As if the Los Angeles Lakers didn't have enough to worry about today, Kobe Bryant may have made things worse with some foul language in last night's win over San Antonio. After picking up a technical foul, Bryant went to the bench and yelled something at Bennie Adams. What Bryant yelled has been reported as a homophobic slur. Here is video from ESPN:
The Lakers aren't confirming or denying what Bryant said, but the Human Rights Campaign issued a statement, per Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Times:
"What a disgrace for Kobe Bryant to use such horribly offensive and distasteful language, especially when millions of people are watching," the HRC said in a statement. " Hopefully Mr. Bryant will recognize that as a person with such fame and influence, the use of such language not only offends millions of LGBT people around the world, but also perpetuates a culture of discrimination and hate that all of us, most notably Mr. Bryant, should be working to eradicate. Bryant and the Lakers have a responsibility to speak up on this issue immediately. America is watching."
The Lakers are also trying to clinch the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with a win Wednesday night in Sacramento, and are also awaiting the results of the MRI on center Andrew Bynum's hyper-extended right knee.
For more news and information about the Lakers, or on tonight's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Silver Screen and Roll.