I don't care what Kobe does or says in his private life. I don't think he meant to denigrate homosexuals and I don't think it's a big deal when people use that word in the context he used it.
I myself called Gunzaan a "***" earlier this week in the "Praise for Lovie" thread in the Bears forum (in quotes with a smiley face, only because he called us **** first for not wanting to talk about Lovie). It was clear in that context that I was not accusing him of being ***, and was meant in good fun, but this is a different situation entirely. Kobe wasn't in his basement wreck room playing a video game with his buddies. He was on television, and as a role model (like it-or-not) and an ambassador of the NBA he has a responsibility to behave to a higher standard. This is a standard he agreed to when he signed his first NBA contract. Thousands of radio and television personalities have no problem curbing their tongues when they are on the air.
They issue is, is it something he should have said? No it isn't and he even said so himself. Is it a big deal? No, not really, but he did show poor sportsmanship, offended some people, and put the NBA in a bad light. Should he have been fined? Yes. I think $100,000 is way too high but a token slap on the wrist of 10 to 25K seems reasonable if only to show the public that the NBA does not condone or support his behavior.
It is not a big deal, but he should be fined, and the Commissioner has every right, and even the responsibility to do so.
If you want to say "this isn't a big deal," "the fine was too high," or "he meant no offense to anyone (except the ref)," I'm with you on all those things. But that's not what we are arguing about and if you think it is, you're missing the whole point.
