A judge in the Kobe Bryant rape case on Monday denied a request from several media outlets and ruled that cameras will not be allowed in the basketball player's preliminary hearing next month.

Eagle County Judge Fred Gannett denied requests by Court TV and Denver's two local dailies, the Rocky Mountain News and The Denver Post, to have television and still cameras in the courtroom on Oct 9. Reporters will still be allowed in the courtroom.

The judge said under Colorado court rules expanded media coverage, such as the use of cameras, is not allowed in pretrial hearings in criminal cases, except for advisements and arraignments. Cameras were allowed at Bryant's advisement or initial appearance on Aug 6.

A preliminary hearing will be held on Oct. 9 to decide if Bryant, 25, will stand trial on charges he raped a 19-year-old concierge at a posh Colorado hotel where he was staying in late June.

Steven Zansberg, an attorney for The Denver Post, said the judge's order was based on the Colorado Code of Judicial Conduct and is not the type that can be appealed.

Bryant has denied he raped the young woman and said the encounter was consensual sex.

Media outlets are appealing an Aug. 21 ruling by the judge that unsealed only a portion of documents in the case.

Close

Today's Top News		Top Sports News
+FDI 'magnet' set to draw record sum ( 2003-09-09) +Singapore man tests positive for SARS ( 2003-09-09) +Government to further help disabled ( 2003-09-09) +Foreign students to enjoy insurance coverage ( 2003-09-09) +Few people do it, but wife swapping agrees with some ( 2003-09-09)		+Henin and Clijsters herald new era for women's game ( 2003-09-09) +German football backs Voeller after outburst ( 2003-09-09) +Schumacher confident before Monza showdown ( 2003-09-09) +'Don't disgrace England', FA tells fans ( 2003-09-09) +Recoba wins over Uruguayan public ( 2003-09-09)