Here is the text of Kobe Bryant's statement, made following the announcement by the Eagle, Colorado District Attorney that one count of sexual assault will be filed against Kobe:

I am innocent of the charges filed today. I did not assault the woman who is accusing me. I made the mistake of adultery. I have to answer to my wife and my God for my actions that night and I pray that both will forgive me. Nothing that happened June 30th was against the will of the woman who now falsely accuses me. These false allegations have hurt my family. I will fight against these allegations with all my strength. My wife is the strongest person I know. She is willing to stand by me despite my mistake. That means everything to me. I have so much to live for. And by that I do not mean the contracts, or the money, or the fame. I mean my family. I will fight for them. I appreciate all those who have supported me. Thank you for believing in me. My family and I are going to need your support and prayers now more than ever."

Text of Vanessa Bryant's Statement:

"I know that my husband has made a mistake -- the mistake of adultery. He and I will have to deal with that within our marriage, and we will do so. He is not a criminal. I know that he did not commit a crime, he did not assault anyone. He is a loving and kind husband and father. I believe in his innocence. Because I know him to be innocent, I will stand by him and we will face this together. I will give him all the strength and support he needs to face these false accusations. I will not let him face these accusations alone. I know Kobe better than anyone. The great person you see on the court and in the public is a far greater person off the court."

NBA Commissioner David Stern's statement:

"As with all allegations of a criminal nature, the NBA's policy is to await the outcome of a judicial proceeding before taking any action. We do not anticipate making further comments during the pendency of the judicial process."

The two most critical things to remember:

• A criminal charge filed in Court is an accusation, not evidence. Kobe Bryant is no more guilty today than he was yesterday by virtue of the District Attorney's decision. His belief that he can prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt may or may not prove accurate.

• The charge is extremely serious. Colorado has indeterminate sentencing on sexual assault charges. The minimum is four years. The maximum is life. The Judge sets the minimum, but the Parole Board decides when, if ever, to let him out. While the Judge could sentence Kobe Bryant to probation instead of jail if convicted, it would have to be for a term of between 20 years to life, during which time he would have to undergo extremely rigorous sex offender treatment. He would have to register as a sex offender for life, wherever he lived.