EAGLE, Colo., Aug. 30 (UPI) -- A Colorado judge Monday said a third of the 300 prospective jurors who filled out questionnaires for Kobe Bryant's sexual-assault trial have been excused.
Attorneys began questioning individual members of the jury pool behind closed doors in a process that could take four days, the Denver Post reported.
The court released the 82 questions on the forms to reporters. Among other questions, the potential jurors were asked about interracial relations and professional athletes.
A news media attorney also challenged the closed-door questioning of the jury pool. Prosecutors and defense attorneys opposed opening the process, arguing it would produce more candid answers from prospective jurors.
State District Judge Terry Ruckreigle ruled only a limited number of sensitive jury questions would be asked in closed session during the selection process.
Bryant is charged with sexually assaulting a 19-year-old clerk at an upscale Colorado hotel last June. The Los Angeles Lakers all-star says the sex was consensual.
