Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball has been fined $100,000 by the NBA for making anti-gay comments during a postgame interview.
On Saturday, Ball made the winning free throw and the Hornets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 115-114.
But Ball dropped an anti-gay comment while explaining the final play of the game, where teammate Grant Williams defended Giannis Antetokounmpo's last-ditch effort for the win.
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Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball shoots past Milwaukee Bucks guard Deron Wright at Spectrum Center during the second half. (Jim Dedmon-Imagine Images)
“I loaded my luggage.” the ball saidlowers his voice into the microphone and adds the phrase “not a homo” before continuing.
Ball finished the game with a team-high 26 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
Bucks' Doc Rivers upset over foul call on Giannis Antetokounmpo in loss to Hornets
The NBA released a statement regarding Ball's fine, saying Ball made “offensive and derogatory comments” during an interview.
Ball is having a career year so far this season, averaging nearly 30 points per game (29.6 points) while dishing out 6.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds through 12 games.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball drives toward the basket while being guarded by Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. during the second half at Spectrum Center. (Jim Dedmon-Imagine Images)
The 2020 Rookie of the Year is hoping this is the season he can stay on the court full-time. He has struggled with numerous injuries over the past three seasons.
In fact, the most games Ball has played since the 2022-2023 season is 36.
“He's like an engine for us,” Hornets head coach Charles Lee said in October. “If we have a healthy LaMelo Ball, we're going to do a lot of really good things because I know he's going to continue to grow and he's going to make everyone around him better. It’s going to help me keep getting better.”
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is shown during the second half of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Spectrum Center. (Jim Dedmon-Imagine Images)
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Ball was fined but is not expected to be suspended for his comments after Saturday's win.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcast and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
Scott Thompson is a sports writer for FOX News Digital.
NBA fines Hornets star LaMelo Ball $100K for anti-gay comment during postgame interview
Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball has been fined $100,000 by the NBA for making anti-gay comments during a postgame interview.
On Saturday, Ball made the winning free throw and the Hornets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 115-114.
But Ball dropped an anti-gay comment while explaining the final play of the game, where teammate Grant Williams defended Giannis Antetokounmpo's last-ditch effort for the win.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball shoots past Milwaukee Bucks guard Deron Wright at Spectrum Center during the second half. (Jim Dedmon-Imagine Images)
“I loaded my luggage.” the ball saidlowers his voice into the microphone and adds the phrase “not a homo” before continuing.
Ball finished the game with a team-high 26 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
Bucks' Doc Rivers upset over foul call on Giannis Antetokounmpo in loss to Hornets
The NBA released a statement regarding Ball's fine, saying Ball made “offensive and derogatory comments” during an interview.
Ball is having a career year so far this season, averaging nearly 30 points per game (29.6 points) while dishing out 6.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds through 12 games.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball drives toward the basket while being guarded by Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. during the second half at Spectrum Center. (Jim Dedmon-Imagine Images)
The 2020 Rookie of the Year is hoping this is the season he can stay on the court full-time. He has struggled with numerous injuries over the past three seasons.
In fact, the most games Ball has played since the 2022-2023 season is 36.
“He's like an engine for us,” Hornets head coach Charles Lee said in October. “If we have a healthy LaMelo Ball, we're going to do a lot of really good things because I know he's going to continue to grow and he's going to make everyone around him better. It’s going to help me keep getting better.”
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is shown during the second half of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Spectrum Center. (Jim Dedmon-Imagine Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Ball was fined but is not expected to be suspended for his comments after Saturday's win.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcast and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
Scott Thompson is a sports writer for FOX News Digital.
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