Kobe Bryant on defensive after use of homophobic slur against ref

UPDATE: Here's the apology via GLAAD. Parse at will...

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant issued the following statement today in response to feedback regarding a comment made during last night's game:

"What I said last night should not be taken literally.  My actions were out of frustration during the heat of the game, period.  The words expressed do NOT reflect my feelings towards the gay and lesbian communities and were NOT meant to offend anyone."

Sean Chapin made the following video in response to Kobe Bryant calling referee Bennie Adams a f*cking f*ggot:

There is a Facebook page to tell Kobe to apologize here. Other responses:

HRC:

"What a disgrace for Kobe Bryant to use such horribly offensive and distasteful language, especially when millions of people are watching. 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."

TMZ has the footage up on its website.

GLAAD:

"Discriminatory slurs have no place on or off the court," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "Professional sports players need to set a better example for young people who use words like this on the playground and in our schools, creating a climate of intolerance and hostility. The LA Lakers have a responsibility to educate their fans about why this word is unacceptable."

GLAAD has reached out to the L.A. Lakers and will provide updates on GLAADBlog.org as they become available.

Recently, GLAAD has worked with sports groups including the New York Yankees, the World Wrestling Federation (WWE) and the Hershey Bears to address issues of homophobia in sports. The Hershey Bears, top minor league affiliate of the Washington Capitals, told GLAAD this week the team would be taking steps to put a stop to anti-gay taunts from fans.