[sinkspur]

But he still could have put on a tie.

Why? This whole thing took ten minutes.

Perhaps he was showing what he thought of the ridiculousness of this "hearing" and his forced attendance. Even Judge Napolitano thinks this Judge, Garrett, is Ito-redux, angling for TV time.

He said that he (Napolitano) would never require a defendant to attend a hearing like this.

[PhiKapMom]

This whole hearing was strictly for face time of the Judge and the DA IMHO! They love the publicity!

Sick and tired of the media and media loving lawyers/judges!

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

It doesn't matter if the hearing was 10 minutes or 10 hours. Court is court and you dress appropriately.

Perhaps he was showing what he thought of the ridiculousness of this "hearing" and his forced attendance.

I am sure Kobe thinks this whole thing is ridiculous. He's the great Kobe afterall, why should he have to act like any normal person. He's special.

[Howlin]

The DA and the defense attorneys both agreed that he didn't have to come.

The judge demanded he be there.

[Brandon]

He said that he (Napolitano) would never require a defendant to attend a hearing like this.

That would be his prerogative, if he were the judge. It's been reported that Judge Gannon(?) has a reputation for always requiring a personal appearance at this hearings. If that is correct, then he would be showing inappropriate favoritism (or at least the appearance of favoritism) by making an exception for Bryant.