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Kobe Bryant: Anti-gay slur 'should not be taken literally'
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Here's a tip: If you don't mean to offend people, don't say something offensive.LA Laker Kobe Bryant was busted on camera calling a referee a "f***ing f****t" - the homophobic slur, for those of you struggling to count asterisks - on camera during the April 12 game against the San Antonio Spurs.
GLAAD responded accordingly, noting that pro athletes "need to set a better example for young people who use words like this on the playground and in our schools, creating a climate of intolerance and hostility."
Now, Bryant himself has released the following statement about his rather glaring mistake: "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."
GLAAD says they'll have a response shortly. We're pretty sure we know how this is going to go.
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Kobe looks like the worm he is.
And I do mean that literally.
This is exactly what I said on the last post on this subject. This word is no longer a derogatory term against homosexuals for the newer generation. Cut the guy a break. Yes, some people might take offense to it, so he should probably watch what he says, but no hate against gays was intended. Period. Let's move on. Go Lakers!!!!
So not the point. I realize he doesn't hate gays and I knew that he was going to issue an apology but the fact that THAT WORD was uttered is something that should be taken seriously. If you're not gay, you just won't get it, but take it from me - it's pretty damn serious!
kobe is this a joke be a man say you are sorry and move on you jerk
xoxokristy, it absolutely still is a derogatory comment, even MORE so than it used to be, and instead of being part of the problem, you should be part of the solution. Why make such an effort to continue being inconsiderate when you can instead learn and evolve?
I'm sorry, but MOST people take offense to his ignorant comment, and just because you don't doesn't make it okay.
Did you expect anything different from an arrogant kobe. I think his response says it all not even the word sorry was used. So go ahead and use the words again in the next game because you have already explained that its not to be taken literally.
Not the same meaning for the new generation? Say that to the kids in schools being called "fa**ot" daily by intolerant jerks.
South Park's most idiotic episode aside it's still very much an offensive word and an adult like Kobe should know better. He needs to apologize and move on and think about choosing his words more carefully next time he whines about a call a ref made...
There are plenty of things he can say instead of a word that fosters hate -- especially given the string of anti-gay activity in the US the last year or so.
http://www2.nbc17.com/news/orange-county/2011/apr/11/unc-hate-crime-victim-speaks-out-about-brutal-atta-ar-939780/
This happened to a freshman kid at UNC on April 4, 2011 ... "doesn't mean the same thing..." Uh-huh. Talk about something you know buddy. Oh, GO LAKERS! Moron.
Who cares if some pervert is offended by the truth. That's like pedophile being offended for being called a child molester or a prostitute being offended for being called a ho.
How would he take being called a F*****g N****r? Not well, I bet.
NH RINO. Nothing hates like you filthy homoNazis.