NBA Fines Kobe Bryant $100,000 Over Gay Slur
Credit: Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images
Kobe Bryant may want to think before he speaks.
After referee Beanie Adams penalized him for a technical foul during Tuesday's game, the L.A. Lakers player was caught on camera calling the referee a "f**king f*ggot" -- and the NBA is none too pleased.
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Though Bryant, 32, issued an apology on Wednesday -- "My actions were out of frustration during the heat of the game," he explained -- the NBA decided to fine Bryant $100,000 for uttering the homophobic slur on live television.
"Kobe Bryant's comment during last night's game was offensive and inexcusable," NBA commissioner David Stern explained. "While I'm fully aware that basketball is an emotional game, such a distasteful term should never be tolerated."
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Bryant -- who made an estimated $48 million last year -- later told ESPN 710's Mason & Ireland radio show that he plans to appeal the fine, calling the move "standard protocol."
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"The comment that I made, even though it wasn't meant in the way it was perceived to be, is nonetheless wrong, so it's important to own that," Bryant said on Wednesday.
"It's important for me to talk about that issue because it's OK to be who you are," the athlete continued, "and I don't want this issue to be a part of something or to magnify something that shouldn't be."
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17As much as I dislike what Kobe said, his comment is more of a moral/personal issue that has nothing to do with the league. This is just another attempt from the league to control its players. This lockout has little to do with the players and more to do with the owners sentimental reaction of losing revenue. This is attributed by the NBAâ??s decision to mirror big businesses harmful profit schemes championed by Commissioner Stern and his associates. Otherwise the NBA wouldnâ??t be in the financial disposition that itâ??s in. As such you have a commissioner ignoring players concerns by giving full control to corrupt referees who openly admit to betting on games, making wrong calls, and saying they donâ??t care. This behavior is a way to control the players and the points without the proper oversight. Thatâ??s why commissioner Sterns actions have violated the leagues rules and guidelines. This type of behavior is disgraceful and unethical. Itâ??s a spit in the face to players, fans and the leagues image. Thatâ??s why Iâ??m asking NBA fans to stand behind the calling for Commissioner Sterns resignation. Because itâ??s fans who built the NBAâ??s empire and itâ??s fans who can change it.
Yuck! I hate him! He has done nothing but contradict himself! He issues a public apology but in the same statement tries to justify his actions by saying he was frustrated. Screw that! I bet he uses the term all the time! On & off the court! Bc he is intolerant. Then he turns around and says it was "wrong" what he said "and it's important to own that." I wouldn't exactly call appealing your punishment "owning" your mistake. Let someone call him the n-word (equally disgusting) & see how he reacts when they tell him "oh I was just frustrated. No biggie." IDIOT!!!
GOOD!!! I'm glad he's not being treated like a "sacred cow" just because he's black. EQUAL RULES FOR ALL!
GOOD!! I'm SO glad KB's not being treated like a sacred cow just because he's black.
Kobe didn't rape that woman. SHe was trailer trash that was looking for a meal ticket and when she didn't get one she cried rape. It happens ALL THE TIME. But this gay slur thing??? Kobe get YOUR ACT TOGETHER!!!!!!!!
I never like Kobe first rape than cheating on his wife now gay slurs. Really!!!!!!!!!
What a shocker; he got away with rape and he is homophobic a$$. What is it going to take to make the public treat this guy accordingly?
What fuss there would be if a slur word would be used towards Kobe. Can't stand him since he cheated on his wife.
Disgusting. I have never liked Kobe, especially after his "rape" case....this just confirms what a classless idiot he is.
This is why I've always thought of him as a scumbag. Kobe never had any class and this is just another reason why I cringe when I see little boys wearing his jersey. Jordan, Johnson, Bird, Ewing, Stockton and others are true legends who have been respectable people on and off the court.. oh yeah and GO CELTICS!
what happened to free speech? Does that mean everyone who says shyt about someone will get fined?/ horsey poop!
A teaching moment for all famous athletes. Always cover your mouth when you speak. Poor people still have freedom of speech cause there's no monetary payoff.
@ Alexander- LOL! and @ Julie- so very true, couldn't agree more
"Basketball is an emotional game"? LOL!! Isn't this the game where you put the ball through the little hoop? Men and their stupid sports.
The guy's a rapist. Is it supposed to shocking he's also a homophobe? I'm ashamed he's from my city, but then again, I'm ashamed to be from here too.
I bet if some other player used a racial slur Kobe would be offended and mad. It works both ways you over-paid, cry baby...
So a rapist, a homophobe and a black guy walk into a bar and the bartender says " Can I have your autograph Kobe? "