A newspaper story published this weekend could bolster the defense in Kobe Bryant's sexual assault case.

KOBE BRYANT Kobe Bryant's Statement Vanessa Bryant's Statement Events In Case Consensual? Discuss Case Civil Complaint: Jane Doe V. Bryant

The Orange County Register, citing friends of the accuser, reported on Sunday that two months before the June 30 encounter, "the woman suffered under such mental anguish that she overdosed on pills and was rushed to a hospital." Bryant has admitted having sex with the woman but maintains it was consensual.

In cases of this nature, the credibility of the accuser can be a powerful aspect of the defense's case. The accuser's friends have been keeping her overdose a secret -- until now, the Register reported.

According to the newspaper's report, the 19-year-old was going through an extremely difficult period in her life at the time of the overdose. She returned home from her freshman year of college to find out her ex-boyfriend was dating another woman. Also, around the time of the overdose, a close friend died in an accident while returning from high school graduation ceremonies.

Legal expert and former Denver prosecutor Craig Silverman told KMGH-TV in Denver that this revelation, if true, could change everything and make the prosecutor's work very tough. Silverman has no affiliation with the Bryant case.

"This is a huge development. The defense has found their weapon of mass destruction," Silverman said.

Silverman said an overdose -- intentional or otherwise -- can suggest mental instability, and that's what Bryant's attorneys will likely argue in the court of public opinion and in a court of law.

Silverman said that Eagle County District Attorney Mark Hurlbert had to know about the overdose because of the 911 call -- the records of which have been sealed.

"Yet he decided to go ahead and press charges. That suggests to me that he either has strong corroborating evidence or he doesn't know what he's doing," Silverman said.

Prosecutor: Case Against Kobe Convincing

Hurlbert has said he has a convincing case against Bryant, who's facing a charge that he sexually assaulted the 19-year-old woman at a Colorado hotel.

Hurlbert, (pictured, left) filed the sexual assault charge Friday after spending two weeks reviewing evidence and consulting with other prosecutors.

Hurlbert said he has enough evidence to prove his case "beyond a reasonable doubt." The district attorney won't give any details about the evidence -- but said it is both physical and testimonial.

Bryant has said he is innocent, and that the woman consented to have sex with him.

Hurlbert is indicating a plea agreement is unlikely, saying he thinks the case is on track to go to trial.

Hurlbert said that "given the seriousness of the crime, and given the type of crime, it's something the prosecutor does not get into lightly."

He's also pledging to fight any attempt to change venues.

Bryant's attorney said his client will plead not guilty.

Kobe Bryant Admits Sex, Not Assault

Kobe Bryant admits having sex with the woman, but said it was consensual. On Friday, Colorado authorities charged him with felony sexual assault. Bryant said the only crime he's committed is adultery.

Blinking back tears at a news conference alongside his wife in Los Angeles on Friday, Bryant denied the charge and proclaimed his innocence.

He said nothing that happened that night was against the woman's will and vowed fight the allegations with all his strength.

Bryant's wife is standing by him. Vanessa Bryant said she knows her husband made a mistake.

She said he did not commit a crime and did not assault anyone. She said he's a loving and kind husband and father who will not face the sex assault accusations alone.

His Future On The Court?

Bryant's playing career could be in jeopardy because of the sexual assault charges.

Facing a trial his attorneys say could last four to six months, his upcoming season with the Lakers could be disrupted or ended, even if he's acquitted.

However, Bryant said playing isn't his priority right now. He said he's thinking more of his family than his career. He said he has a lot at stake, and it has nothing to do with the game of basketball or endorsements. He said, "It has to do with my family and being falsely accused."

Bryant is free on $25,000 bail.

He must return to court in Eagle, Colo., on Aug. 6 for a hearing.

What About Endorsements?

Bryant's good-guy image is taking a pounding, his NBA career is threatened and his sponsorship deals -- worth at least $20 million a year -- are endangered.

A Los Angeles media consultant said in the short term, the case is going to kill his endorsements.

Another media analyst likens it to "the sports marketing equivalent of SARS."

But they both agree that Bryant's image could bounce back if he's found not guilty.

NBA Stays Silent

The NBA isn't commenting on the sexual assault charges against Bryant. NBA Commissioner David Stern released a statement saying, "As with all allegations of a criminal nature, the NBA's policy is to await the outcome of a judicial proceeding before taking any action."

The Lakers are also playing the wait and see game. Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said naturally, they're disappointed. He added, "While there are many questions concerning this issue, we will wait for time and the judicial process to answer them."

Prosecutor Faces Biggest Challenge Of Career

Hurlbert is facing the biggest challenge of his career with the prosecution of Kobe Bryant.

Despite his soft-spoken style and boyish looks, the 34-year-old district attorney with nearly 10 years experience as a prosecutor doesn't want to be underestimated.

He said he is ready for the case and he is determined to his job.

He also said he doesn't think there is anybody who would be fully prepared to press such a case no matter how much experience they have.