Details Emerging In Kobe Case

Kobe Bryant has already admitted he had sex with a 19-year-old hotel worker who has accused him of rape. But a new report presents a more complicated picture about what allegedly happened in his mountain resort suite last month.

The Vail Daily, citing anonymous sources, reported that Bryant and the woman had some consensual sexual contact but that she did not agree to have intercourse with him.

Citing unnamed sources, the Vail paper gives this account of the incident. Bryant's unidentified accuser had given Bryant a tour of the hotel when he arrived June 30 and that he later called and asked her to come to his room. The woman, a concierge at the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera, was in Bryant's room for less than a half hour.

The newspaper's version of the incident says the alleged victim returned to the hotel lobby in a shocked stupor, showing signs of physical injury. Bryant showed up in the lobby later that night to play chess.

The Rocky Mountain News also reported Thursday that law enforcement sources close to the investigation said that the woman suffered physical trauma in the vaginal area.

The Rocky Mountain News also quotes District Attorney Mark Hurlbert as having said that he has both physical and testimonial evidence to prove the case. He reportedly said that Bryant forced the victim into "submission. "

Sources told the Vail Daily that Bryant and his three-man entourage, two bodyguards and a personal manager, all went to different rooms. The bodyguards' room was registered to Michael Ortiz, sources said. Ortiz was one of the members of Bryant's entourage who was driven to Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, where Bryant had already been taken to provide DNA samples.

Bryant reportedly gave inconsistent statements to Eagle County authorities.

Sources said Bryant changed his story, insisting repeatedly that he did not have sex with the alleged victim. About 11:30 p.m., July 1, the day of his knee surgery at the Steadman-Hawkins Clinic, he was interrogated by Eagle County authorities, reportedly with an attorney present, and purportedly changed his story, admitting he had sex with the young woman.

After District Attorney Mark Hurlbert charged him with one count of felony sexual assault on July 18, Bryant admitted making "the mistake of adultery," but said he was innocent of the felony sexual assault charges Hurlbert filed against him.

Police and court records have been sealed and County Judge Frederick Gannett has limited what officials can say about the case.

Krista Flannigan, a spokeswoman for the Eagle County prosecutor, declined to comment Thursday. Sheriff's spokeswoman Kim Andree said her office also would not comment on the reports.

Bryant, an All-Star guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has maintained the sex with the woman was consensual. His attorney, Pamela Mackey, did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

Bryant has posted a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to return to Colorado Aug. 6 for an initial court appearance, where he will be advised of the charge against him and of his rights.

Gannett rejected a request from Bryant to skip next week's initial court appearance in his sexual assault case, his attorney said Thursday.

Hal Haddon said the request was filed Thursday morning and rejected a few hours later by Gannett.

Hurlbert and defense lawyers want to keep the records of the case sealed, arguing that publicity could affect Bryant's right to a fair trial.

Defense attorneys Mackey and Haddon also have asked Gannett to reconsider an earlier order allowing cameras in the courtroom during Bryant's Aug. 6 initial appearance.

Gannett heard arguments Thursday during a hearing on whether the records in the case should be made public. The judge said he would not rule on the records request before Bryant's court appearance Wednesday.

Attorneys for media organizations - including the Los Angeles Times, Denver Post and NBC - have argued that many details have been publicized already, some by Bryant and the district attorney. They also contend the public should have the opportunity to determine the veracity of statements made by those involved in the case.

Gannett has already ordered a limit on public comment about the case by attorneys, authorities and others, including Bryant and any witnesses. He said the order was necessary to guarantee a fair trial.

Gannett also warned organizations not to publish or broadcast the name or photograph of any witness, juror, potential juror or the alleged victim and her family on the courthouse grounds. Any organization violating the order could be denied a seat in the courtroom.

Chris Beall, representing several media organizations, argued the NBA superstar waived his right to privacy when he declared his innocence at a news conference hours after the sexual assault charge was filed.

Beall said the presumption of public access to court records is "a hallmark of our judicial system."

"The defendant has asserted that the release of the arrest warrant and search warrant affidavit will harm his right to privacy," he said. "However, the defendant has made admissions on international TV of a sexual relationship he says was consensual with the victim. That statement is a waiver of his right to privacy with respect to those facts."