EAGLE, Colo. — Nearly 11 months after his arrest, NBA star Kobe Bryant pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a rape charge that could land him in prison for life.
Standing impassively before state District Judge Terry Ruckriegle, Bryant said only four words during his brief arraignment.
"Yes sir," he said, bending slightly to speak into a microphone when asked if he understood the charge and potential penalty. Asked for his plea, he answered "not guilty" and sat down shortly afterward.
The judge adjourned the hearing moments later, saying he expected to set a trial date during a May 27 hearing.
The parents of the 19-year-old accuser watched the plea from the gallery, sitting about 20 feet from the Los Angeles Lakers star. The woman was not in the courtroom, one day after making a surprise appearance to watch pretrial proceedings.
Bryant, 25, has said he had consensual sex with the woman last summer at the Vail-area resort where she worked. If convicted of felony sexual assault, he would face four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation.
Bryant was to fly to Los Angeles for a playoff game Tuesday night against San Antonio. It would be the fourth time he has played in a game immediately after a court session in the case.