There has always been a certain line the NBA draws between the acceptable and unacceptable. To understand the recent events around LaMelo Ball, several NBA players have used the term “pause” to imply their humourous thoughts. James Harden said it in a press conference with his former teammate Clint Capela. However, while the young Hornets guard might have had the same intentions, his words were deemed “offensive and derogatory.”

It also resulted in a hefty $100,000 fine. However, who is to blame for Ball’s action but himself? Popular music artist Cam’ron is taking the onus upon himself.

On his podcast, Come And Talk 2 Me, the panel has evolved with the growing times. Notably, the 48-year-old rapper says they also use “pause” regularly to avoid repercussions. However, that’s not where they started. He takes the revolution back to Harlem, over 2500 miles from Chino Hills, where LaMelo Ball grew up.

“I blame myself. I really do man,” he told the show. It is because Cam’ron feels Ball may have learned the term from people hailing from Harlem. “I blame the east side of Harlem. You got this in Jefferson Projects probably in 1996 when we were saying this. And before that what the f**k, god damn we did this a long time. To be honest with you we started saying pause. We used to say what Melo said but we was like the people are sensitive,” said the ‘Oh Boy’ artist.

In hindsight, the 23-year-old Hornets sensation isn’t blaming anyone else. As vivacious and spirited Melo may be, he did understand the implications of his wordings and vowed to improve his conduct.

LaMelo Ball promises to learn from his mistakes

After an improbable win against the Milwaukee Bucks, LaMelo Ball may not have thought much of his controversial postgame interview. However, the artistic playmaker has tried to mend his ways since his fine. Not only does Ball want to improve, but he also holds himself accountable for his mistakes.

“Before we get started, I just want to address the comment yesterday. “I really didn’t mean anything [by it] and don’t want to offend anybody. I’ve got love for everybody, and I don’t discriminate,” Ball said before taking any question after a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers a day after the incident.

As an organization, the Hornets, too, supported the league in its assessment. The head coach, Charles Lee, discussed the seriousness of the situation with his franchise star. Not only is Ball “very apologetic,” but the 23-year-old wants to improve his own stature.

“He and I talked about it and he definitely said going forward, ‘I’m going to be better,’ and I want to see that happen. So for somebody to use those words and say that out of his mouth, we will make sure to hold him accountable to that,” Lee told ESPN.

LaMelo Ball seems to understand how far his influence goes. Even though he is still young, he is among the most exciting and watched talents in the NBA. Currently averaging 29.7 points this season, Ball seems willing to clean himself due to his disposition as a role model for the next generations.