The NBA fined Kobe Bryant $100,000 yesterday for using a derogatory term for gays in frustration over a referee's call.

Bryant cursed and used a common homophobic slur when referee Bennie Adams called a technical foul on him Tuesday night.

"Kobe Bryant's comment during last night's game was offensive and inexcusable," commissioner David Stern said.

Bryant's words and actions were captured by TNT during the network's national broadcast.

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

Villanueva suspended

Charlie Villanueva of the Detroit Pistons has been suspended for five games for initiating an on-court altercation with Cleveland's Ryan Hollins on Monday. -- AP

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