Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball was apologetic on Sunday and made it clear he does not discriminate after the NBA fined him $100,000 for a comment the organization deemed to be “offensive and derogatory.”
Per The Associated Press, Ball, 23, made that comment after the Hornets’ game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. Following their 115-114 victory, Ball in an interview on FanDuel Sports Network was asked about the way they set up to defend Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo on the final play of the game – to which the Hornets star responded by using an anti-gay slur.
“We loaded up, no homo. That’s what we wanted, put a hand up and then live with the results,” he said, according to CBS Sports.
Ball ultimately cleared the air after the Hornets’ 128-114 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. “Before we get started, I just want to address the comment yesterday,” the star point guard told reporters.
“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.”
Ball’s response came after Hornets coach Charles Lee said he had spoken to the 23-year-old All-Star player and he was “very apologetic.”
“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.”
Lee also said he was sure Ball would not repeat his actions. “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 said. “So for somebody to use those words and say that out of his mouth, we will make sure to hold him accountable to that.”
Ball has been a key player for the Hornets after the franchise drafted him with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. He was then crowned Rookie of the Year. He is averaging 29.6 points, 6.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds this season, The Associated Press reported.
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