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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Brief: Bryant’s slur draws swift fine from NBA

NBA: NBA Commissioner David Stern issued a swift disciplinary ruling, fining Kobe Bryant $100,000 on Wednesday, after the Los Angeles Lakers’ five-time NBA champion guard cursed and used the homophobic slur when referee Bennie Adams called a technical foul on him Tuesday night in the third quarter of a victory over San Antonio.

“Kobe Bryant’s comment during last night’s game was offensive and inexcusable,” Stern said.

“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.

• Lakers lock up West’s No. 2 seed: Kobe Bryant scored 36 points and forced overtime on a tying 3-pointer with 4.8 seconds left in regulation, and Los Angeles handed the Sacramento Kings a 116-108 loss at Sacramento, Calif., to take the Western Conference’s No. 2 seed from Dallas, which beat New Orleans 121-89.

Bynum injury not serious: The Lakers say center Andrew Bynum’s MRI showed only a bone bruise in his right knee, meaning he probably won’t miss the team’s playoff opener.

• Spurs lose lose chance at home edge through playoffs: The host Phoenix Suns denied San Antonio a chance for home-court advantage throughout the playoffs with a 106-103 victory over the Spurs.

Instead Chicago (62-20), has the comfort of staying home.

• Kahn says he’s returning to T-Wolves: David Kahn is returning as president of the Minnesota Timberwolves next season. Kahn said that owner Glen Taylor has assured him he will return next season. But Kahn declined to discuss coach Kurt Rambis’ status on the same day the Timberwolves wrapped up another lousy season.

NFL prepares for more mediation

NFL: One month and two days after the NFL and its players cut off negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement and put the 2011 season in peril, the two sides will return to the table for court-ordered mediation today with a key legal ruling on the lockout still pending.

NFL executives met with U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan in Minneapolis, for five hours the day before the first talks between the league and the players since the middle of March.