Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball has publicly addressed a controversial postgame comment that resulted in a hefty $100,000 fine from the NBA.
The incident occurred after the Hornets’ thrilling 115-114 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, November 16.
During a live interview on the FanDuel Sports Network, the 23-year-old guard said, “Yeah, we loaded up — no homo — but that’s what we wanted.”
NBA STOP INTERVIEWING THESE YNS RIGHT AFTER THE GAME. LAMELO BALL HAS NO FILTER 😂😂🤣
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) November 16, 2024
“We loaded up…no homo”
pic.twitter.com/u0dhNLkiLo
The comment was swiftly condemned by the league, with Joe Dumars, the NBA’s executive vice president and head of basketball operations, calling it “offensive and derogatory” in a statement issued the following day.
On Sunday, November 17, before his postgame interview following the Hornets’ 128-114 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, LaMelo Ball took the opportunity to apologize.
“Before we get started, I just want to address the comment yesterday,” Ball said, according to Sports Illustrated and The Athletic.
“I really didn’t mean anything [by it] and don’t want to offend anybody. I’ve got love for everybody, and I don’t discriminate.”
Hornets head coach Charles Lee also weighed in on the situation, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment.
“As an organization, that is obviously not something we condone,” Lee said.
He shared that he had a direct conversation with LaMelo Ball about the seriousness of the matter.
“From what I’ve seen since I’ve been around him, he loves everyone,” Lee added.
“He’s a joy to have around the facility, and it’s not typically how he operates. He and I talked about the seriousness of the situation and how he needs to conduct himself going forward.”
Ball reportedly promised to learn from the incident, telling his coach, “I’m going to be better.”
Lee assured fans and the media that the team would hold the young star accountable.
Now in his fifth season with the Charlotte Hornets, LaMelo Ball has been making waves on the court, averaging 29.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds.
Selected third overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Ball has proven himself as a cornerstone for the Hornets’ future.
The apology comes as Ball works to repair his image and continue his ascent as one of the NBA’s top guards.
As fans, teammates, and the league look to move past this incident, LaMelo Ball’s promise to “be better” will be under close watch.
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