LaMelo Ball Fined $100,000 by NBA for Anti-Gay Slur

metroweekly.com:

Associated Press.Sideline reporter Shannon Spake asked Ball, a former Rookie of the Year and an All-Star player, about the team’s defensive strategy to limit production from Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, to which Ball replied, “We loaded up.

No homo.”“No homo” is a phrase generally used to clarify that the speaker doesn’t want to be associated with the LGBTQ community.

The National Basketball Association decided to fine Ball the maximum penalty of $100,000 for using homophobic language.The 23-year-old later addressed the fine after the Hornets lost, 128-114, to the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 17.“Before we get started, I just want to address the comment yesterday,” he told reporters in a post-game press conference. “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.”First-year Hornets coach Charles Lee said he had spoken to Ball, whom he characterized as “very apologetic” for the remark.“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.”Lee added, “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.