Report: Kobe Bryant To Make A Deal In Rape Case

Basketball ace [Kobe Bryant](https://contactmusic.6lgx.com/kobe-bryant)'s lawyers, prosecutors and his rape accuser's lawyer have reportedly been secretly discussing a plea bargain to end the case.

Sources close to the parties in the case tell American TV show CELEBRITY [Justice](https://contactmusic.6lgx.com/justice) that discussions have focused on the LOS ANGELES LAKERS star pleading guilty to a "non-sex crime".

In such a case, Bryant would plead to misdemeanour such as third degree assault.

There are also reported negotiations taking place in a possible civil case, where the parties discussed Bryant writing a letter of apology to his accuser - and giving her a confidential financial settlement.

According to the show's reporters, the prosecution and defence both approached to judge to see if he would allow a "non-sex crime" plea and the judge said he was open to it. But a spokesperson for the Eagle County, Colorado, District Attorney's office - where the alleged rape is said to have taken place - says, "We are still moving forward with the prosecution of this case. Nothing has changed."

Bryant - whose trial is due to start on 27 August (04) - has pleaded innocent to sexually assaulting the 19-year-old woman in his Colorado hotel room.

05/08/2004 02:59