Charlotte Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball will have to pay a fine of US$100,000 after using a homophobic term during a post-game interview on Saturday, after a victory against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The NBA announced the sanction – the maximum sum allowed by the regulations – on Sunday, indicating that Ball had made an “offensive and derogatory” comment during his interview on the floor.
Journalist Shannon Spake asked Ball what he thought of his club’s defensive strategy to counter Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo on the last play of the game.
Ball used a homophobic term while delivering his response.
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas was hit with a $40,000 penalty for a similar comment last season.
Edwards fined for obscene gesture
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards will be fined US$35,000 for making an obscene gesture on the court during the Timberwolves’ victory over the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.
The league announced the fine on Sunday.
The NBA has not said what exactly Edwards did. The league only specified that it happened with 3 minutes and 15 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
At this point in the game, Edwards received an offensive foul and then allegedly made an obscene gesture towards Kings fans.
Edwards finished the game with 36 points. In the loss, De’Aaron Fox stole the show with a 60-point performance.
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