Kobe BryantTNT cameras stayed on Kobe Bryant a little too long after a technical foul during last night’s Lakers-Spurs game. They followed Bryant to the bench where he went into a mini tirade, punching a chair (and a teammate in the process), throwing a towel and then yelling out what certainly looks like, “Bennie…fucking faggot.” That’s NBA referee Bennie Adams. (Video after the jump)

I've been accused of not being sensitive enough on this Web site in the past. I've been told I don't get offended easily enough and I'm not a good barometer for whether something is offensive. With this remark by Bryant, I've hit the tipping point. It's time to stop the use of this word. Bryant knows it's not appropriate; Every professional athlete knows it's wrong. Yet Bryant decided to hurl the F-bomb at a referee with teammates and others in earshot.

Kobe BryantTNT cameras stayed on Kobe Bryant a little too long after a technical foul during last night’s Lakers-Spurs game. They followed Bryant to the bench where he went into a mini tirade, punching a chair (and a teammate in the process), throwing a towel and then yelling out what certainly looks like, “Bennie…fucking faggot.” That’s NBA referee Bennie Adams. (Video after the jump)

I've been accused of not being sensitive enough on this Web site in the past. I've been told I don't get offended easily enough and I'm not a good barometer for whether something is offensive. With this remark by Bryant, I've hit the tipping point. It's time to stop the use of this word. Bryant knows it's not appropriate; Every professional athlete knows it's wrong. Yet Bryant decided to hurl the F-bomb at a referee with teammates and others in earshot.

Ten years ago, Major League Baseball suspended John Rocker for anti-gay and racist remarks in a Sports Illustrated interview. It’s time the NBA stepped up and said this language won’t be tolerated anymore. There won’t be a better opportunity for the NBA to make a statement than Bryant calling a referee a “faggot.” The playoffs are around the corner: The NBA should suspend Bryant for one of those playoff games. And if the NBA won’t do it, the Lakers should.

Two months ago we held Equality Night at the Staples Center, which celebrated the increased LGBT equality in sports and our society at large. I'm glad we got to hold the event with the Los Angeles Clippers and not Bryant's Lakers.

Hat tip to TMZ and Wide Rights.

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