Enquirer news services

EAGLE, Colo. - The serial spinoffs of the Kobe Bryant case continue to incite intrigue.

The scrutiny of Bryant's accuser intensified Thursday when authorities confirmed she was hospitalized as a "danger to herself" four months before the alleged sexual assault.

University of Northern Colorado police chief Terry Urista said campus police received a call about 9 p.m. on Feb. 25 regarding the woman in a dormitory room.

"An officer determined she was a danger to herself," he said. "It's classified as a mental health issue."

The woman was transported by ambulance to North Colorado Medical Center of Greeley.

Lindsey McKinney, a former friend who lived with the woman for two months last spring, said the woman attempted suicide last winter and again in May by overdosing on sleeping pills after returning home from school.

Authorities have not confirmed that Bryant's accuser attempted suicide or that she overdosed on pills in May.

Prosecutors and an attorney for Bryant's 19-year-old accuser have declined to discuss details of the case or the background of the woman.

The Eagle County sheriff dismissed speculation by at least one of the woman's friends that she is having second thoughts about going forward with the case.

"As far as I've heard, that is just plain rumor," Sheriff Joe Hoy said. "That is just off-board."

Bryant was charged with felony sexual assault after his accuser told authorities he attacked her at an Edwards resort June 30.

Bryant has claimed the sex was consensual.

The woman's name has been on the radio in at least 60 cities and posted on various Internet sites, complete with address, phone number and, in several cases, photographs of the wrong women.

Media focus on her is angering some who say the spotlight is making her a victim all over again.

Also, The New York Post is reporting that People magazine will be on newsstands today with an item claiming Bryant bought a $4 million, eight-carat, purple diamond ring for his wife, Vanessa.