Kobe’s attorney raises issue of race

Defense attorney Pamela Mackey mentioned the race issue during a hearing to determine if the medical history of Bryant’s 19-year-old accuser can be used against her during the trial.

The NBA All-Star’s defense team has long been looking for access to the woman’s medical history in an attempt to damage her credibility in court. But they have also asked the judge to seal a tape of Bryant’s police interrogation, citing their client’s privacy rights.

Friday’s appearance marked the third by Bryant before the judge.

The Los Angeles Lakers star is accused of sexually assaulting a then 19-year- old woman on June 30 at a Colorado resort, a Class 3 felony with penalties ranging from four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation.

Bryant, who was in Colorado for surgery on his right knee at the time of the alleged assault, claimed the two had consensual sex.