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Bryant lets down eager fans with non-appearance in training camp
Honolulu, Oct 05: Kobe Bryant was a no-show at the Los Angeles Lakers training camp in Hawaii.
Honolulu, Oct 05: Kobe Bryant was a no-show at the Los Angeles Lakers training camp in Hawaii.
Basketball superstar Kobe Bryant failed to appear at his team's pre-season training in Hawaii where he was expected to hold a press conference on Friday. (October 2). Bryant's basketball team, and now, his legal defence team, are both having to regroup. Judge Frederick Gannett ruled Thursday that next week's scheduled preliminary hearing will be open to the public, will not include testimony from Bryant or Bryant's accuser, and that the defence cannot have access to her medical records.
Lakers coach Phil Jackson told reporters that he was unable to reach his star player. "I attempted to call him yesterday, but he wasn't receiving any phone calls. I have to understand we have to play out some of this and absorb some of it. We also have to function as a basketball club." At training camp, teammates are disappointed Kobe's a no-show. "We'd love to have Kobe. He's part of our team. He's one of the main, key players on our team. It's no fun without him. We're hoping he can join us as soon as possible. Until then, we have to step up and play as a team," said teammate Kareem Rush. The 19-year-old woman accusing basketball star Kobe Bryant of raping her will not have to face him in court during his preliminary hearing into the charges next week, a judge ruled on Thursday. Eagle County Judge Fred Gannett also ruled that the Oct. 9 hearing would be open to the public and press but reserved the right to close parts of it to ensure the Los Angeles Laker's right to a fair trial.
Gannett deferred a decision on whether medical records for the woman should be handed over to the defence, saying a higher court should make that decision if there is enough evidence to send Bryant for trial. Bryant has denied raping the woman, who worked as a concierge at a posh Colorado resort where he was staying in June. He has characterized the encounter as consensual sex.
Defence and prosecution lawyers have been arguing for weeks over the preliminary hearing, which is expected to produce the first details of a sensational case that has attracted huge media and public attention. Prosecutors have said they plan to show a videotape of the woman plus pictures of her injuries at the preliminary hearing.
The defence has been keen to get the woman on the stand to question her about her medical history including a hospital visit in February when police decided she was a "danger to herself." The arguments have raised issues about the privacy of medical and other records.
Bryant's attorneys had argued that the Oct. 9 hearing should be closed to prevent an airing of information that could jeopardize his right to a fair trial. The judge made his decisions a week before the preliminary hearing to give either side a chance to appeal.
Bureau Report
Basketball superstar Kobe Bryant failed to appear at his team's pre-season training in Hawaii where he was expected to hold a press conference on Friday. (October 2). Bryant's basketball team, and now, his legal defence team, are both having to regroup. Judge Frederick Gannett ruled Thursday that next week's scheduled preliminary hearing will be open to the public, will not include testimony from Bryant or Bryant's accuser, and that the defence cannot have access to her medical records.
Lakers coach Phil Jackson told reporters that he was unable to reach his star player. "I attempted to call him yesterday, but he wasn't receiving any phone calls. I have to understand we have to play out some of this and absorb some of it. We also have to function as a basketball club." At training camp, teammates are disappointed Kobe's a no-show. "We'd love to have Kobe. He's part of our team. He's one of the main, key players on our team. It's no fun without him. We're hoping he can join us as soon as possible. Until then, we have to step up and play as a team," said teammate Kareem Rush. The 19-year-old woman accusing basketball star Kobe Bryant of raping her will not have to face him in court during his preliminary hearing into the charges next week, a judge ruled on Thursday. Eagle County Judge Fred Gannett also ruled that the Oct. 9 hearing would be open to the public and press but reserved the right to close parts of it to ensure the Los Angeles Laker's right to a fair trial.
Gannett deferred a decision on whether medical records for the woman should be handed over to the defence, saying a higher court should make that decision if there is enough evidence to send Bryant for trial. Bryant has denied raping the woman, who worked as a concierge at a posh Colorado resort where he was staying in June. He has characterized the encounter as consensual sex.
Defence and prosecution lawyers have been arguing for weeks over the preliminary hearing, which is expected to produce the first details of a sensational case that has attracted huge media and public attention. Prosecutors have said they plan to show a videotape of the woman plus pictures of her injuries at the preliminary hearing.
The defence has been keen to get the woman on the stand to question her about her medical history including a hospital visit in February when police decided she was a "danger to herself." The arguments have raised issues about the privacy of medical and other records.
Bryant's attorneys had argued that the Oct. 9 hearing should be closed to prevent an airing of information that could jeopardize his right to a fair trial. The judge made his decisions a week before the preliminary hearing to give either side a chance to appeal.
Bureau Report