Sexual assault charges against basketball star Kobe Bryant were dropped Wednesday at the request of the prosecution. The Colorado judge presiding over the trial, which was in its jury-selection phase Wednesday, agreed to dismiss the felony charges, although the civil case filed by the alleged victim will continue. The dismissal was "with prejudice," meaning charges cannot be re-filed. Bryant had been charged with raping a Colorado hotel employee last summer. She recently told Eagle County prosecutors she was no longer willing to testify during the trial. The woman's name and allegations about her personal life had become public during the months leading up to the trial, possibly resulting in her decision not to take the witness stand. The dismissal means Bryant will most likely be able to play for the Los Angeles Lakers during the coming season, and that the victim's civil lawsuit might be settled out of court. © Copyright 2004 by United Press International

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