EAGLE, Colo. (AP) -- Kobe Bryant was charged Friday with sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman in a case that is bound to tarnish the career of the NBA superstar.Bryant's next court date is Aug. 6, 2003, at 4:00 p.m. EDT.
The 24-year-old Bryant faces four years to life in prison if convicted on the single felony count, Eagle County District Attorney Mark Hurlbert told reporters during a news conference.
The woman worked the front desk at the resort where Bryant was staying.
Bryant has said he is innocent. His attorney, Pamela Mackey, scheduled a Friday evening news conference in Los Angeles.
In a statement released on behalf of Bryant, through his attorneys and his agent, the Lakers guard said, "I am innocent of the charges filed today. I did not assault the woman who is accusing me.
"I made the mistake of adultery. I have to answer to my wife and my God for my actions that night and I pray that both will forgive me.
"Nothing that happened June 30 was against the will of the woman who now falsely accuses me.
"These false allegations have hurt my family. I will fight against these allegations with all my strength. My wife is the strongest person I know. She is willing to stand by me despite my mistake. That means everything to me.
"I have so much to live for. And by that I do not mean the contracts, or the money or the fame. I mean my family. I will fight for them.
"I appreciate all those who have supported me. Thank you for believing in me. My family and I are going to need your support and prayers now more than ever."
Yeah, right Kobe. You had those same things to fight for before you did this, whatever the circumstances. His contracts will help him buy his freedom, his character bought him this charge.