The 19-year-old woman who accused Kobe Bryant of rape will testify next week for the first time in the case, and prosecutors asked a judge Friday to strictly limit what defense attorneys can ask her.
The woman is scheduled to testify behind closed doors Tuesday at a hearing that will help determine whether her sexual conduct before the June 30 encounter with Bryant can be used against her at trial.
Bryant, 25, is charged with sexually assaulting the woman at a mountain resort near Vail, Colo., where she worked and he was a guest last June. He has said the two had consensual sex.
Prosecutor Dana Easter accused Bryant’s attorneys of trying to get around Colorado’s strict “rape shield” law, which generally bars defense attorneys from using such details against alleged assault victims.
The law only allows exceptions for evidence such as semen or pregnancy that suggest someone other than a defendant attacked the alleged victim.
Refs protest
In an act of protest, NBA referees turned their jerseys inside-out Friday night and wore No. 62–the number assigned to a disciplined colleague.
Referee Michael Henderson’s incorrect call at the end of Wednesday night’s Lakers-Nuggets game was publicly acknowledged Thursday by the NBA.
Henderson was taken off three job assignments and summoned to the league office, the referees’ association said.
The NBA released a statement from deputy commissioner Russ Granik saying any referees taking part in the protest “will be subject to appropriate discipline.”
Henderson mistakenly whistled a shot-clock violation.
RESULTS, FRIDAY’S SYNOPSIS
Toronto 75 at Boston 88
Paul Pierce scored 21 pts and Brandon Hunter grabbed 16 rebs in his second career start to lead Celtics, who snapped a 7-game losing streak. Raptors dropped 8th straight.
Cleveland 112 at Orlando 107
LeBron James scored 6 of his 30 pts in OT and Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 28. Cavs had blown 18-pt 4th-quarter lead. Cavs’ Jeff McInnis has 29 assists, 3 turnovers in last 3 games.
Atlanta 83 at Detroit 105
With 24-0 advantage in fast-break points, the Pistons scored season-high 60 points in 1st half. In 1st quarter, Pistons scored more points (38) than they had in any quarter this season.
Indiana 77 at New Orleans 89
Jamal Mashburn scored 22 pts as Hornets snapped Pacers’ 4-game win streak. The loss was Pacers’ 1st in New Orleans since Hornets relocated from Charlotte last season.
Golden State 81 at Minnesota 91
Kevin Garnett had 24 pts, 9 rebs, 9 assists to lead Timberwolves. Erick Dampier had season-high 24 pts and 19 rebs for Warriors. T’wolves have now defeated every other NBA team.
Memphis 104 at Milwaukee 106
Keith Van Horn tied season high with 30 pts in 1st start for Bucks since being acquired from Knicks on Feb. 15. Michael Redd’s FT with :22 left gave Bucks a 105-104 lead.
Portland 85 at Houston 89
Steve Francis had 21 pts as Trail Blazers’ 5-game winning streak ended. Neither team could pull away in 3rd quarter that ended with Rockets ahead by 3, a lead they never lost.
Phoenix at Seattle, late
Suns have won just 1of last 9 games after ending 8-game skid on Wednesday with win over Knicks. Sonics are 1-4 since the All-Star break and at a season-worst five games under .500.
Utah at Sacramento, late
Kings look to sweep Jazz for 2nd time in 3 seasons. Kings have won 5 straight against Jazz and 12 of 13. Peja Stojakovic has averaged 30.3 pts in first 3 meetings vs. the Jazz this season.
New York at L.A. Clippers, late
The Knicks have lost 6 of last 7. Stephon Marbury has been dominant against the Clippers this season. He has averaged 37.3 pts in 3 games. The Clippers have dropped 7 of last 9.
