Kobe Bryant’s Anti-Gay Slur: Different Opinions Make the World Go Round

By now, everyone has covered NBA superstar Kobe Bryant‘s blow up after being called for a technical foul. His use of a gay slur has outraged the gay community, and there are also some that believe this slur was used in the heat of the moment, or that it is common for players to use this type of language on the court. Despite what is right and what is wrong, everyone is entitled to their opinion and holds their own moral values as to what this saying means to them.

NBA commissioner David Stern issued a disciplinary ruling on Wednesday after Kobe called referee Bennie Adams an anti-gay slur.

Adams called a technical foul on Kobe Tuesday night during Los Angeles’ win over the Spurs. Kobe responded by slamming his fist into the chair and throwing his towel across the court.

It was Kobe being Kobe.

Then, with the TNT camera directly on him, Kobe yelled the ref's name, then after a few seconds mouthed the anit-gay slur.

The NBA fined Kobe Bryant $100,000 on Wednesday even though there was no audio proof of Kobe actually saying the slur.

In response, a statement issued through the Lakers, Kobe had this to say, ”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.”

The Penalty Flag writers have different opinions about the slur and the $100,000 fine which is being appealed by Bryant.

Writer Chris Teti said, “I understand the NBA has a code of ethics for players on and off the court, but to fine Kobe $100,000 for a slur after this happens every night on the court???  I don’t recall the NAACP making a big stink about players using the “N” word on the court, although I seem to see that every night!!  Maybe the NBA needs to fi...