Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe
Bryant says he'll appeal a $100,000 fine for slurring referee Bennie
Adams.
Bryant apologized on Wednesday for a
nationally televised outburst during Tuesday's game against the San
Antonio Spurs.
The six-foot-six Bryant stormed to the
bench after he received a technical foul from referee Bennie Adams.
Once seated, an angry Bryant threw a towel and yelled “Bennie …
fucking faggot.” The incident was broadcast on TNT.
Saying his words did not reflect how he
feels about gay and lesbian people, Bryant explained: “What I said
last night should not be taken literally. My action were out of
frustration during the heat of the game, period.”
NBA Commissioner David Stern fined the
five-time NBA champion $100,000 for the insult.
During an appearance on ESPN, Bryant
said he would appeal the fine, which he added is “standard
protocol.”
“The comment that I made, even though
it wasn't meant in the way it was perceived to be, is nonetheless
wrong, so it's important to own that,” Bryant said on Mason &
Ireland.