National Basketball Association

Kobe depicted shooting gun in TV ad

Published Nov. 19, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Kobe Bryant's appearance in a recent video game commercial is causing quite a stir.

The Los Angeles Lakers star appears in a TV spot for the popular game "Call of Duty: Black Ops." The ad features a host of people in typical street clothing — intended to represent the players of the game — marching through a war zone firing weapons at an unknown enemy.

Bryant appears midway through the commercial, firing a large rifle and taking cover behind a concrete pillar while sporting a Nike shirt. A vehicle then explodes, knocking a man to the ground as Kobe peers around the pillar and smiles.

Bryant's appearance has drawn criticism from those who say the subject matter is far too serious to be taken lightly and promotes violence to children. Others point out that the game has a "Mature" rating and is only intended for adults.

Television talk show host Jimmy Kimmel also appears in the spot.

The controversial video game series gives players a first-person experience as a soldier in a variety of warlike environments. The Cuban government denounced the "Black Ops" game due to a level that asks players to assassinate a young, virtual Fidel Castro.