone so far already(in the media)?

Darren Rovell

  (4:03 PM)

There is a certain fascination given that Kobe Bryant's past was supposedly so clean. The media is blowing this up because they believe that people are interested. At the same time, it's certainly a tough topic given that there is a young woman who is alleging sexual assault and unfortunately as this goes on, I do not believe she will not be able to preserve her privacy due to the pressure of the media and people trying to learn more. I assume she anticipated this before she brought the charges.

Darren Rovell

  (4:04 PM)

I have to run. Thanks for sending all your questions. If you want to send a question to me outside of chat, send them to me at darren.rovell@espn3.com.