Rocky Mountain News: State

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URL: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/state/article/0,1299,DRMN_21_2937688,00.html

Bryant team aims to stop advocate's testimony

By Charlie Brennan, Rocky Mountain News
June 4, 2004

Kobe Bryant's lawyers are trying to prevent a prominent rape victims' advocate from testifying at an upcoming pretrial hearing in his sexual-assault case.

The Bryant team has filed a motion under seal seeking to preclude the testimony later this month of Jean McAllister, who is the executive director of the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

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McAllister was also one of eight people to serve earlier this year on a special investigative commission that looked into recruiting practices in the athletic program at the University of Colorado. The panel presented its report to the CU Board of Regents on May 17. She was appointed to the commission by Gov. Bill Owens.

McAllister's testimony was expected behind closed doors in Eagle County District Court during the week of June 21 as part of the completion of a closed-door "rape shield" hearing to determine what parts, if any, of the alleged victim's sexual history will be admissible at Bryant's upcoming trial.

Because the defense motion to bar McAllister's testimony was filed under seal, it's not known on what grounds the defense is trying to block her use by the prosecution.

McAllister did not return a call seeking comment. Attorneys in the case are also under order from Chief District Judge Terry Ruckriegle not to discuss the case outside court.

Cynthia Stone, spokeswoman for CCASA, could say very little about the latest defense salvo.

"I don't know what it is, and I don't know what it says," Stone said. "Because it's under seal, I can't form any sort of opinion about it."

Stone said McAllister has been CCASA's executive director since April 15, and that she has served on its board for 10 years.

Bryant pleaded not guilty May 11 to sexual assault. He is accused of raping a concierge at the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera in Edwards on June 30. He has admitted adultery in the case, but says their contact was consensual.

No date has been set for Bryant's trial.