The NBA has handed down a $100,000 fine to Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball following what the organization felt was an "offensive and derogatory" remark in a post-game press conference.
It all happened after the Hornets triumphed over the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 16. It was a nail-biter and Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo had the chance to win the game with a buzzer-beater basket in the final seconds. Thanks to Ball and his teammates' defense, the Hornets blocked him and came out on top with a score of 115–114.
While discussing the tense final seconds of the game with FanDuel Sports Network, Ball was asked about his team's strategy in preventing Antetokounmpo from sinking one last basket. "Yeah, we loaded up—no homo," the 23-year-old said of their defensive work. “But that’s what we wanted. Put the hand up, and then live with the results."
LaMelo Ball has been fined $100,000 for offensive and derogatory language during his postgame interview.
— Zero Gravity (@zgsportsmedia) November 17, 2024
After the Hornets’ 115-114 win over the Bucks, Ball said “We loaded up, no homo”pic.twitter.com/nfq9IlORck
On Nov. 17, the NBA announced that it was hitting Ball with a $100,000 fine for "making an offensive and derogatory comment in a post-game interview." Later that day, the Hornets lost 128–114 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and after that game, Ball took a moment when speaking to reporters to address his off-color remark from the night before.
"Before we get started, I just want to address the comment yesterday," he said, per The Associated Press. "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."
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/eBXmqGaExw
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) November 17, 2024
Charlotte head coach Charles Lee, meanwhile, told reporters that he'd spoken with Ball about the incident and confirmed the 23-year-old regretted his words.
“As an organization, that is obviously not something we condone," Lee said. "Our standards and what is required of our players in the environment we create is really important to us.”
"I spoke to Melo and he’s obviously very apologetic. From what I’ve seen since I’ve been around him, he loves everyone. 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," he continued.
"He and I talked about it and he definitely said going forward, 'I’m going to be better,’ and I want to see that happen," Lee concluded. "So for somebody to use those words and say that out of his mouth, we will make sure to hold him accountable to that."
The Hornets are set to face off against the Brooklyn Nets for the next NBA Cup game on Nov. 19.
