D.A. In Kobe Case Calls Timeout

Prosecutors say they want more information before deciding whether to charge Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant with sexual assault.

A 19-year-old woman accused Bryant of attacking her June 30 during his stay at the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera in nearby Edwards.

Bryant's attorneys, who said he was in Colorado for knee surgery at a Vail clinic, say he's innocent and expects to be exonerated.

Eagle County District Attorney Mark Hurlbert released a statement Thursday saying a decision on whether to charge Bryant will not be announced until next week. He did not return a call for comment.

Hurlbert told The Denver Post that victim-services advocates have spent time with the woman, and have been preparing her "as much as you can" for the intense scrutiny she already is facing.

Reporters from around the country streamed through the middle-class cul-de-sac where the woman lives with her parents. The woman's father declined to speak to The Associated Press, referring all questions to Hurlbert.

Friends say the 19-year-old woman is a 2002 graduate of Eagle Valley Senior High School, a former cheerleader and a talented piano player who sang in the choir.

She and Lindsey McKinney traveled to Austin, Texas, in November to try out for the "American Idol" TV talent show. McKinney said they slept outside for 12 hours to get an audition.

Neither made it to the second round, but McKinney said she felt worse for her friend than for herself, because she did a beautiful rendition of the country song "Forgive" by Rebecca Lynn Howard. McKinney said the two later had a falling out.

Colorado Bureau of Investigation Deputy Director Pete Mang said his agency was analyzing evidence. He declined to say what the evidence was or speculate how long it might take.

"If we do find items that need analytical work, it could slow things down a bit," Mang said.

Both Bryant and his accuser went to hospitals after the alleged attack, authorities have said. Sheriff's deputies took Bryant to Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, about 40 miles west of the resort, early July 2.

Bryant, a 6-foot-7-inch 210-pound guard, has played with the Lakers for seven seasons. He boasts a 21.5 point per game average. He racked up an average of 30 points per game this past season.