Bryant has acquired a reputation as a family man

US basketball star Kobe Bryant has declared his innocence, in his first public comments since his arrest on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage woman.

The 24-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star appeared confident he would be cleared of the allegations.

Prosecutors are considering whether to charge the family man over claims he assaulted a 19-year-old woman at a hotel near Vail in Colorado.

He told the Los Angeles Times newspaper: "When everything comes clean, it will be fine, you'll see".

Basketball fans and commentators worldwide were shocked at the claims against Bryant, who is feted both for his outstanding talent and his squeaky clean image as a young husband and father.

You know I would never do anything like that Kobe Bryant

He surrendered himself to Colorado police on 4 July, after he was accused of sexually assaulting the woman concierge at a hotel in Edwards County, east of Denver, on 30 June.

Bryant had been in Colorado for surgery on his right knee at Vail's Steadman Hawkins Clinic.

The multi-millionaire has been freed on $25,000 bail, while an investigation into whether charges should be brought against him continues.

Eschews high life

In what was described as a brief telephone interview with the LA Times, Bryant said: "You guys know me, I shouldn't have to say anything.

"You know I would never do anything like that."

He sounded surprised at some of the rumours circulating about events on 30 June.

Bryant is said to have been a guest at the Lodge and Spa in Edwards

"Man, there's a lot of crazy stories out there," he said.

One of the biggest stars of the game, Bryant is a five time NBA All Star, the youngest player to reach the 10,000 points mark. Last season he was the second highest scorer in the league.

He is known to prefer spending time with his wife Vanessa and six-month-old daughter Natalia Diamante to attending parties or living the high life.

However, commentators warn that even if charges never materialise the damage to Bryant's image may have already been done.