Media ask court to open sealed records in Bryant case
By Times Wires
Published July 31, 2003
EAGLE, Colo. - Despite warnings from a judge about too much publicity in the Kobe Bryant case, media organizations want access to sealed court records about the sexual assault allegation against the Lakers star.
The records include details about the accusation and information used to obtain arrest and search warrants, such as physical evidence. Eagle County Judge Frederick Gannett will hear arguments today on whether the records should be made public.
District Attorney Mark Hurlbert and defense lawyers want to keep the records sealed, arguing publicity could affect Bryant's right to a fair trial. Gannett also warned news organizations not to publish or broadcast the name or photo of any witness, juror, potential juror or the accuser and her family on the courthouse grounds. Any organization violating the order could be denied a courtroom seat.
Meanwhile, ESPN and ABC News reported prosecutors will focus on injuries to the alleged victim and the belief that Bryant intentionally deceived law enforcement officials. ESPN.com reported the 19-year-old woman went to Bryant's room at the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera on June30, where she spent less than 30 minutes.
ABC News reported they engaged in some consensual sexual activity, but the intercourse was not consensual. ABC News reported the woman had some physical injuries, which prosecutors will say prove the sex was not consensual.
CAVALIERS: Second-round draft pick Jason Kapono, a 6-8 forward and the first to lead UCLA in scoring four straight seasons, signed.
CLIPPERS: Owner Donald Sterling was sued for sexual harassment by a former employee. Sumner Davenport, property supervisor at Sterling's Beverly Hills Properties, was fired in 2002. Her lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, seeks damages for wrongful termination. Davenport said Sterling had made "unwanted and offensive physical conduct." A separate discrimination suit is pending in federal court. It claims Sterling ordered employees at his two apartment complexes to rent to tenants of Korean heritage, not African-Americans or Hispanics.
SPURS: Free-agent guards Anthony Carter and Devin Brown signed. Carter became a free agent when his representatives failed to exercise a player option that would have let him make $4.1-million with Miami next season. Brown was MVP and rookie of the year with Fayetteville of the National Basketball Development League.
SAN ANTONIO 70, LOS ANGELES 62: The visiting Silver Stars improved to 2-0 under interim coach Shell Dailey. Dailey took over Saturday after Candi Harvey was fired. San Antonio had lost six straight and nine of 10.
