Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball has been fined $100,000 by the NBA for making anti-gay comments during his postgame interview.
The Hornets upset the Milwaukee Bucks 115-114, as Ball hit the game-winning free throw on Saturday.
But when he discussed that final play of the game, where teammate Grant Williams defended Giannis Antetokounmpo’s last-ditch effort for the win, Ball dropped an anti-gay remark during his explanation.
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Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball shoots over Milwaukee Bucks guard Dylan Wright during the second half at the Spectrum Center. (Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)
“We loaded,” Ball saidAdding the phrase “no homo” in a low voice into the microphone before continuing.
Ball finished with a team-high 26 points along with nine rebounds and six assists.
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The NBA released a statement on Ball’s fine, saying he made “an offensive and derogatory comment” during his interview.
Ball has had a career year so far this season, averaging nearly 30 points per game (29.6) while hauling in 6.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds through 12 games.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo drives the ball to the basket while guarding Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. during the second half at Spectrum Center. (Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)
The 2020 Rookie of the Year is hoping to be on the court full time this season. He has dealt with multiple injuries over the last three seasons.
In fact, Ball’s most games played since the 2022-2023 campaign 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 really great things because I know he’s going to continue to improve, and he helps everybody around him get better as well.”
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is pictured during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Spectrum Center. (Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)
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While Ball was fined, he is not expected to be suspended for his comments after Saturday’s win.
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