Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball was immediately fined by the NBA for making a joke the league deemed “derogatory” during a postgame interview.
rear 115-114 In a nail-biting victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on November 16, Ball was asked to comment on the final play of the game.
“What did you see here when Giannis was there?” [Antetokounmpo] “You took that shot and everyone was under the basket for that rebound?” a reporter asked the 23-year-old.
After Ball confirmed the reporter's statement, he returned the $100,000. answer.
“We loaded up – no fagots – that's what we wanted. Let's put our hands up and live with the consequences,” the point guard replied.
It didn't take long for NBA officials to issue a press release calling Ball's joke “offensive” and handing him a hefty fine.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been fined $100,000 for making offensive and derogatory comments during a postgame interview, said Joe Dumars, executive vice president and director of basketball operations. announced today,” the league said in a statement. I wrote.
“…I don't discriminate.”
The next day, head coach Charles Lee said the organization “obviously” did not condone Ball's language.
“Our standards and what we expect from our players in the environment that we create is really important to us,” coach claimed During a press conference. “I talked to Melo and from what I've seen from the time I've been around him, he's obviously very apologetic. He loves everyone and is happy to be with them in the facility. is fun, but his usual demeanor is not.”
The coach added that his star player knows “what is expected of him” and insisted Ball wants to “get better” going forward.
According to TMZBall told reporters after Sunday's 128-114 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers that he “really didn't intend anything” with his comments and “didn't want to offend anyone.” .
Ball reportedly added, “I have love for everyone…and I don't discriminate.”
The fifth-year player is averaging 29.7 points per game in 2024-2025 and is in the first year of a five-year contract extension that averages more than $40 million a season.
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