The NBA has fined Kobe Bryant, in the amount of $100,000, for using an anti-gay slur during a game against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. Bryant's half-hearted apology, in which he claims his words "should not be taken literally", should not get him out of this one. The National Basketball Association has exercised good judgment in penalizing the superstar athlete for his offense against a referee, in an attempt to demonstrate intolerance of such behavior. The decision to fine Bryant has surely avoided an uproar from gay rights organizations, so far.
What we should all be wondering, though, is how efficiently the association deals with the offensive and discriminative homophobic behavior that is not observed by the public.
John Amaechi, an openly homosexual former NBA player, made valid points in his recent contribution to the New York Times. Amaechi writes, "I challenge you to freeze-frame Bryant's face in that moment of conflict with the referee Bennie Adams. Really examine the loathing and utter contempt, and realize this is something with which almost every lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender person is familiar. That is the sentiment people face in middle and high schools, in places of worship, work, and even in their own homes across the United States." Bryant has decided to appeal the fine, proving his insensitivity and unapologetic attitude. The $100,000 fine is the equivalent of a slap on the wrist for the multi-millionaire athlete, especially since he has failed to make a decent apology. In the same article, Amaechi goes on to say, "I don't think Kobe Bryant is ome vicious homophobe, but I do think he made a mistake". Considering that fact that each word that comes out of a person's mouth is preceded by a conscious thought to say it, I cannot logically agree with Amaechi. The nation, especially the LGBT community, is waiting to see what comes of this. If Bryant successfully avoids paying the small fine for his significantly offensive behavior, what precedent will the NBA have set?
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