<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">DENVER -- The judge in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case on Monday scheduled a series of pre-trial hearings that will last until nearly April, making it unlikely the NBA star will have to worry about a trial until the season is over. State District Judge Terry Ruckriegle announced hearings for Feb. 2-3, March 1-2 and March 24-25 to settle disputes over what evidence can be used at trial. He has not specified what he wants to cover at each hearing. "I doubt if the Lakers' schedule will have any impact in the judge's mind, but it certainly will in Kobe Bryant's mind," said Denver attorney Dan Recht, past president of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar. "I don't see a trial happening in this case until summer at the earliest." The NBA finals don't begin until early June and must end by June 20. Attorneys for NBA star Kobe Bryant are asking the judge in the sexual assault case to close the February hearing, saying evidence that will be discussed might taint the jury pool and may not even be allowed at trial. </div> Full ESPN.com Article
Great, at least for now Kobe can start focusing his mind more on the Lakers and our run to the 4th title.
