Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball says that he didn’t mean to offend anyone with an anti-gay slur that prompted the NBA to fine him $100,000, the maximum allowed.
Ball made what the NBA called “an offensive and derogatory comment” on FanDuel Sports Network shortly after the Hornets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.
Asked by a sideline reporter about the team’s defensive strategy against Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo on the game’s final play, Ball said “We loaded up, no homo,” while delivering his answer.
The league penalised the 23-year-old, who spent the 2019-20 season with the Illawarra Hawks as part of the NBL’s Next Stars program, on Sunday before the Hornets played in Cleveland.
After the Hornets lost 128-114 to the unbeaten Cavaliers, Ball made his first comments since the fine was assessed.
“Before we get started, I just want to address the comment yesterday,” Ball 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 scored 31 points on 11-of-29 shooting and had 12 assists against the Cavs.
Earlier, first-year Hornets coach Charles Lee said he had spoken to Ball, who had been “very apologetic” and intended to learn from the behaviour.
“As an organisation 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.”
Lee said Ball was remorseful.
“He understands what’s going to be expected of him,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing him grow from this moment, but I wanted to start off by saying that we apologise for what happened.”
Lee was confident Ball would 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.”
Ball is averaging 29.6 points, 6.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds in his fifth season. He was Rookie of the Year in 2020-21 and an All-Star the following season.
