LaMelo Ball, barring recent chaos, has been a standout performer this season, helping the Charlotte Hornets stay competitive despite their 5-7 record. The 22-year-old is averaging 29.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds across 12 games. After struggling with injuries in recent years, the hoopster seems to have returned to peak form, showing why he’s one of the league’s top rising stars. But, in an unfortunate turn of events, it’s not his performance we’ll be looking at today. Instead, it’s the Hornets youngster’s off-court remarks.

Just recently, LaMelo Ball faced controversy following Charlotte’s dramatic 115-114 win over Milwaukee on Saturday. In a post-game interview, while praising teammate Grant Williams’ critical defensive play, Ball made a comment that sparked severe backlash. He subtly added, “No homo,” which quickly drew attention.

By Sunday, the NBA had fined him $100,000 and released a statement condemning the language. The league reiterated its stance on promoting inclusivity and respect, reminding players of the values they’re expected to uphold.

LaMelo Ball’s controversial remark and the resulting fine led to a conversation with Hornets head coach Charles Lee. The organization then made it clear they didn’t approve of the actions that prompted the league’s six-figure penalty.

“As an organization, that’s obviously not something we condone,” Lee said before the Hornets faced the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. “Our standards and what is required of our players and our environment that we create is really important to us. I spoke to Melo, and he’s obviously very apologetic.”Lee also shared his personal observations about the $203 million hoopster, highlighting his usual demeanor. “From what I’ve seen since I’ve been around him, he loves everyone. He’s a joy to have around in the facility and that’s not typically how he operates,” he added, quotes via The Charlotte Observer.

When asked if LaMelo Ball assured him the behavior wouldn’t be repeated, Lee confidently confirmed it.

According to him, Ball expressed a commitment to improving and ensuring such incidents don’t happen again. The head coach acknowledged the hoopster’s words but emphasized the importance of holding him “accountable” for his actions going forward.

It’s one thing to say you’ll do better, but actions always speak louder than words. The Hornets, like their fans, are likely watching closely to see if Ball follows through. Because for now, the hooper has tweeted on X, “Hol up pause dat…*facepalm*.

Not just LaMelo Ball, every NBA star is under watch

Interest in player interviews—whether from the locker room, press conferences, or courtside—has noticeably grown in recent weeks. This uptick puts a spotlight on the need for media training, something the NBA, under Adam Silver, typically provides alongside the team’s PR staff. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves star, Anthony Edwards, expresses all his emotions and does not hold back.

With 3:15 left in the first quarter of the Wolves’ 130-126 OT win, ANT was caught on camera flipping off Kings fans. The gesture came as he walked to the bench, frustrated after disputing a foul call with the officials. Apparently, something from the crowd prompted his reaction.

This isn’t Anthony Edwards’ first significant fine this year. Back on January 29, the NBA hit him with a $40,000 penalty for “repeatedly publicly criticizing the officiating” following Minnesota’s 107-101 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

On the other hand, this wasn’t LaMelo Ball’s first time either this season. During the Hornets’ season opener, the point guard made headlines for his choice of words. In a courtside interview after a win over the Houston Rockets, his excitement got the better of him, leading to an unfiltered response. When asked about his bond with former NBA star-turned-coach Kemba Walker, Ball described their relationship as “brotherly,” adding, “Like I said, he gang. I’m gang. We chillin’ all the time. I f–k with him, that’s family.”

The clip quickly gained traction online, much like the viral video of Edwards. It looks like these fines aren’t even making a dent in the deep pockets of NBA stars to spark any sort of filtering of words or actions. What do you think can be the solution?