June 19, 2000

LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has sued a sports memorabilia company to clarify his obligations to sign between 15,000 and 32,800 trading cards and other collectibles.

Bryant wants a Superior Court in Los Angeles to determine if the contract holder has made demands beyond contract terms.

Among the issues is Bryant's claim the contract, which expires Sept. 15, is limited to trading cards and collectibles and does not include paintings, lithographs and pennants made by contract holder, Oxxford Express Inc.

Bryant also wants the court to determine if he must meet Oxxford's demand he appear on the Home Shopping Network or QVC cable shopping network.

Bryant said he has signed 3,286 autographs under the contract, but told Oxxford in April that due to a sprained wrist he could do no more until the injury healed. He said he has offered to schedule six signing sessions of two hours each in the remaining three months of the contract, and make one appearance.

Oxxford Express, located in Pequannock, N.J., did not return phone calls Monday seeking comment on the lawsuit.

Oxxford took over Bryant's autographs contract when The Score Board Inc., filed for bankruptcy. Oxxford notified the NBA early this month that Bryant was in breach of the agreement, said Bryant's attorney, William Temko. Temko filed the lawsuit against Oxxford Express last Friday.

Sports memorabilia companies ask $25 per signed 8-inch-by-10-inch Bryant photo, and $100 for a basketball with his autograph.