Charlotte Hornets coach Charles Lee has stated star guard LaMelo Ball is “very apologetic” for making what the NBA referred to as “an offensive and derogatory remark” because it fined him $US100,000 ($155,000), the utmost allowed by league rule.
Ball made the touch upon Saturday, native time, shortly after the Hornets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 115-114.
Sideline reporter Shannon Spake requested Ball concerning the crew’s defensive technique towards Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo on the sport’s last play, and Ball used an anti-gay slur whereas delivering his reply.
The league penalised the 23-year-old Ball on Sunday earlier than the Hornets performed in Cleveland.
Lee opened his pre-game media session by addressing the state of affairs and stated he had spoken to Ball about his behaviour.
“As an organisation that’s clearly not one thing we condone,” Lee stated.
“Our requirements and what’s required of our gamers within the setting we create is de facto vital to us.
“I spoke to Melo and he is clearly very apologetic. From what I’ve seen since I have been round him, he loves everybody. He is a pleasure to have across the facility and it isn’t usually how he operates.
“He and I talked concerning the seriousness of the state of affairs and the way he must conduct himself going ahead.”
Lee stated Ball was remorseful.
“He understands what is going on to be anticipated of him,” he stated.
“I look ahead to seeing him develop from this second, however I wished to start out off by saying that we apologise for what occurred.”
Ball was not made accessible to reporters earlier than the sport.
Lee was assured Ball would maintain his phrase.
“He and I talked about it and he undoubtedly stated going ahead, ‘I will be higher’ and I need to see that occur,” Lee stated. “So for any individual to make use of these phrases and say that out of his mouth, we’ll be sure that to carry him accountable to that.”
Ball had 26 factors within the win over Milwaukee, together with a pair of free throws with 7.3 seconds left that gave Charlotte the lead for good.
Ball performed 12 video games for the Illawarra Hawks within the NBL earlier than being chosen third within the 2020 NBA Draft.
Regardless of solely taking part in 12 video games within the 2019-20 season, Ball was nonetheless awarded Rookie of the Yr in 2020.
AP
