LaMelo Ball Fined $60K Total for Reckless Play and Profane Interview
The NBA fined Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball $60,000 total for two separate incidents during Tuesday's playoff game. He got $35,000 for making dangerous contact with Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo and another $25,000 for using profanity during a TV interview after the game.
LaMelo Ball will pay $60,000 in fines but avoided suspension for his actions during the Charlotte Hornets' playoff game against the Miami Heat on Tuesday.
The NBA hit Ball with a $35,000 fine for what officials called "unnecessary and reckless contact" that "created a significant injury risk" to Heat center Bam Adebayo. The league also gave Ball a Flagrant 2 foul for the play, though it happened after the game ended so he wasn't ejected.
Ball received an additional $25,000 fine for using profane language during a televised interview following the game. The NBA regularly fines players for inappropriate language in public settings.
The fact that Ball avoided suspension is significant for the Hornets, who need their star player available. Had he received the Flagrant 2 foul during the game, he would have been ejected immediately.
The Hornets face the Orlando Magic on Friday in their next playoff game, with the winner advancing in the tournament.
This shows how seriously the NBA takes player safety and conduct. The hefty fine sends a message that reckless plays that could injure other players won't be tolerated, even from rising stars like Ball.
Ball will play Friday against Orlando Magic in the next playoff game. The winner advances in the tournament.
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