Hornets star LaMelo Ball is in some hot water after he used some “offensive and derogatory language” in his postgame and he’s spoken about it.
After Saturday’s 115-114 win against the Bucks in Milwaukee, Ball was interviewed on court and was asked about the team’s defense on Giannis on the final play of the game.
“We loaded up, no homo,” Ball said.
The league came down hard on Ball the next day, issuing the largest fine possible on the young star – $100,ooo – for his offensive and derogatory comments.
On Sunday, Charlotte were beaten by Cleveland, and Ball’s first comments in his postgame presser were about his sentiments the night before.
“Before we get started, I just want to address the comment yesterday,” he 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.”
Hornets coach Charles Lee said he had spoken to Ball, who was “very apologetic” and intended to learn from his mistake.
“As an organization, that is obviously not something we condone,” said Lee. “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.”
The first-year coach was adamant Ball will keep his word.
“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.”
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