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Bryant opposes move to delay trial

EAGLE, Colo., Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Kobe Bryant's lawyers have filed papers opposing a prosecution motion to postpone his trial on charges of raping a Colorado resort employee.

CNN reports that the defense lawyers say the prosecution motion may be a ploy to dismiss the charges against the Los Angeles Lakers star. They describe a federal lawsuit filed by the alleged victim this week as harmful to the government's case because it exposes her motive -- "the hope of a large monetary reward."

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In the motion filed Thursday, the defense said that Bryant would not "waive his right to a speedy trial." Under Colorado law, unless he does so, the trial must go forward within six months of Bryant entering his not guilty plea.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Aug. 27. In their court papers, defense lawyers argue that both the government and Bryant have spent a lot of money based on that trial date -- including the mailing of hundreds of jury summonses.

Bryant has acknowledged having sex with his accuser, who was 19 at the time of the alleged rape, but maintains that she consented.

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