Kobe Bryant's attorneys Friday asked that next month's preliminary hearing be closed to the public and the press.

Citing court rulings in sealing the criminal investigation file, attorneys Harold Haddon and Pamela Mackey said evidence presented in open court could prejudice potential jurors and make it difficult, if not impossible for Bryant to get a fair trial.

Bryant, 25, is charged with sexually assaulting a 19-year-old Eagle woman June 30 at the Lodge and Spa at Cordillera, where he staying. She was an employee at the hotel.

Local attorney Rohn Robbins said the defense apparently wants to have it both ways.

"They want their cake and eat it too," said Robbins. "They subpoenaed the victim to appear at the preliminary hearing. At the same time they're asking to close it because they don't want the negative publicity that may flow to their client if it goes badly for them."

Bryant's attorneys subpoenaed his alleged victim to testify in his Oct. 9 preliminary hearing.

"It appears they're saying, "Let's see to what extent we can or cannot intimidate her.' But they want to do it without anyone seeing," said Robbins.

"They seem to want to dip their toes in the judicial pool before they dive in."