Lakers' Bryant pleads 'not guilty' to rape charge

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 District Judge Terry Ruckriegle as the parents of the accuser looked on, Bryant said only four words during a brief arraignment carried live on national cable TV.

"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. Bryant left, with plenty of time to fly back to Los Angeles for Tuesday night's NBA playoff game against San Antonio.

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, the married father of one would face four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation.

-- AP