Kobe back in court October 9

EAGLE: Kobe Bryant, the NBA superstar accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old hotel worker, made his first appearance in a Colorado court yesterday amid a media frenzy.

Flanked by his attorneys, the 24-year-old Bryant stood quietly as his attorneys waived his right to be formally advised of the felony assault charge. Eagle County Judge Frederick Gannett set a preliminary hearing for October 9. Bryant has said he had consensual sex with the woman but is innocent of assault. Bryant, who is free on $25,000 bond, said virtually nothing during the seven-minute hearing. He left the courthouse immediately and was expected to leave Colorado soon after the court appearance.

The hearing was held amid a media frenzy akin to the NBA finals. Hundreds of reporters and photographers swamped this quiet mountain town and the brief hearing involving the five-time All Star was broadcast live on national cable networks. Bryant took a private jet to a nearby airport and was driven to the Eagle County courthouse in a sport-utility vehicle. There were scattered cheers and a shout of “Kobe is innocent!” from the crowd after he arrived. Outside the courthouse, a small city of television satellite trucks was set up next to a dozen or so platforms for live television shots —  precisely the type of coverage Bryant was hoping to avoid when his attorneys asked Gannett to allow the Lakers star to skip the procedural hearing.  The judge denied the request, setting the stage for the circus-like event.

At times, preparation for Bryant’s arrival looked more like something for a head of state. A media tent was erected outside the courthouse, authorities brought out the county’s only metal detector, and sheriff’s deputies were called in on overtime to keep order. Along with the journalists came Bryant’s fans — people like Eric Tison, 30, who drove three hours. “I hope he’s innocent. I’m here to support him as a basketball player,” said Tison, wearing a Los Angeles Lakers No 8 jersey and hoping for an autograph. “What goes on in his personal life now is taking away from the game.”