Tuesday, March 2, 2004
Bryant accuser testimony delayed
Judge reconsiders defense request
The Associated Press
EAGLE, Colo. - The judge in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case decided Monday to reconsider whether to allow defense attorneys to ask the alleged victim detailed questions about her sexual past. Bryant's accuser had been scheduled to testify today - her first appearance in court. But that has been postponed until a March 24-25 hearing, state courts spokeswoman Karen Salaz said.
Bryant attorneys had subpoenaed the woman, saying the NBA star has a right to confront his accuser. The move prompted complaints from the prosecution and sexual assault victims' advocates that the defense was trying to embarrass and humiliate her. They argued that her sexual conduct in the days surrounding her encounter with Bryant is irrelevant.
State District Judge Terry Ruckriegle initially ruled Monday that prosecutors were too late in asking him to limit questions defense attorneys could ask the woman. During a later closed-door meeting, he agreed to reconsider at the prosecution's request, Salaz said.
Testifying during the meeting were an Eagle County sheriff's investigator and a former boyfriend of the alleged victim. More discussion was expected today on a defense motion contending that Bryant was illegally questioned by investigators on July 1 at the Vail-area resort where he stayed.
LEBOBBLEHEAD: With armed security personnel and the Cavs' mascot, Moondog, watching over their safe arrival, 10,000 LeBron James souvenir bobblehead dolls were delivered in an armored truck to Gund Arena.
While the real James was in Chicago getting ready to play the Bulls, the limited-edition bobbleheads were stored away before being given to fans attending Wednesday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Like everything else bearing James' likeness, name or jersey number on it, the bobblehead has already caused a stir among collectors eager to get their hands on one of the 7-inch replicas of Cleveland's 6-foot-8 rookie star.
Two days before it's even available, the giveaway bobblehead is already drawing bids of nearly $30 on eBay.
VAN EXEL OUT: The Golden State Warriors placed Nick Van Exel on the injured list with left knee inflammation.
CHRIS WEBBER: Chris Webber's high school refused to forfeit three state championship basketball titles he helped win, a day after the Michigan High School Athletic Association ruled he should not have been allowed to play because of his relationship with a former Michigan booster.
Bulls 92, Cavaliers 81
CHICAGO - Kirk Hinrich came close to a second triple-double in three days with 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. LeBron James had 18 points, but was 7-for-17 from the field.
Celtics 117, Magic 96
BOSTON - Mark Blount had career highs of 28 points and 21 rebounds - the Celtics' first 20-20 game in 10 years - and Boston scored the first 25 points of the fourth quarter.
Wizards 111, Hornets 106, OT
WASHINGTON - Gilbert Arenas scored eight of his 35 points in overtime, and the Wizards recovered after blowing a 21-point second-half lead. The Wizards scored more points in the five-minute overtime (15) than they did in the entire fourth quarter (10).
Grizzlies 81, Spurs 80
SAN ANTONIO - Lorenzen Wright put back his own missed shot with 19.2 seconds remaining to cap a 14-point rally by Memphis. The Spurs played a second game without injured Tim Duncan.
Jazz 94, Pistons 86
SALT LAKE CITY - Gordan Giricek scored 24 points and led Utah to its fourth straight victory.
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Bryant accuser testimony delayed
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