Kobe Bryant Appears in Brief Hearing
E A G L E, Colo., Aug. 6 -- — Kobe Bryant made his first court appearance in his sexual assault case today, as ABCNEWS was told that examiners found evidence the NBA superstar's accuser had "vaginal tearing."
Bryant, 24, is accused of sexual assault for allegedly raping a 19-year-old woman who worked at an exclusive resort where he stayed while he was in Colorado for knee surgery in late June. The Los Angeles Lakers guard, who is married and has an infant daughter, has admitted committing adultery with the woman but insists the sex was consensual.
Today, Bryant, dressed in a beige suit, was greeted by a few cheers as he entered the front of the Eagle County Courthouse for the procedural hearing Judge Frederick Gannett ordered him to attend. Bryant's wife, Vanessa, was not with him.
Pamela Mackey, Bryant's attorney, waived the formal advisement of the sexual assault charge he faces. Bryant sat quietly with his hands folded during the hearing, which lasted approximately seven minutes. He was not required to — and did not — enter a plea.
Gannett scheduled a preliminary hearing for Oct. 9. Asked whether he objected to the scheduling of the hearing, Bryant said, "No, sir."
The judge also appointed a special investigator to look into leaks to the media about the case. Gannett had imposed a gag order that prevents investigators and attorneys on both sides from talking to the media, but said today that he was concerned about some recent reports and the massive attention the case had generated.
In a meeting before today's hearing, Eagle County District Attorney Mark Hurlbert suggested to Gannett that an independent special investigator be appointed to look into the source of the leaks. Bryant's attorneys agreed. The judge appointed an investigator outside Eagle County, Pitkin County County Sheriff Bob Braudis, to conduct the probe.
Bryant was cheered again as he and his lawyer left the courthouse and entered his waiting sport utility vehicle.
Sources: Woman Says She Tried to Leave Room
