Kobe Bryant called a referee a fag and got hit with a hefty fine...
From TMZ
Kobe Bryant wrapped up a live interview on ESPN radio -- where he said he plans to appeal the $100k fine issued by the league for dropping a homophobic slur during last night's game ... and never squarely apologized for calling the ref a "f**king f**got."
Kobe said the decision to appeal the fine is "standard protocol."
Kobe said, "The concern that I have is for those that follow what I say ... look to me as a role model .. for them not to take what was said as a message of hate or a license to degrade ... or to embarrass or tease ... because that's something I don't wanna see have happen."
Kobe says he plans to talk to gay rights groups.
Kobe says his message to people is, "It's OK to be who you are."
