LaMelo Ball Fined $35,000 for Obscene Gesture During Game

LaMelo Ball, the star point guard for the Charlotte Hornets, has been slapped with a $35,000 fine by the NBA for an obscene gesture directed at referees during a recent game against the Miami Heat. This incident occurred with 4:02 left in the fourth quarter of Charlotte’s 144-117 loss on Tuesday.

Incident Overview

During the game, with the Hornets trailing by 21 points at 126-105, LaMelo Ball was called for a charge, leading to a heated moment between him and the officiating crew. In a moment of frustration, he flipped off one of the referees. Following this emotional outburst, Ball received a technical foul and was removed from the game. He concluded his performance with 20 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, shooting 6-for-18 in just 20 minutes of action.

LaMelo Ball’s gesture towards the referee.
Credit: Getty Images

Previous Fines

This isn’t the first time LaMelo Ball has faced disciplinary action. Last November, he incurred a $100,000 fine for making an offensive remark during a postgame interview, where he said, “We loaded up, no homo.” The NBA deemed this comment “offensive and derogatory.” Following the backlash, Ball apologized, stating that he never intended to offend anyone.

Quote: "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." — LaMelo Ball

Performance and Team Context

LaMelo Ball, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, is currently enjoying a strong performance this season, averaging 26.3 points, 9.5 assists, and 8.3 rebounds through the first four games, contributing to the Hornets’ 2-2 record.

• Career Averages: 21.1 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game
• Team Performance: The Hornets last made the playoffs in 2016, and the only winning season during Ball’s tenure was in 2021-22, with a total of 43 wins.

Recent Team Struggles

Despite his strong individual performances, the Hornets have struggled as a team, posting menial win totals over the last few seasons:

• 27 wins
• 21 wins
• 19 wins

However, there is cautious optimism for the current season, as the team has opened with wins over weaker opponents like the Wizards and Nets while facing tougher competition in recent games against the Heat and 76ers.

Upcoming Game

The Hornets are poised to face the Orlando Magic on Thursday night, a game that could be pivotal for both team morale and playoff aspirations. As they navigate this season, fans will be watching closely to see if the Hornets can translate individual talent into collective success.

For more information about the Hornets and LaMelo Ball, visit the official NBA website and stay updated on team news.

Related Links

• Read more about LaMelo Ball’s career stats here.
• Learn about the Hornets’ team history and achievements.

This article serves as a comprehensive overview of LaMelo Ball’s recent actions, performance statistics, and the context of the Charlotte Hornets, ensuring fans remain informed and engaged as the season progresses.