Woman's medical history becomes the main focus

EAGLE, Colo. -- Putting off testimony at a key hearing in the Kobe Bryant case, the trial judge sent witnesses home Friday and met privately with attorneys arguing over whether the medical history of the woman accusing the NBA star of rape should be allowed as evidence.

Attorneys for both sides left the courthouse without comment after the closed-door session ended Friday night. Bryant then returned to Los Angeles, but did not arrive at the Staples Center in time to start for the Lakers against Denver.

The outcome of the medical history issue before state District Judge Terry Ruckriegle could play a huge role at trial: The defense hopes to argue the woman had mental problems that could have clouded her perception of what happened between the two in a Colorado hotel room last June.

Bryant, 25, has insisted they had consensual sex.

Ruckriegle asked attorneys on both sides to spell out in briefs due Jan. 9 whether the medical history should be allowed. The issue will be taken up again at a Jan. 23 hearing.

"I want the opportunity to reflect on it," he said.

David Lugert, a defense attorney and former prosecutor, said the trial's slow pace suggested a long paper fight was coming.

"The case is going sideways," Lugert said.