Ben Cohen Is Disappointed in Kobe

Rugby star and gay rights advocate Ben Cohen says he's disappointed in Kobe Bryant's use of an antigay slur during Tuesday night's Lakers game, and he wants a real apology from the basketball star.

"It is disappointing to see this," Cohen said Wednesday in a statement. "As a professional athlete and rugby World Cup champion, I understand the heat and passion of competition at the highest levels. But we must all remember that strong bodies must be balanced with strong characters and work toward that end. Our positions as role models demand it."

Last month Cohen kicked off a series of events called "Beer With Ben," a tour of pubs throughout the United States to raise awareness in the fight against homophobia and raise money for the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network.

The Ben Cohen Acceptance Tour will visit Atlanta, New York, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.