The 2025–26 NBA Regular Season has gotten off to a respectable start for the Charlotte Hornets . This is also due to LaMelo Ball , their star player, returning from ankle and wrist ailments. Ball has officially opened the fine book for the 2025–26 NBA season, and he did it with style. After giving a referee the finger in disgust over a charge call during the fourth quarter of a loss to Miami, the Charlotte Hornets star owes the league $35,000.
LaMelo Ball’s bold emotions spark fresh headlines as the Charlotte Hornets star’s fortune faces another fiery twist
Ball was fined $35,000 for making an " obscene gesture " during the Hornets' 144-117 loss to the Heat on Tuesday, NBA PR revealed on social media on Thursday afternoon.
With 4:02 left in the fourth quarter on Tuesday, Ball was penalized for a charge and seemed to give the referee the finger. When the gesture was made during the game, he was also given a technical foul.
The league increased his financial load when he was given a technical foul for flipping off a referee. LaMelo Ball was left lighter in the pocketbook and heavy in lessons after the additional fine sealed his doom.
Additionally, LaMelo Ball's name has already been on the league's fine list. However, his fiery reputation is further enhanced by this most recent instance. Even though Thursday's penalty is only his second in his career, it serves as a reminder that his enthusiasm frequently outpaces his tolerance. For him, adulation almost always follows hardship.
LaMelo Ball has been the focal point of the Hornets' aspirations since joining the league at the age of 19 in 2020. In 231 games, he has averaged 21.0 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 36% from beyond the arc. The Hornets now look to Ball to connect promise with performance as they pursue their first postseason trip since 2015–16.
Following Thursday's news, video of the event has surfaced again after becoming popular on social media. It is the second-highest fine that Ball has ever been hit with in the NBA. He received a $100,000 fine in 2024 for using "offensive and derogatory" comments. According to Spotrac, Ball has already paid $173,000 in fines over his NBA career.
LaMelo Ball’s soaring form and fiery past collide as the Hornets star continues his million-dollar rise
LaMelo Ball received his first warning from the league in 2021 for breaking the anti-flopping rule. The message was clear, yet there was no fine. Then he truly went too far last season. Ball used "offensive and derogatory" language on live television following a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, resulting in his first official reprimand and a reputation for unvarnished honesty.
However, Ball is letting his game speak for itself this season. He has averaged 26.3 points in his first four games, shooting 44% from the field and a scorching 39% from three on 10.8 shots. You get a stat line that exudes confidence and control when you add 9.5 assists, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals a game. Charlotte's 2-2 record, however, maintains reasonable but cautious expectations.
With an average of 26.3 points per game, he is helping the squad improve this season. But Melo also experienced difficulties following Tuesday's disappointing 117-144 loss to the Miami Heat.
Also read: "Got fined $200 for this" - Caitlin Clark claims WNBA fined her $200 for reportedly mocking refs after Fever’s playoff win
LaMelo Ball’s bold emotions spark fresh headlines as the Charlotte Hornets star’s fortune faces another fiery twist
Ball was fined $35,000 for making an " obscene gesture " during the Hornets' 144-117 loss to the Heat on Tuesday, NBA PR revealed on social media on Thursday afternoon.
With 4:02 left in the fourth quarter on Tuesday, Ball was penalized for a charge and seemed to give the referee the finger. When the gesture was made during the game, he was also given a technical foul.
The league increased his financial load when he was given a technical foul for flipping off a referee. LaMelo Ball was left lighter in the pocketbook and heavy in lessons after the additional fine sealed his doom.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DQZPQ5ygWVF/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DQZPQ5ygWVF/
Additionally, LaMelo Ball's name has already been on the league's fine list. However, his fiery reputation is further enhanced by this most recent instance. Even though Thursday's penalty is only his second in his career, it serves as a reminder that his enthusiasm frequently outpaces his tolerance. For him, adulation almost always follows hardship.
LaMelo Ball has been the focal point of the Hornets' aspirations since joining the league at the age of 19 in 2020. In 231 games, he has averaged 21.0 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 36% from beyond the arc. The Hornets now look to Ball to connect promise with performance as they pursue their first postseason trip since 2015–16.
Following Thursday's news, video of the event has surfaced again after becoming popular on social media. It is the second-highest fine that Ball has ever been hit with in the NBA. He received a $100,000 fine in 2024 for using "offensive and derogatory" comments. According to Spotrac, Ball has already paid $173,000 in fines over his NBA career.
LaMelo Ball’s soaring form and fiery past collide as the Hornets star continues his million-dollar rise
LaMelo Ball received his first warning from the league in 2021 for breaking the anti-flopping rule. The message was clear, yet there was no fine. Then he truly went too far last season. Ball used "offensive and derogatory" language on live television following a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, resulting in his first official reprimand and a reputation for unvarnished honesty.
However, Ball is letting his game speak for itself this season. He has averaged 26.3 points in his first four games, shooting 44% from the field and a scorching 39% from three on 10.8 shots. You get a stat line that exudes confidence and control when you add 9.5 assists, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals a game. Charlotte's 2-2 record, however, maintains reasonable but cautious expectations.
With an average of 26.3 points per game, he is helping the squad improve this season. But Melo also experienced difficulties following Tuesday's disappointing 117-144 loss to the Miami Heat.
Also read: "Got fined $200 for this" - Caitlin Clark claims WNBA fined her $200 for reportedly mocking refs after Fever’s playoff win
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