Kobe Bryant, School Yard Defender?

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant said his outburst last week, in which he called a referee a gay slur during a game against the San Antonio Spurs, doesn't represent his track record for defending those who were the subject of taunts and bullying.

"I used to beat up a lot of kids even in high school who used to tease my friends," Bryant told ESPN's Lisa Salters. "Because they were gay, or because they were black, or because they were Jewish, or because they were yellow, or because they were whatever."

Salters adds that Bryant said he has been learning more about antigay bullying and plans to do more to help stop homophobic language.

Watch video of the Lakers' game against the New Orleans Hornets below, with Salters's commentary.