Denver Post
Bryant's next court appearance delayed
Tuesday, October 28, 2003 - EAGLE - NBA star Kobe Bryant's appearance in state district court on a sexual assault charge has been delayed three days.
The judge today changed the date from Nov. 10 to Nov. 13 at 9 a.m. MST. District Attorney Mark Hurlbert had asked that the hearing be postponed for two weeks due to a scheduling conflict. It was not immediately clear why the session was pushed back only three days. Also today, prosecutors said they don't object to having cameras in the courtroom for the hearing.
Court TV and The Associated Press have asked state District Judge Terry Ruckriegle to allow cameras when Bryant appears to be advised of his rights, the charge against him and the possible penalty of four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation. Bryant also could enter a plea during the hearing. Ruckriegle has not yet ruled on the media request. Cameras were allowed in the courtroom when Bryant made his first appearance before Eagle County Judge Frederick Gannett, who later cited court rules in prohibiting cameras in the courtroom during Bryant's preliminary hearing. Bryant, 25, is charged with felony sexual assault. The Los Angeles Lakers guard is accused of raping a 19-year-old hotel worker June 30 at the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera in Edwards. He has said the two had consensual sex. |