Kobe Bryant Fined $100,000 by NBA For Saying the word 'Fa**ot' During Game

TMZ reports:

Kobe Bryant was just fined $100k by the NBA for his homophobic slur at the Lakers game last night.
NBA Commissioner David Stern says, "Kobe Bryant’s comment during last night’s game was offensive and inexcusable. "
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He continues, "While I’m fully aware that basketball is an emotional game, such a distasteful term should never be tolerated. Accordingly, I have fined Kobe $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.”
As we previously reported, Kobe mouthed the words, "f**king f**got" after getting a technical foul during the game.

FYI -- according to Forbes.com, Kobe made an estimated $48 million last year in salary and endorsements.

Kobe Bryant says hes going to Appeal the Fine

Kobe Bryant just 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 ... but he never squarely apologized for calling the ref a "f**king f**got."

Kobe said the decision to appeal the fine is "standard protocol."

Kobe also 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 stated he plans to talk to gay rights groups.

Kobe said his message to people is, "It's OK to be who you are."