LaMelo Ball Apologizes After Getting $100K Fine for Using Anti-Gay Slur: 'I Don't Discriminate'

Mar. 15, 2025

LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets talks to media after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks on November 16, 2024.Photo:Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty

Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty

Charlotte Hornets starLaMelo Balladdressed his recent postgame comment that resulted in a $100,000 fine from the NBA.

Ball made the comment during a live interview on the Hornets' FanDuel Sports Network after their 115-114 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, Nov. 16, saying, “Yeah, we loaded up — no homo — but that’s what we wanted."

In astatementmade the following day, Joe Dumars, the NBA’s executive vice president and head of basketball operations, said that Ball would be fined $100,000 for the “offensive and derogatory” comment.

LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 17, 2024.David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty

David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty

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Charlotte’s head coach said he spoke to Ball regarding the comment, assuring reporters that the NBA star is “obviously very apologetic.”

“From what I’ve seen since I’ve been around him, he loves everyone,” Lee continued. “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.”

Lee added that Ball promised, “I’m going to be better” during their conversation. “We will make sure to hold him accountable to that,” the head coach said.

Ball is in his fifth season with the Charlotte Hornets, who selected him with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. This season, he’s averaging 29.6 points, 6.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds.

His brothers,Lonzo andLiAngelo Ball, also play professional basketball.

source: people.com