HRC Commends Swift NBA Action on Offensive Bryant Slur

HRC Commends Swift NBA Action on Offensive Bryant Slur

NBA Commissioner Stern Issues $100,000 Fine for Offensive Outburst

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, applauded the National Basketball Association (NBA) and its commissioner, David Stern, for their immediate action following the homophobic slur unleashed by Lakers star Kobe Bryant at a referee last night when he received a technical foul. Bryant yelled “f***ing f**got” at the basketball official which was caught on camera and obvious to anyone watching the game with the San Antonio Spurs.

While Bryant acknowledged the outburst earlier today and said in a statement it did “not reflect my feelings toward the gay and lesbian communities,” he failed to apologize or to take full responsibility for the homophobic slur. This afternoon, the NBA and Commissioner Stern issued a strong condemnation of Bryant’s action and in an unprecedented move, fined the Lakers’ superstar $100,000.

“We applaud Commissioner Stern and the NBA for not only fining Bryant but for recognizing that slurs and derogatory comments have no place on the basketball court or in society at large, “ said Joe Solmonese, HRC President. “We hope such swift and decisive action will send a strong and universal message that this kind of hateful outburst is simply inexcusable no matter what the context.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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