Hornets star LaMelo Ball fined $100K for anti-gay phrase
Nov 16, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) drives to the basket guarded by Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. (44) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images The NBA fined Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball $100,000 Sunday for using "offensive and derogatory" language during a postgame TV interview.
At issue was an anti-gay phrase Ball used when answering a sideline interviewer's question about defending the last shot against Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo in Charlotte's 115-114 win over the Bucks on Saturday.
Hornets coach Charles Lee addressed Ball's remark in his postgame press conference and said Ball was "very apologetic."
"As an organization, that is obviously not something we condone," said Lee, who is in his first season as Charlotte's coach. "Our standards and what is required of our players in the environment we create is really important to us."
Ball, 23, is averaging 29.6 points through 12 games for the Hornets, ranking fifth in the NBA.
--Field Level Media
NBA Betting Picks: Best Bets for Thursday’s Slate
Three MLB Teams Facing Regression in 2026
Best NBA Bets Today: Wednesday Predictions and Player Props
- Ranking the Remaining No. 1 Seeds in March Madness Before Sweet 16
- Best NBA Bets Today: Wednesday Predictions and Player Props
- How MLB Is Getting Opening Day Wrong in a Crucial 2026 Season
- MLB Opening Day Wednesday Pick: Yankees vs. Giants Best Bets
- NBA Predictions Today: Expert Picks for March 24th Games
- Two Best Longshot Bets to Win the 2026 World Series
- NCAA Tournament Predictions: Why Favorites Should Hold Strong on Sunday
