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VIDEO: Kobe Bryant Mouths Homosexual Slur After Receiving Technical Foul

by Brian Floyd • Apr 13, 2011 9:01 AM EDT

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant picked up his fourth foul midway through the third quarter of Tuesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs and immediately showed displeasure. While jogging down the court, Bryant spent his time jawing at the officials, and was whistled for a technical foul because of it. But after heading to the bench, Bryant wasn't done as he punched his chair, tossed a towel and threw a tantrum worthy of a four-year-old.

But the story was what Bryant mouthed to one of the officials while on the bench. TBS cameras caught Bryant screaming to an official, following by screaming two words that begin with 'f', the last of which is a homosexual slur. The video can be seen below and the language in question is at about 35 seconds (via Jose3030):

There's simply no excuse for this and Bryant shouldn't receive a pass for being in the heat of competition. He knows cameras are on him at all times, especially after a heated exchange that earns him a technical foul. And just because it was said off-hand, in a moment of anger when he thought nobody was looking, doesn't make it right or acceptable.

It may seem like an overreaction to chastise Bryant, but what kind of example is he setting? People will see the clip above, it will get publicized and those that look up to Bryant will see his outburst. Bryant should face questions about what he said and should own it like a man, though even doing so wouldn't excuse screaming a slur at a referee.

But I'd at least hope Bryant would try and be sincere in owning up to his actions. Having a bad game or a tough day is no excuse for using hate-speech, nor should Bryant get a pass because of his stature.

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Comments

He hit Joe Smith!

You bastard!

Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller

by John Stephens on Apr 13, 2011 9:59 AM EDT reply actions

Maybe we should put a mic on every player in the league

and everytime Brian Floyd thinks somebody says something nasty we can suspend the player and charge him with a hate crime.

Dude get a life if you can’t handle the extra access we get now, With the improvements in media allowing us to hear and view everything in HD and perfect sound you are in the wrong business. And these players are just like the rest of society, they say bad things and even offensive things sometimes. Just tighten up your afghan eat your hot soup and try and deal with it.

Im assuming who he called an f’n f——- is a straight guy. Would you want Kobe chastized if he called a Kevin Love the N word?

by knucklesdaclown on Apr 13, 2011 10:04 AM EDT reply actions

I hate Kobe

but you have a point.

by VenomySnicket on Apr 13, 2011 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions

“Im assuming who he called an f’n f——- is a straight guy. Would you want Kobe chastized if he called a Kevin Love the N word?”

I would. There’s a line between calling someone an asshole and using hate speech. No excuse at all – totally agree with Floyd here.

Now, "wait 'till next year" looks like "Watch out for next year!" GO LEAFS GO!

by AB_Positive on Apr 13, 2011 12:38 PM EDT reply actions

chastized? No.

would he lose a few fans. probably. But who cares!! you got cameras all in the faces of these players. Whats the worst YOU have called anyone under your own breath? I knows Ive said worse. Would i have said it in front of a camera? No. Neither would kobe. So until He calls someone a nicca, or a faq in the face of a camera… Im not passing judgement.

"they try to do what he do, and been where he's been, but they get folded in two.....he's the dude"

by semsemma on Apr 13, 2011 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions