Hornets LaMelo Ball Fined For Contact With Bam Adebayo and Language During Interview
It’s been a hot topic amongst sports fans; did he foul or not? Should he receive discipline or be in the clear? Well, the league has finally come to a decision on the matter. The Charlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball has been fined for contact with Bam Adebayo and language during a television interview.
In the second quarter of the Hornets’ Play-In Tournament game against the Heat on Tuesday, Ball got his shot blocked, fell and then left arm moved in a motion interfering with Adebayo’s ability to land normally. Bam Adebayo said Thursday he had not received an apology from Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball.
Although, Ball said in interview that he would take steps to mend things with Adebayo; Bam still seemed to be waiting two days later. Nevertheless, the league pressed on and after much discussion still felt disciplinary actions were warranted. The National Basketball Association Communications page released the following statement regarding LaMelo situation:
“Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been fined $35,000 and assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 upon league office review for making unnecessary and reckless contact with Miami Heat center-forward Bam Adebayo that created a significant injury risk, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
The incident occurred with 11:13 remaining in the second quarter of the Hornets’ 127-126 overtime win over the Heat on April 14 in the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament.
Ball has been fined an additional $25,000 for using profane language during a live postgame television interview.”
Per NBA rules, the Heat could not challenge the ruling on the play because no foul was called. Play continued, leaving no opportunity for a replay review. Adebayo was diagnosed with a lower-back contusion as a result of the fall.
Hornets LaMelo Ball Fined For Contact With Bam Adebayo and Language During Interview
For the Hornets, the above decision should bring some positive relief. Since the ruling does not include any suspension Ball will play Friday for the Hornets in their play-in elimination game at Orlando.
Thursday afternoon, Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra discussed his feelings on the incident and Ball. Spoelstra initially said Ball should’ve been thrown out the game, but seemed to have moved on now that some time has passed. Erik told the media, “I didn’t think that he needed to be penalized more moving forward; don’t think that would make sense. I don’t think he’s a dirty player. I just think, in that moment, all things can be true. It was a dirty play and a dangerous play. It should have been caught at that moment. But it wasn’t and then, you know, you move on.”
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