Return to Transcripts main page
American Morning
Jury Selection Begins in Bryant Case; Olympic Update; '90- Second Pop'
Aired August 27, 2004 - 09:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back, everyone. 9:30 in New York. The Kobe Bryant case moves closer this morning -- being that the Kobe Bryant trial. Jury selection begins. Have a report of that, also a look at why the judge is upset with prosecutors in that case.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: And Friday, you know, it means "90- Second Pop." One of the biggest events in the music history -- I thought we were going to say one of the biggest events, "90-Second Pop," but no -- it's the MTV Video Music Awards. Leaving New York, going to Miami -- what will it mean? Havoc! All right, we'll talk more about that in a moment.
But for now, Carol Costello has all of the news this morning -- "Now in the News." Carol, good morning.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks, Heidi.
Terrorism may be to blame for the crash of one of two Russian passenger jets that killed 89 people this week. Russia's top intelligence agency officials tell CNN this morning they found traces of explosives at one of the wreckage sites. The officials also say they've identified some potential suspects, but no one has been taken into custody.
In Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a new hearing is about to get underway for a man suspected of being a close ally of Osama bin Laden. But it's not clear whether the man will be allowed to make a plea. His lawyer quit, and a replacement has yet to be named.
President Bush is expected to ask Congress today for $2 billion to help victims of Hurricane Charley. Senior officials say the announcement is expected when the president heads to Miami this afternoon. Senator John Kerry is in California this morning. He'll head to Washington State later this afternoon.
And tonight is the final "Late Late Show" for Craig Kilborn. After five years as host, Kilborn says he wants to make a change. Kilborn denies reports that he's leaving because of a salary dispute. Guest hosts will take over after three weeks of reruns -- Heidi?
COLLINS: All right, Carol. Thanks a lot.
Jury selection begins this morning in Kobe Bryant's sexual assault case. It's expected to last about a week or so. Chris Lawrence is live in Eagle, Colorado, now with more on that jury selection process. Chris, good morning.
CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Heidi.
Beginning about 90 minutes from now, close to 500 potential jurors will be sworn in. They'll answer an -- 82 written questions, and then they'll go home. And for they few that are eventually seated, they'll find that DNA evidence has become crucial to this case.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): The defense's DNA expert concluded the accuser had sex with another man after Kobe Bryant, but before her medical exam. That could undermine the young woman's credibility, since she denies it happened.
On Thursday, prosecutors accused the defense of doctoring photocopies and contaminating DNA samples and asked to have their results thrown out. But the judge called the motion untimely, chastised prosecutors for being unprepared, and gave them until Tuesday to explain their objections.
Despite the setback, Bryant's accuser seems determined to persist.
CRAIG SILVERMAN, FMR. DENVER DEPUTY D.A.: At the strongest part of the prosecution case has been the apparent willingness of this accuser to go forward in the face of unrelenting pressure.
LAWRENCE: Prosecutors lost a bid to exclude the woman's name at trial, but cameras will not be allowed outside of opening and closing arguments -- a victory for advocates of victims' rights.
CYNTHIA STONE, SEXUAL ASSAULT COALITION: They're going to have to talk about these horrific, graphic details about what happened in a courtroom packed with reporters and the man that you're accusing of raping you.
LAWRENCE: Bryant admits having sex with the woman at the Colorado resort where she worked, but says it was consensual.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(on camera): Now, before all that is heard in court, a jury will has to be seated. Potential jurors will be arriving here in four groups beginning in about 90 minutes and continuing all the way through the afternoon. Over the weekend, the attorneys will review those questionnaires and exclude a lot of those potential jurors based on their answers -- Heidi?
COLLINS: Chris Lawrence, thanks so much for that, live from Eagle this morning.
HEMMER: Back to the Summer Games here. More controversy again today over U.S. gymnast Paul Hamm. In fact, back in this country he is now and that gold medal he won in the all-around competition.
Back to Mark McKay, live report in Athens now. Mark, hello.
MARK MCKAY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Bill.
Yes, Paul Hamm may be in the United States, but the controversy here doesn't seem to be subsiding. Over the past half hour or so, we learned that the U.S. Olympic Committee, they released a letter from the International Gymnastics Federation basically asking that they would appreciate it if Hamm would give his gold medal in the men's all-around competition to the South Korean competitor Yang Tae-young.
Now, you'll remember, Hamm was in the midst of a mess here in the Athens Games earlier this week, caught up in controversy, judging errors in the men's all-around final. Hamm got the gold medal. The South Korean apparently should have if the judging wasn't flawed. U.S. Olympic Committee not at all happy with the international body asking Hamm to give his medal to the South Korean.
Boy, is this a segue in the making, or what? Paul Hamm to Mia Hamm. Hamm, Julie Foudy, and Joy Fawcett, they all were part of a wonderful run for the U.S. women's soccer team that came to an end last night. The retiring trio playing the Olympic gold medal match against a feisty Brazilian side. The two teams matched goals and regulations. They went to extra time. That is where Abby Wambach connected the header for the game winner. Team USA regaining the goal it lost to Norway in Sydney.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MIA HAMM, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST: There's a feeling of satisfaction. There's a feeling of, you know, having that last chapter of your career be a good one. And like I said before, I couldn't think of a greater group of women to be standing up on that podium with.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MCKAY: Quite a story last night.
We could have another one authored tonight at Olympic Stadium as, really, the first time this week the attention turns to detail of Marion Jones and her quest to perhaps win two medals at these Games. She's in the finals of the long jump competition.
She will also be running alongside teammates LaTasha Colander, Angela Williams, and Lauryn Williams as the United States chases gold in the 4 x 100-meters relay.
Bill, it has been a quiet week on so many fronts for Marion Jones. I was in the Olympic Stadium, though, the night that she qualified for the final in the long jump, and the Greek people were cheering her name the whole night. So, she is loved over here, Bill.
HEMMER: You know, Mark, with the success of this team -- on both halves, the women and the men, well over 80 medals to date -- has this team exceeded expectations in Athens?
MCKAY: I think at the moment, Bill, they're matching expectations, at least in terms of being on par with Sydney. At the moment, they have 25 gold medals in hand -- a little behind the pace that they had at the Sydney Games.
But we still have really three days of competition -- two full days of competition. They could still rack up more medals between now and the closing ceremony. But I think they're right on par with what they expected.
China, of course, number two, Bill, as they head into the 2008 Games. They are very happy with their performance here in Athens. They will host the next Summer Olympics in Beijing.
HEMMER: I tell you, the American team has been sensational. Enjoy the final few days there, Mark. Thanks. Mark McKay in Athens -- Heidi?
COLLINS: Sunny in Athens. Is it sunny anywhere in this country? We sure hope so. Chad Myers with a gold medal forecast -- right, Chad?
(WEATHER REPORT)
COLLINS: OK, Chad, thank you.
HEMMER: In a moment here, much of the country, a cooler summer than usual. Good news for your electric bill.
COLLINS: Yes.
HEMMER: Bad news, though, for a host of companies and businesses. Andy has that in a moment here.
COLLINS: Plus, some "90-Second Pop" to close out your work week. Beyonce's "Naughty Girl" up for a moon man this weekend. So, who's got the biggest buzz, though, at MTV's Video Music Awards? We're going to talk about that, ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COLLINS: Oh, there it is again, that kiss. Hey, it's "90-Second Pop" for a Friday with our pop players today. Jessica Shaw from "Entertainment Weekly," Josh Elliott from "Sports Illustrated" and Sarah Bernard, contributing editor for "New York" magazine.
All right, Sarah, let's start with you today. The MTV video music awards are coming up Sunday night.
SARAH BERNARD, "NEW YORK" MAGAZINE: Right.
COLLINS: But Britney and Madonna are not going to be there. We're not going to see the kiss again. BERNARD: So they say. I'm thinking maybe a surprise is in the works.
COLLINS: Do you think they'll surprise everybody?
BERNARD: But I can't believe it's been a year since that kiss. I feel like we just started talking about it.
COLLINS: Oh, you do, do you? I do not.
BERNARD: I think we should talk about it again.
JESSICA SHAW, "ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY": If she gets married this year, I will be amazed.
JOSH ELLIOTT, "SPORTS ILLUSTRATED": She will be there.
BERNARD: Maybe that's what she's going to do.
ELLIOTT: She will be there. There is just -- she's desperately in need of good press at this point.
BERNARD: Yes, I don't see how she's going to miss this kind of party. But the controversy this year, first of all, obviously they've moved from New York to Miami.
COLLINS: Right.
BERNARD: So they're taking advantage of the setting, and having a few key people arrive via yacht to the red carpet.
COLLINS: Yes, I read about that.
BERNARD: Which is a fun idea. But what's happening already is the competition for who is going to have the biggest yacht...
COLLINS: The best yacht, right.
BERNARD: ... is already heating up. P. Diddy rented a 100-foot yacht. It sounds big to me.
ELLIOTT: That is a shock.
BERNARD: And Usher...
COLLINS: What does that even look like?
BERNARD: Something.
ELLIOTT: Like a spaceship. Like a spaceship rolling up on the beach.
BERNARD: Yes.
SHAW: It doesn't matter, as long as it's bigger than Usher's.
BERNARD: Exactly.
ELLIOTT: Yes.
COLLINS: OK.
BERNARD: So, Usher is now upset because he actually wants to have the bigger yacht.
COLLINS: So it's not going to be about the music?
BERNARD: Not really. Although Usher probably is going to win big this year. So maybe it's fitting.
ELLIOTT: MTV hasn't been about the music since, like, 1985.
COLLINS: OK.
SHAW: Yes, I think at the point where Howard Stern bared his butt at the MTV awards, it stopped being about the music.
(CROSSTALK)
COLLINS: All right, Jessica, let's talk about the battle of the Tommys.
SHAW: Yes.
COLLINS: You've got Tommy Hilfiger and Tommy Lee talking about how they want to be in reality TV now.
SHAW: It's more than talking. They both have actually signed deals. Tommy Hilfiger is going to be doing a reality show for CBS.
COLLINS: Right.
SHAW: Tommy Lee is going to be going back to college for NBC.
COLLINS: Oh, good.
BERNARD: Oh, man!
ELLIOTT: Quite literally, lock your girls up.
SHAW: Yes.
BERNARD: Exactly. Freshmen girls, watch out!
SHAW: Doesn't that seem like a cry for help? I mean, Tommy Hilfiger's stock is way down. It's not like you're going to see Ralph Lauren doing a reality show. It's kind of declassse (ph).
ELLIOTT: But also, did he not see his daughter's horrific entry in the...
(CROSSTALK) BERNARD: And, you know, that ended up really badly. She ended up in rehab, first of all. And then she ended up not speaking to her best friend, Jamie (ph), who they started the show with. So, I mean, what's going to happen to Tommy?
(CROSSTALK)
SHAW: Maybe he's trying just to save the Hilfiger name?
COLLINS: That's true.
BERNARD: But I have to say, for the Tommy Lee one, anything that prevents a Motley Crue reunion tour, I'm all for it.
ELLIOTT: Yes.
COLLINS: This will keep him too busy.
BERNARD: Yes.
COLLINS: All right, good point. Josh, I want to talk about the Olympics. Women's soccer team taking home the gold medal. This was huge.
ELLIOTT: Very impressive.
COLLINS: Very exciting. Women are also kicking butt in many other areas.
ELLIOTT: Yes.
COLLINS: What's going on here?
ELLIOTT: Do you know what? Women rock! Women are better. And I'll say it...
(CROSSTALK)
BERNARD: That's why (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
ELLIOTT: Because I don't feel like being attacked. And you know what? This is actually -- and it's really unfortunate that NBC has kind of missed the boat here, because, you know, they're used to sort of just having their little pixie de jour every Olympics, you know, to promote...
COLLINS: You mean the gymnasts?
ELLIOTT: The gymnasts.
COLLINS: OK.
ELLIOTT: But other than that...
COLLINS: Carly is the name.
ELLIOTT: You know, I just think that...
SHAW: He meant the weight lifter.
ELLIOTT: But I'm very -- you know, the women's team sports feature a lot of mature athletes, a lot of athletes that have children of their own. There are a lot of great, positive stories on these teams. And unless you have Bravo and you're up at 3:00 a.m., you're missing a lot of it, and it's really sad.
COLLINS: Yes. And it also brings up the issue of Title IX, too, doesn't it?
ELLIOTT: It does.
COLLINS: It makes you think about it.
ELLIOTT: It does, because we're finally seeing it now.
BERNARD: The results of it.
ELLIOTT: These are the first -- this is the first generation that because of Title IX, that because of grassroots youth leagues across the board have now matured into world-class athletes. And I just think it's impressive, you know, up and down the board. Meanwhile, the U.S. men struggle and struggle and struggle.
BERNARD: Yes, they won yesterday. Can we talk about Stephon Marbury for a second? Because...
ELLIOTT: No, let's not.
(CROSSTALK)
BERNARD: Because he's a Knick, and it's going to be much better in my house this year if the Knicks are good.
SHAW: Nothing beats the soccer team and carrying them up on the podium, singing the national anthem so off-key that had you to love them even more.
COLLINS: All right, guys, thanks so much for all of that. Jessica, Josh nad Sarah, appreciate it -- Bill.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: All right, Heidi, thanks for that. They've got in a few workouts, but were our new parents able to live up to the new challenge. In our "New You" series, we check back with in with the Kirkbrides and Sanjay after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Markets are open. Check of the early action now with Andy Serwer, "Minding Your Business."
ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Almost caught you again. Good morning.
HEMMER: Good morning.
SERWER: Again.
Let's talk about what's going on on Wall Street this morning. The big news is GDP was revised downward from 3 percent to 2.8 percent for the second quarter. The market shrugging it off. You're see we're up nine on the Dow. Wall Street positively nappish. Some yawning going on on Wall Street this morning. Skeleton crews going to be in force next week. Seriously, people really not going to be going to work much, what with all the hoo-ha going on in New York.
HEMMER: Are they in the Hamptons, Andy?
SERWER: I think they are, some in the Hamptons, Litchfield County and those sorts of places.
What's happening this morning. Big mover coach being added to the S&P 500. Very few sure things on Wall Street. When a stock is added to the S&P 500, it goes up. That's because fund measures have to buy the stock. The stock is up to $1 to $42. What does that mean? It means Americans like buying fancy, expensive things made out of leather. This company has been on an absolute tear, though. It's gone from $4 to $42 over the last four years. That's a lot of fours. And it's really cooking.
Let's talk about this summer, though, because it's been a wet one, and it's been a cool one, and that's been bad for a lot of companies. In particular, as you might imagine, pool sales and equipment, terrible, doing terrible -- sounds like Bill Walton -- terrible this summer, all over the Northeast. They haven't been selling any pools at all.
Also A/C equipment down -- air conditioners down 64 percent in July year over year. I mean, that is really bad, and that trickles through to the economy. It hurts Wal-Mart, it hurts Lowe's.
Another company this morning talking about hurting them, The Sports Authority, people not buying sneakers and frisbees like they would if it was sunny outside, and that is your business report.
HEMMER: That's very interesting, too.
SERWER: It is? Wow.
HEMMER: And that's why you're around.
SERWER: Wow. OK.
HEMMER: Have a great weekend, OK.
(CROSSTALK)
SERWER: Thank you. I will. HEMMER: See you later.
SERWER: All right.
HEMMER: All right.
COLLINS: All week long, as you know, we've been doing our "New You" six-month checkup, and today is our final profile, the new parents Pam and Michael Kirkbride.
HEMMER: When we first met them, they were sleepless, disorganized, and they gained 40 pounds together. They were new parents. We got them back on track. The question is, did they stay here?
Here's Sanjay again.
Good morning.
DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning.
Yes, that was six months ago. Baby Olivia, who you met then, just turned a year old. The parents, well, they're still living in the fastlane. Let's find out how they're doing -- team Kirkbride.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GUPTA (voice over): It's a typical morning for the Kirkbrides, 6:00 a.m., Michael's at the gym.
PAM KIRKBRIDE, "NEW YOU" PARTICIPANT: Good morning, little girl.
GUPTA: 7:30 a.m., Pam and Michael wake up baby Olivia after a full night's sleep.
P. KIRKBRIDE: Do you want to turn on the light? Press the button. All right. I love you.
GUPTA: 8:00 a.m., Pam is off to work. 8:30, Michael hands off baby Olivia to the baby-sitter. The biggest lesson team Kirkbride has learned in the past six months?
P. KIRKBRIDE: You do have time. You just have to make that choice to either, you know, get the salad instead of the burger, and going to the gym or just doing that one-minute of crunches.
GUPTA: At first, "New You" did force them to make that choice.
MICHAEL KIRKBRIDE, "NEW YOU" PARTICIPANT: We kicked everything into a gear in a way that I don't think we would have.
GUPTA: Now, there is even time for a few weekends at the beach with friends. Michael has lost a total of 36 pounds. Pam has kept it off, too, but she still finds it tough.
P. KIRKBRIDE: For me, it's going back to the gym. I mean, as soon as the cameras came off, let me tell you, I didn't go.
GUPTA: But Pam does sneak in planks and Pilates when she can, and skipping desserts and soda is now a habit for them both.
M. KIRKBRIDE: It's all a part of our lifestyle now without the intense pressure of those eight weeks.
GUPTA: It's no longer about the short-term weight-loss; it's about the long-term investment.
M. KIRKBRIDE: I think it's about the future and it's about feeling more confident, and just more respect for ourselves. We just feel better about ourselves.
GUPTA: Feeling better all around, the ultimate goal of any new resolution.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
GUPTA: And they look pretty good there. You know, small changes, big impact, feeling better, more confident. That was a goal that was met by all our "New You" participants.
HEMMER: Hey, Sanjay, we talked about this earlier, you take the cameras away, you lose kind of the commitment, don't you, a little bit? A little bit of the motivation?
GUPTA: Well, it's true that this "New You" team that you met this week had the added incentive of thousands of people keeping track of their progress, but here's a tip, though, it takes just three weeks to build an exercise habit. So Michael Kirkbrides advice, for example, force yourself to stick to a diet and work out regularly for just a few weeks, even three weeks, then your body starts to actually condition itself and crave the exercise and the healthier diet.
COLLINS: And, Sanjay, you know, we've been watching these guys, obviously, and they've done really well, so we're hoping that we're going to see another new you series, right?
GUPTA: Yes, you know, absolutely, and first of all, we should thank David, Kim, Kathryn and the Kirkbrides for participating. Also the producers who do this, Rachel, Chris (ph), Claire (ph) and Stephanie (ph) and Will Sarat (ph) as well. Everybody log onto CNN.com/AMERICAN MORNING for more on their six-month checkup. As for next year, though, you ask, stay tuned to AMERICAN MORNING for details on the next year's series. We may have some special surprise participants as well. It will be very interesting.
Back to you.
HEMMER: We thank Sanjay.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Are you suckering up to Will Sarat? Now thank Will Sarat on the air there?
(CROSSTALK) ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Let it be.
CAFFERTY: Bucking for a raise, hey, Sanjay?
SERWER: Let it be.
COLLINS: Kumbaya.
Coming up now on CNN, the final touch is under way. Next week, New York opens its doors to the Grand Ole Party for its party itself. Well, all that fun doesn't come up cheap, though. We're going look at that, coming up in the next hour with Daryn Kagan on CNN LIVE TODAY. AMERICAN MORNING, though, will be back in just a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CAFFERTY: We invite you to join us this weekend for "IN THE MONEY." Republicans about to take stage in New York City, protesters making their voices heard. We'll take a look at how protests movements have evolved in this country over the years, and whether next week's may be any different. "IN THE MONEY," Saturday at 1:00, Sunday at 3:00.
Now on to the e-mails. Before we get to them, though, I want to thank Will Sarat for this opportunity to be here on the program this morning. If it works for Gupta, I figure it's worth a try.
Sucking up to him, I want to thank Will Sarat. Unbelievable.
All right, the question is this, "How tough should the cops be on the protesters in New York."
Betty writes, "I'm tired of people who think they can be as vulgar as they want and then throw our First Amendment in our face if we complain."
Nick in Eerie, Pennsylvania, "They should be shipped to the underground garage Boston set aside for the protesters and forced to watch C-SPAN broadcasts of Congress." Except Congress is on vacation.
Samuel in Augen (ph), Utah, "I tune in everyday waiting hopefully to hear you've had a seizure of some sort."
SERWER: Oh, him again.
CAFFERTY: Yes, I like it. He did it again.
However, you know, fair and balanced here on "The Cafferty File." Cletus (ph) writes this, "I'm a World War II veteran, and I'm very fond you. It makes my blood boil when people say things bad about you. I like you so much, In fact, I want to marry you. There's just one problem, one of us should go in drag, and I look like Khrushchev's wife in drag, and I don't think you'd look any better. I'm puzzled by all of this."
And Cletus, you know, thanks for the offer, partner, but I'm spoken for.
SERWER: He's a different fan, that man.
COLLINS: And on that note...
HEMMER: One more reminder, we're going to be all over the city on Monday morning, here 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
CAFFERTY: Because of the kindness of Will Sarat. We should thank Will Sarat for that.
HEMMER: Do we have that live picture inside Madison Square Garden, a sneak preview what's happening with the video board in there. Do we have it? I guess that's a no.
(CROSSTALK)
HEMMER: It's out there somewhere. Have a great weekend. Here's Daryn Kagan at the CNN Center.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired August 27, 2004 - 09:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back, everyone. 9:30 in New York. The Kobe Bryant case moves closer this morning -- being that the Kobe Bryant trial. Jury selection begins. Have a report of that, also a look at why the judge is upset with prosecutors in that case.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: And Friday, you know, it means "90- Second Pop." One of the biggest events in the music history -- I thought we were going to say one of the biggest events, "90-Second Pop," but no -- it's the MTV Video Music Awards. Leaving New York, going to Miami -- what will it mean? Havoc! All right, we'll talk more about that in a moment.
But for now, Carol Costello has all of the news this morning -- "Now in the News." Carol, good morning.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks, Heidi.
Terrorism may be to blame for the crash of one of two Russian passenger jets that killed 89 people this week. Russia's top intelligence agency officials tell CNN this morning they found traces of explosives at one of the wreckage sites. The officials also say they've identified some potential suspects, but no one has been taken into custody.
In Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a new hearing is about to get underway for a man suspected of being a close ally of Osama bin Laden. But it's not clear whether the man will be allowed to make a plea. His lawyer quit, and a replacement has yet to be named.
President Bush is expected to ask Congress today for $2 billion to help victims of Hurricane Charley. Senior officials say the announcement is expected when the president heads to Miami this afternoon. Senator John Kerry is in California this morning. He'll head to Washington State later this afternoon.
And tonight is the final "Late Late Show" for Craig Kilborn. After five years as host, Kilborn says he wants to make a change. Kilborn denies reports that he's leaving because of a salary dispute. Guest hosts will take over after three weeks of reruns -- Heidi?
COLLINS: All right, Carol. Thanks a lot.
Jury selection begins this morning in Kobe Bryant's sexual assault case. It's expected to last about a week or so. Chris Lawrence is live in Eagle, Colorado, now with more on that jury selection process. Chris, good morning.
CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Heidi.
Beginning about 90 minutes from now, close to 500 potential jurors will be sworn in. They'll answer an -- 82 written questions, and then they'll go home. And for they few that are eventually seated, they'll find that DNA evidence has become crucial to this case.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): The defense's DNA expert concluded the accuser had sex with another man after Kobe Bryant, but before her medical exam. That could undermine the young woman's credibility, since she denies it happened.
On Thursday, prosecutors accused the defense of doctoring photocopies and contaminating DNA samples and asked to have their results thrown out. But the judge called the motion untimely, chastised prosecutors for being unprepared, and gave them until Tuesday to explain their objections.
Despite the setback, Bryant's accuser seems determined to persist.
CRAIG SILVERMAN, FMR. DENVER DEPUTY D.A.: At the strongest part of the prosecution case has been the apparent willingness of this accuser to go forward in the face of unrelenting pressure.
LAWRENCE: Prosecutors lost a bid to exclude the woman's name at trial, but cameras will not be allowed outside of opening and closing arguments -- a victory for advocates of victims' rights.
CYNTHIA STONE, SEXUAL ASSAULT COALITION: They're going to have to talk about these horrific, graphic details about what happened in a courtroom packed with reporters and the man that you're accusing of raping you.
LAWRENCE: Bryant admits having sex with the woman at the Colorado resort where she worked, but says it was consensual.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(on camera): Now, before all that is heard in court, a jury will has to be seated. Potential jurors will be arriving here in four groups beginning in about 90 minutes and continuing all the way through the afternoon. Over the weekend, the attorneys will review those questionnaires and exclude a lot of those potential jurors based on their answers -- Heidi?
COLLINS: Chris Lawrence, thanks so much for that, live from Eagle this morning.
HEMMER: Back to the Summer Games here. More controversy again today over U.S. gymnast Paul Hamm. In fact, back in this country he is now and that gold medal he won in the all-around competition.
Back to Mark McKay, live report in Athens now. Mark, hello.
MARK MCKAY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Bill.
Yes, Paul Hamm may be in the United States, but the controversy here doesn't seem to be subsiding. Over the past half hour or so, we learned that the U.S. Olympic Committee, they released a letter from the International Gymnastics Federation basically asking that they would appreciate it if Hamm would give his gold medal in the men's all-around competition to the South Korean competitor Yang Tae-young.
Now, you'll remember, Hamm was in the midst of a mess here in the Athens Games earlier this week, caught up in controversy, judging errors in the men's all-around final. Hamm got the gold medal. The South Korean apparently should have if the judging wasn't flawed. U.S. Olympic Committee not at all happy with the international body asking Hamm to give his medal to the South Korean.
Boy, is this a segue in the making, or what? Paul Hamm to Mia Hamm. Hamm, Julie Foudy, and Joy Fawcett, they all were part of a wonderful run for the U.S. women's soccer team that came to an end last night. The retiring trio playing the Olympic gold medal match against a feisty Brazilian side. The two teams matched goals and regulations. They went to extra time. That is where Abby Wambach connected the header for the game winner. Team USA regaining the goal it lost to Norway in Sydney.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MIA HAMM, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST: There's a feeling of satisfaction. There's a feeling of, you know, having that last chapter of your career be a good one. And like I said before, I couldn't think of a greater group of women to be standing up on that podium with.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MCKAY: Quite a story last night.
We could have another one authored tonight at Olympic Stadium as, really, the first time this week the attention turns to detail of Marion Jones and her quest to perhaps win two medals at these Games. She's in the finals of the long jump competition.
She will also be running alongside teammates LaTasha Colander, Angela Williams, and Lauryn Williams as the United States chases gold in the 4 x 100-meters relay.
Bill, it has been a quiet week on so many fronts for Marion Jones. I was in the Olympic Stadium, though, the night that she qualified for the final in the long jump, and the Greek people were cheering her name the whole night. So, she is loved over here, Bill.
HEMMER: You know, Mark, with the success of this team -- on both halves, the women and the men, well over 80 medals to date -- has this team exceeded expectations in Athens?
MCKAY: I think at the moment, Bill, they're matching expectations, at least in terms of being on par with Sydney. At the moment, they have 25 gold medals in hand -- a little behind the pace that they had at the Sydney Games.
But we still have really three days of competition -- two full days of competition. They could still rack up more medals between now and the closing ceremony. But I think they're right on par with what they expected.
China, of course, number two, Bill, as they head into the 2008 Games. They are very happy with their performance here in Athens. They will host the next Summer Olympics in Beijing.
HEMMER: I tell you, the American team has been sensational. Enjoy the final few days there, Mark. Thanks. Mark McKay in Athens -- Heidi?
COLLINS: Sunny in Athens. Is it sunny anywhere in this country? We sure hope so. Chad Myers with a gold medal forecast -- right, Chad?
(WEATHER REPORT)
COLLINS: OK, Chad, thank you.
HEMMER: In a moment here, much of the country, a cooler summer than usual. Good news for your electric bill.
COLLINS: Yes.
HEMMER: Bad news, though, for a host of companies and businesses. Andy has that in a moment here.
COLLINS: Plus, some "90-Second Pop" to close out your work week. Beyonce's "Naughty Girl" up for a moon man this weekend. So, who's got the biggest buzz, though, at MTV's Video Music Awards? We're going to talk about that, ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COLLINS: Oh, there it is again, that kiss. Hey, it's "90-Second Pop" for a Friday with our pop players today. Jessica Shaw from "Entertainment Weekly," Josh Elliott from "Sports Illustrated" and Sarah Bernard, contributing editor for "New York" magazine.
All right, Sarah, let's start with you today. The MTV video music awards are coming up Sunday night.
SARAH BERNARD, "NEW YORK" MAGAZINE: Right.
COLLINS: But Britney and Madonna are not going to be there. We're not going to see the kiss again. BERNARD: So they say. I'm thinking maybe a surprise is in the works.
COLLINS: Do you think they'll surprise everybody?
BERNARD: But I can't believe it's been a year since that kiss. I feel like we just started talking about it.
COLLINS: Oh, you do, do you? I do not.
BERNARD: I think we should talk about it again.
JESSICA SHAW, "ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY": If she gets married this year, I will be amazed.
JOSH ELLIOTT, "SPORTS ILLUSTRATED": She will be there.
BERNARD: Maybe that's what she's going to do.
ELLIOTT: She will be there. There is just -- she's desperately in need of good press at this point.
BERNARD: Yes, I don't see how she's going to miss this kind of party. But the controversy this year, first of all, obviously they've moved from New York to Miami.
COLLINS: Right.
BERNARD: So they're taking advantage of the setting, and having a few key people arrive via yacht to the red carpet.
COLLINS: Yes, I read about that.
BERNARD: Which is a fun idea. But what's happening already is the competition for who is going to have the biggest yacht...
COLLINS: The best yacht, right.
BERNARD: ... is already heating up. P. Diddy rented a 100-foot yacht. It sounds big to me.
ELLIOTT: That is a shock.
BERNARD: And Usher...
COLLINS: What does that even look like?
BERNARD: Something.
ELLIOTT: Like a spaceship. Like a spaceship rolling up on the beach.
BERNARD: Yes.
SHAW: It doesn't matter, as long as it's bigger than Usher's.
BERNARD: Exactly.
ELLIOTT: Yes.
COLLINS: OK.
BERNARD: So, Usher is now upset because he actually wants to have the bigger yacht.
COLLINS: So it's not going to be about the music?
BERNARD: Not really. Although Usher probably is going to win big this year. So maybe it's fitting.
ELLIOTT: MTV hasn't been about the music since, like, 1985.
COLLINS: OK.
SHAW: Yes, I think at the point where Howard Stern bared his butt at the MTV awards, it stopped being about the music.
(CROSSTALK)
COLLINS: All right, Jessica, let's talk about the battle of the Tommys.
SHAW: Yes.
COLLINS: You've got Tommy Hilfiger and Tommy Lee talking about how they want to be in reality TV now.
SHAW: It's more than talking. They both have actually signed deals. Tommy Hilfiger is going to be doing a reality show for CBS.
COLLINS: Right.
SHAW: Tommy Lee is going to be going back to college for NBC.
COLLINS: Oh, good.
BERNARD: Oh, man!
ELLIOTT: Quite literally, lock your girls up.
SHAW: Yes.
BERNARD: Exactly. Freshmen girls, watch out!
SHAW: Doesn't that seem like a cry for help? I mean, Tommy Hilfiger's stock is way down. It's not like you're going to see Ralph Lauren doing a reality show. It's kind of declassse (ph).
ELLIOTT: But also, did he not see his daughter's horrific entry in the...
(CROSSTALK) BERNARD: And, you know, that ended up really badly. She ended up in rehab, first of all. And then she ended up not speaking to her best friend, Jamie (ph), who they started the show with. So, I mean, what's going to happen to Tommy?
(CROSSTALK)
SHAW: Maybe he's trying just to save the Hilfiger name?
COLLINS: That's true.
BERNARD: But I have to say, for the Tommy Lee one, anything that prevents a Motley Crue reunion tour, I'm all for it.
ELLIOTT: Yes.
COLLINS: This will keep him too busy.
BERNARD: Yes.
COLLINS: All right, good point. Josh, I want to talk about the Olympics. Women's soccer team taking home the gold medal. This was huge.
ELLIOTT: Very impressive.
COLLINS: Very exciting. Women are also kicking butt in many other areas.
ELLIOTT: Yes.
COLLINS: What's going on here?
ELLIOTT: Do you know what? Women rock! Women are better. And I'll say it...
(CROSSTALK)
BERNARD: That's why (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
ELLIOTT: Because I don't feel like being attacked. And you know what? This is actually -- and it's really unfortunate that NBC has kind of missed the boat here, because, you know, they're used to sort of just having their little pixie de jour every Olympics, you know, to promote...
COLLINS: You mean the gymnasts?
ELLIOTT: The gymnasts.
COLLINS: OK.
ELLIOTT: But other than that...
COLLINS: Carly is the name.
ELLIOTT: You know, I just think that...
SHAW: He meant the weight lifter.
ELLIOTT: But I'm very -- you know, the women's team sports feature a lot of mature athletes, a lot of athletes that have children of their own. There are a lot of great, positive stories on these teams. And unless you have Bravo and you're up at 3:00 a.m., you're missing a lot of it, and it's really sad.
COLLINS: Yes. And it also brings up the issue of Title IX, too, doesn't it?
ELLIOTT: It does.
COLLINS: It makes you think about it.
ELLIOTT: It does, because we're finally seeing it now.
BERNARD: The results of it.
ELLIOTT: These are the first -- this is the first generation that because of Title IX, that because of grassroots youth leagues across the board have now matured into world-class athletes. And I just think it's impressive, you know, up and down the board. Meanwhile, the U.S. men struggle and struggle and struggle.
BERNARD: Yes, they won yesterday. Can we talk about Stephon Marbury for a second? Because...
ELLIOTT: No, let's not.
(CROSSTALK)
BERNARD: Because he's a Knick, and it's going to be much better in my house this year if the Knicks are good.
SHAW: Nothing beats the soccer team and carrying them up on the podium, singing the national anthem so off-key that had you to love them even more.
COLLINS: All right, guys, thanks so much for all of that. Jessica, Josh nad Sarah, appreciate it -- Bill.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: All right, Heidi, thanks for that. They've got in a few workouts, but were our new parents able to live up to the new challenge. In our "New You" series, we check back with in with the Kirkbrides and Sanjay after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Markets are open. Check of the early action now with Andy Serwer, "Minding Your Business."
ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Almost caught you again. Good morning.
HEMMER: Good morning.
SERWER: Again.
Let's talk about what's going on on Wall Street this morning. The big news is GDP was revised downward from 3 percent to 2.8 percent for the second quarter. The market shrugging it off. You're see we're up nine on the Dow. Wall Street positively nappish. Some yawning going on on Wall Street this morning. Skeleton crews going to be in force next week. Seriously, people really not going to be going to work much, what with all the hoo-ha going on in New York.
HEMMER: Are they in the Hamptons, Andy?
SERWER: I think they are, some in the Hamptons, Litchfield County and those sorts of places.
What's happening this morning. Big mover coach being added to the S&P 500. Very few sure things on Wall Street. When a stock is added to the S&P 500, it goes up. That's because fund measures have to buy the stock. The stock is up to $1 to $42. What does that mean? It means Americans like buying fancy, expensive things made out of leather. This company has been on an absolute tear, though. It's gone from $4 to $42 over the last four years. That's a lot of fours. And it's really cooking.
Let's talk about this summer, though, because it's been a wet one, and it's been a cool one, and that's been bad for a lot of companies. In particular, as you might imagine, pool sales and equipment, terrible, doing terrible -- sounds like Bill Walton -- terrible this summer, all over the Northeast. They haven't been selling any pools at all.
Also A/C equipment down -- air conditioners down 64 percent in July year over year. I mean, that is really bad, and that trickles through to the economy. It hurts Wal-Mart, it hurts Lowe's.
Another company this morning talking about hurting them, The Sports Authority, people not buying sneakers and frisbees like they would if it was sunny outside, and that is your business report.
HEMMER: That's very interesting, too.
SERWER: It is? Wow.
HEMMER: And that's why you're around.
SERWER: Wow. OK.
HEMMER: Have a great weekend, OK.
(CROSSTALK)
SERWER: Thank you. I will. HEMMER: See you later.
SERWER: All right.
HEMMER: All right.
COLLINS: All week long, as you know, we've been doing our "New You" six-month checkup, and today is our final profile, the new parents Pam and Michael Kirkbride.
HEMMER: When we first met them, they were sleepless, disorganized, and they gained 40 pounds together. They were new parents. We got them back on track. The question is, did they stay here?
Here's Sanjay again.
Good morning.
DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning.
Yes, that was six months ago. Baby Olivia, who you met then, just turned a year old. The parents, well, they're still living in the fastlane. Let's find out how they're doing -- team Kirkbride.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GUPTA (voice over): It's a typical morning for the Kirkbrides, 6:00 a.m., Michael's at the gym.
PAM KIRKBRIDE, "NEW YOU" PARTICIPANT: Good morning, little girl.
GUPTA: 7:30 a.m., Pam and Michael wake up baby Olivia after a full night's sleep.
P. KIRKBRIDE: Do you want to turn on the light? Press the button. All right. I love you.
GUPTA: 8:00 a.m., Pam is off to work. 8:30, Michael hands off baby Olivia to the baby-sitter. The biggest lesson team Kirkbride has learned in the past six months?
P. KIRKBRIDE: You do have time. You just have to make that choice to either, you know, get the salad instead of the burger, and going to the gym or just doing that one-minute of crunches.
GUPTA: At first, "New You" did force them to make that choice.
MICHAEL KIRKBRIDE, "NEW YOU" PARTICIPANT: We kicked everything into a gear in a way that I don't think we would have.
GUPTA: Now, there is even time for a few weekends at the beach with friends. Michael has lost a total of 36 pounds. Pam has kept it off, too, but she still finds it tough.
P. KIRKBRIDE: For me, it's going back to the gym. I mean, as soon as the cameras came off, let me tell you, I didn't go.
GUPTA: But Pam does sneak in planks and Pilates when she can, and skipping desserts and soda is now a habit for them both.
M. KIRKBRIDE: It's all a part of our lifestyle now without the intense pressure of those eight weeks.
GUPTA: It's no longer about the short-term weight-loss; it's about the long-term investment.
M. KIRKBRIDE: I think it's about the future and it's about feeling more confident, and just more respect for ourselves. We just feel better about ourselves.
GUPTA: Feeling better all around, the ultimate goal of any new resolution.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
GUPTA: And they look pretty good there. You know, small changes, big impact, feeling better, more confident. That was a goal that was met by all our "New You" participants.
HEMMER: Hey, Sanjay, we talked about this earlier, you take the cameras away, you lose kind of the commitment, don't you, a little bit? A little bit of the motivation?
GUPTA: Well, it's true that this "New You" team that you met this week had the added incentive of thousands of people keeping track of their progress, but here's a tip, though, it takes just three weeks to build an exercise habit. So Michael Kirkbrides advice, for example, force yourself to stick to a diet and work out regularly for just a few weeks, even three weeks, then your body starts to actually condition itself and crave the exercise and the healthier diet.
COLLINS: And, Sanjay, you know, we've been watching these guys, obviously, and they've done really well, so we're hoping that we're going to see another new you series, right?
GUPTA: Yes, you know, absolutely, and first of all, we should thank David, Kim, Kathryn and the Kirkbrides for participating. Also the producers who do this, Rachel, Chris (ph), Claire (ph) and Stephanie (ph) and Will Sarat (ph) as well. Everybody log onto CNN.com/AMERICAN MORNING for more on their six-month checkup. As for next year, though, you ask, stay tuned to AMERICAN MORNING for details on the next year's series. We may have some special surprise participants as well. It will be very interesting.
Back to you.
HEMMER: We thank Sanjay.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Are you suckering up to Will Sarat? Now thank Will Sarat on the air there?
(CROSSTALK) ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Let it be.
CAFFERTY: Bucking for a raise, hey, Sanjay?
SERWER: Let it be.
COLLINS: Kumbaya.
Coming up now on CNN, the final touch is under way. Next week, New York opens its doors to the Grand Ole Party for its party itself. Well, all that fun doesn't come up cheap, though. We're going look at that, coming up in the next hour with Daryn Kagan on CNN LIVE TODAY. AMERICAN MORNING, though, will be back in just a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CAFFERTY: We invite you to join us this weekend for "IN THE MONEY." Republicans about to take stage in New York City, protesters making their voices heard. We'll take a look at how protests movements have evolved in this country over the years, and whether next week's may be any different. "IN THE MONEY," Saturday at 1:00, Sunday at 3:00.
Now on to the e-mails. Before we get to them, though, I want to thank Will Sarat for this opportunity to be here on the program this morning. If it works for Gupta, I figure it's worth a try.
Sucking up to him, I want to thank Will Sarat. Unbelievable.
All right, the question is this, "How tough should the cops be on the protesters in New York."
Betty writes, "I'm tired of people who think they can be as vulgar as they want and then throw our First Amendment in our face if we complain."
Nick in Eerie, Pennsylvania, "They should be shipped to the underground garage Boston set aside for the protesters and forced to watch C-SPAN broadcasts of Congress." Except Congress is on vacation.
Samuel in Augen (ph), Utah, "I tune in everyday waiting hopefully to hear you've had a seizure of some sort."
SERWER: Oh, him again.
CAFFERTY: Yes, I like it. He did it again.
However, you know, fair and balanced here on "The Cafferty File." Cletus (ph) writes this, "I'm a World War II veteran, and I'm very fond you. It makes my blood boil when people say things bad about you. I like you so much, In fact, I want to marry you. There's just one problem, one of us should go in drag, and I look like Khrushchev's wife in drag, and I don't think you'd look any better. I'm puzzled by all of this."
And Cletus, you know, thanks for the offer, partner, but I'm spoken for.
SERWER: He's a different fan, that man.
COLLINS: And on that note...
HEMMER: One more reminder, we're going to be all over the city on Monday morning, here 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
CAFFERTY: Because of the kindness of Will Sarat. We should thank Will Sarat for that.
HEMMER: Do we have that live picture inside Madison Square Garden, a sneak preview what's happening with the video board in there. Do we have it? I guess that's a no.
(CROSSTALK)
HEMMER: It's out there somewhere. Have a great weekend. Here's Daryn Kagan at the CNN Center.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
