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Meh, it was not in good taste but I don't think it's offensive. I don't think we should be fining people for their speech b/c that becomes censorship, but at the same time, all the sports associations have the ability to fine players for bad conduct. I voted "other" b/c I think the fining thing is stupid, but to each his own and if the players sign the contracts, they have to abide by them.
"I'm a big pro-gay-marriage person; I have a bunch of gay friends who I hope can get married some day, so I'm a little bit sensitive," Barkley said. "But I'm not going to go overboard. You have to just be careful what you say with stuff like that."
Barkley is striking the right balance. Anyway, Kobe should abide by the NBA's rules of conduct. He violated them so he pays.
He was rightfully fined, just like that Wal Mart employee who bashed a gay employee based on her beliefs. She was fired.
The 1st Amendment only protects speech from Government interference, not private corporations. Not like it matters anyway. It's the equivalent of a nickel to Kobe, and he will continue to rake in the millions.
Yes, the NBA is private, but this move sends a huge message to people that says, "You better watch what you say", and I don't like that. It reminds me of Ari Flescher and the Bushies after 9/11.
But its a private organization. They exist to make a profit. No different than a grocery store demanding that its employees not wear offensive t-shirts. Why should one player be allowed to possibly alienate potential fans (and purchasers of advertiser's products)? I'm sure Bryant signed a contract that stipulated certain rules of conduct.
Yes, the NBA is private, but this move sends a huge message to people that says, "You better watch what you say", and I don't like that. It reminds me of Ari Flescher and the Bushies after 9/11.
There is a huge difference between a private employer punishing one of their employees for violating one of their rules of conduct, and the President's press secretary saying that people should watch what they say following a bit of political commentary from Bill Maher.
And even then, I have a really hard time getting myself to believe that rule is unreasonable. Kobe was heard on national television calling a referee a ***. First of all, that sends a bad message about whether anti-gay slurs are acceptable for kids to say. Secondly, it sends a bad message to young athletes - you're not supposed to sass refs!
But its a private organization. They exist to make a profit. No different than a grocery store demanding that its employees not wear offensive t-shirts. Why should one player be allowed to possibly alienate potential fans (and purchasers of advertiser's products)? I'm sure Bryant signed a contract that stipulated certain rules of conduct.
So where do you draw the line? I know you just love 100% corporate power.
Should they be able to fire workers when they know they support Democrats?
That's the company's right isn't it? They have the same rights as an individual right?
But its a private organization. They exist to make a profit. No different than a grocery store demanding that its employees not wear offensive t-shirts. Why should one player be allowed to possibly alienate potential fans (and purchasers of advertiser's products)? I'm sure Bryant signed a contract that stipulated certain rules of conduct.
Yes, okay, I guess you all are right. I just tend to react strongly when I see someone's speech being restricted or controlled.
I think it depends on what he said. If he said "that's a gay call" then it's probably not that offensive and a common but unfortunate usage of the word gay. If he called the ref a f4g then it just sets a bad example. $100k is a drop in the bucket for this guy...
So where do you draw the line? I know you just love 100% corporate power.
Should they be able to fire workers when they know they support Democrats?
That's the company's right isn't it? They have the same rights as an individual right?
They should fire them if they call the worker a f@#$%*$g democrat!
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