Kobe Cam Ban
Kobe Bryant's next court appearance won't be ready for prime time.
The judge overseeing Bryant's sexual assault case has banned cameras from next month's preliminary hearing.
In a one-page written decision released Monday, Eagle County Judge Frederick Gannett cites state rules that specifically prohibit cameras at such proceedings. Per the Colorado Code of Judicial Conduct, only advisements and arraignments can be made-for-TV moments, the judge says.
The ruling comes as a blow to media outlets hoping to capture the October 9 prelim, in which prosecutors will outline their case against the Los Angeles Laker star and Gannett will decide whether there's enough evidence to warrant a trial. (If the case does eventually go to trial, expect the cameras-in-the-courtroom question to be revisited.)
Court TV and the two main state newspapers, the Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News, had petitioned the judge to make the hearing camera-friendly.
Gannett had okayed cameras during Bryant's initial appearance last month, an unwhopping seven-minute affair--carried live on Court TV, along with the cable news networks, ESPN and E!--where the hoopster's attorneys waived his right to be informed of the charge against him.
Bryant, 25, is facing one count of felony sexual assault on a 19-year-old woman at a posh mountain resort on June 30. The charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Bryant, who is free on $25,000 bond, admits to having sex with the woman, who worked at the spa as a concierge, but says it was consensual. He is married and has a young daughter.
Usually an endorsement machine for such brands as McDonald's, Nike and Sprite, Bryant TV spots have been MIA since his arrest.
But the basketball star, accompanied by wife Vanessa, did appear at the televised ESPY Awards and the Teen Choice Awards, where he was named Favorite Male Athlete. However, Fox edited his acceptance speech so remarks about his legal woes did not make it to air.
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