Keller @ Large: Kobe Bryant Fails Again

BOSTON (CBS) - To the surprise of absolutely no one, NBA superstar infant Kobe Bryant has once again affirmed his stature as the leading poster child for selfish, reprehensible behavior.

Listen to Jon's commentary:

The latest incident occurred Tuesday night when Bryant, as he often does, complained to a referee about failing to call a foul on a player guarding him. He got a technical foul for arguing and went to the bench, where he proceeded to call out to the official and then mouth a common homophobic slur at him.

It wouldn't make much difference if the referee in question actually were gay, but he isn't, which puts Kobe's reflexive use of that slur in the proper context – that of an obnoxious, spoiled 13-year-old, which is the profile Bryant has been busy carving out for himself over the years.

As one of the best basketball players of his generation, showered with adulation at every step of his career, Bryant is an extreme example of what too many pro athletes become, over-entitled head cases who think the world revolves around them and figure they can fake their way through adulthood without ever really assuming any of the responsibilities that come with it.

Get a load of Kobe's statement on his outburst: "What I said should not be taken literally. My actions were out of frustration during the heat of the game, period. The words expressed do NOT reflect my feelings towards the gay and lesbian communities and were NOT meant to offend anyone."

Of course not.

Just as his teammates and coaches who've been alienated by his narcissism over the years simply misunderstood him, just as the woman he was accused of raping a few years back misunderstood a consensual encounter, it's always others who misunderstand Kobe, never his failure to understand and obey the basic rules of decency and maturity.

Kids, listen and learn – great athletic skill, championships, and tons of money are nice.

But they can't buy class.

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