Summary
LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets scored a game-winning basket but also caused an injury to Miami Heat player Bam Adebayo during a recent NBA Play-In Tournament game. The NBA fined Ball for his contact with Adebayo and for cursing on broadcast. Sports commentator Nick Wright called Ball a "clown," leading to a public back-and-forth with Ball's family and Wright responding by dressing as a clown on his show.
Key Facts
- LaMelo Ball scored the winning basket in overtime against the Miami Heat during a Play-In Tournament game.
- Ball tripped and injured Bam Adebayo, who had to leave the game with a lower back injury.
- The NBA fined Ball $35,000 for reckless contact and $25,000 for cursing on the broadcast.
- Nick Wright called LaMelo Ball a "clown" on the FS1 show "First Things First."
- LaMelo's older brother Lonzo Ball and father LaVar Ball defended LaMelo and criticized Wright.
- In response, Nick Wright appeared on his show dressed as a clown to address the incident.
- Wright later apologized for how offensive the term "clown" was to some but stood by his criticism of Ball's behavior.
- The Hornets are close to making the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2016.
