Bryant obviously did not mean to imply that the ref was actually a homosexual. As bad as it may be, the term "faggot" has become a slang slur that many people use on a daily basis. Kobe apologized for the comment today by releasing this statement: "What I said last night should not be taken literally. My actions were out of frustration during the heat of the game, period. The words expressed do NOT reflect my feelings towards the gay and lesbian communities and were NOT meant to offend anyone." Kobe, as well as anyone who has played competitive sports before, realized that he made this comment during a game where his adrenaline was racing and it is hard to control what you say. I probably have used "faggot" before during a game in referring to an opposing player or a ref. Does that make me prejudice towards gays? No. It is just something said out of frustration that is not really meant to mean what the term is.
David Stern made this comment while announcing the fine of Kobe, "Kobe and everyone associated with the NBA know that insensitive or derogatory comments are not acceptable and have no place in our game or society." So Mr. Stern, the next time I hear a player calling another player the "N" word during a broadcast, should I expect to see a fine coming because he is insensitive towards African-Americans? I think this phrase occurs more often than that case of Kobe's slur. You cannot pick and choose which slurs are considered insensitive and which ones are "ok" to say.
You think Kenyon Martin got fined for making these comments after a game against the Mavs?(Nnnnnooooooo)
