NBA players sometimes lose their cool in the heat of the moment. The same happened to Kobe Bryant during a 2011 game against the San Antonio Spurs.
However, while emotional outbursts are one thing, using offensive slurs like "fuc*ing f*g" directed at a referee is an entirely different story. David Stern , the NBA Commissioner at the time, felt the same way and consequently imposed a hefty fine on the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, along with a stern talking-to.
"While I'm fully aware that basketball is an emotional game, such a distasteful term should never be tolerated. Accordingly, I have fined Kobe [Bryant] $100,000. Kobe and everyone associated with the NBA know that insensitive or derogatory comments are not acceptable and have no place in our game or society," remarked Stern, per Bleacher Report.
Kobe's outrage drew a fine and criticism
During the game against San Antonio, the 'Black Mamba' was already very frustrated with the officiating, which had put him in foul trouble early on. By the third quarter, Bryant received his fourth personal—unfairly, in his opinion—and started complaining. However, that earned the 2008 MVP a technical foul, which was the last straw for the legendary guard. After heading to the bench, Kobe kicked a chair, threw his towel on the floor, and made the aforementioned remark.
The league commissioner acted quickly, imposing a $100,000 fine the very next day—the most severe penalty of the 2010-11 season up to that point. However, many believed this punishment was still insufficient, particularly given that the offender was earning $33 million in salary at the time.
The controversy surrounding Kobe intensified for two reasons: he planned to appeal the fine, and his initial statement didn't sound very apologetic.
"What I said last night should not be taken literally. My actions were out of frustration during the heat of the game, period," explained the five-time NBA champ.
Related: "He has 47 kids in the Philippines, and I'm the oldest one" - When Dennis Rodman broke down during his Hall of Fame speech
Making amends
After the unpleasant incident and its equally unpleasant aftermath, Kobe successfully reconciled.
He reached out through a phone call to Joe Solmonese, the head of the Human Rights Campaign, reportedly " to apologize and express regret ." Bryant's NBA team, the Lakers, followed suit. The defending champions also decided to collaborate with GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), a prominent gay rights organization.
In the years leading up to the incident, many players in the league had made remarks clearly opposing inclusion, with Larry Johnson and Tim Hardaway being notable examples.
In 2013, Bryant demonstrated what openness toward others looks like. At that time, the 'Black Mamba' shared supportive words with fellow player Jason Collins, who had just announced his coming out. Additionally, not long before that, Kobe had called out a Twitter user for using "gay" as an insult.
Related: "I don't have to be gay to love my gay community" - Unconventional Dennis Rodman on sexuality, open-mindedness, and acceptance
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