Kobe Bryant could be headed for suspension following gay slur
Wed. April 13, 2011 3:35 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
Los Angeles, CA -
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is in some hot water for an anti-gay comment caught on camera during Tuesday nights game against the San Antonio Spurs.
Bryant appeared to use a homophobic and derogatory slur after receiving a technical foul during the game.
TNT cameras caught Bryant apparently calling referee Bennie Adams a f***ing f***ot. Announcer Steve Kerr noticed, and announced on the air TNT "might want to take the camera off him right now, for the children watching."
The video has been posted at TMZ.com.
Bryant has issued the following statement on Wednesday:
"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."
It's unclear if his statement will be enough for GLAAD and HRC, which has called his actions a "disgrace."
TMZ reports the NBA is reviewing the tape and OutSports.com, an LGBT sports website, has called for a suspension of Bryant.
Bryant appeared to use a homophobic and derogatory slur after receiving a technical foul during the game.
TNT cameras caught Bryant apparently calling referee Bennie Adams a f***ing f***ot. Announcer Steve Kerr noticed, and announced on the air TNT "might want to take the camera off him right now, for the children watching."
The video has been posted at TMZ.com.
Bryant has issued the following statement on Wednesday:
"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."
It's unclear if his statement will be enough for GLAAD and HRC, which has called his actions a "disgrace."
TMZ reports the NBA is reviewing the tape and OutSports.com, an LGBT sports website, has called for a suspension of Bryant.