Los Angeles, July 19: Kobe Bryant was charged on Friday (July 18) with sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman in a case bound to tarnish the career of one of the NBA's superstars. The 24-year-old Bryant faces four years to life in prison if convicted on the single felony count, Eagle County District Attorney Mark Hurlbert told reporters during a news conference. "This decision came only after reviewing all the evidence, testimonial evidence and physical evidence, after reviewing the relevant statutes, after reviewing the relevant case law and after conferring with prosecutors from around the state," said Hurlbert. "Then and only then did I make my decision." Bryant has maintained his innocence, but acknowledged that he "made the mistake of adultery" with the woman, who worked the front desk at the resort where he was staying while in Colorado for knee surgery. "Nothing that happened June 30th was against the will of the woman who now falsely accuses me," Bryant said in a statement.

Deputies in the Eagle, Colorado Sheriff's Office received the sexual misconduct complaint Tuesday, one day after the alleged incident occurred in a hotel in Edwards, a resort community west of Vail. Investigators reviewed physical evidence, conducted interviews and met with the district attorney's office before issuing a warrant.


Bryant was cooperative with investigators after surrendering to authorities Friday at the Eagle County Sheriff's Detention Center. He was released after posting $25,000 bond.


"The defendant's next court date is August 6, 2003 at 1 o'clock," said Hurlbert". "At that time, it is expected that he'll be advised of the charges against him and be advised of his rights. It is also a bond appearance day, so he is required to appear at that time."


Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak issued a statement Sunday night, expressing support for the five-time All-Star. Bryant, who turns 25 next month, is married and has a 6-month-old daughter.


Last season, he was second in the NBA in scoring at a career-high 30.0 points per game and posted career bests with 6.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists. The 6-6 guard scored at least 40 points in nine straight games and on March 5 became the youngest player to reach the 10,000-point plateau.


The son of former NBA player Joe Bryant, Kobe Bryant was the youngest player to debut in the league when he made the jump from high school in 1996. He won MVP honors at the 2002 All-Star Game in his native Philadelphia and has earned All-NBA first team honours each of the last two seasons.


Bureau Report