![NBA Fines LaMelo Ball $35K for Flipping Off Ref During Hornets and Heat Game [Video]](https://balleralert.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/GettyImages-1195348483-scaled-e1731880837360.jpg "NBA Fines LaMelo Ball K for Flipping Off Ref During Hornets and Heat Game [Video] - Baller Alert")
Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball has been fined for making a comment during his postgame interview that many believed to be homophobic.
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Ball sparked controversy on Saturday after his team’s 115-114 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. During the postgame, he stated, “We loaded up, no homo,” while reflecting on the match. “That’s what we wanted, put a hand up and then live with the results,” he added.
Fans quickly reacted to the comment, with some predicting a fine for Ball. On Sunday, this proved true when the NBA confirmed the hefty penalty. This scenario has become common for players making similar remarks.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/eBXmqGaExw
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) November 17, 2024
The 23-year-old seemingly reacted to his fine, tweeting, “Hol up pause dat,” shortly after the league made the announcement.
hol up pause dat…🤦🏽♂️
— Melo (@MELOD1P) November 17, 2024
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas was previously fined $40,000 for using the same phrase in a 2023 interview. Additionally, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic received a $25,000 fine five years ago after making the same statement during an interview when his English was still developing.
Ball scored 26 points in Saturday’s victory, capped off by two clutch free throws with 7.3 seconds remaining, putting Charlotte ahead for good.
