WASHINGTON - Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, called out Kobe Bryant for the apparent use of a homophobic and derogatory slur after receiving a technical foul during a game Tuesday night against the San Antonio Spurs. TNT cameras caught Kobe apparently calling referee Bennie Adams a f***ing f***ot. Announcer Steve Kerr noticed, and announced on the air TNT "might want to take the camera off him right now, for the children watching." Neither Mr. Bryant, nor the Lakers, has commented on the situation.

HRC issued the following statement:

"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.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.