NBA Welcomes LaMelo Ball Back After 48 Days by Backtracking on Controversial Fine

Charlotte Hornets spearhead LaMelo Ball is all set to take on the court against the San Antonio Spurs after a 48-day absence. He played his last game against the Orlando Magic in November 2023. During the game, the star succumbed to an ankle sprain, to which he had surgery last season. Now that the star is finally back on the court, the league has backtracked on its bizarre restriction laid on him.

The team missed the 22-year-old, as they have yet another disappointing season. When Ball played his last game, the Hornets had a 5-10 record, and 48 days later, they have an 8-27. The team managed to win only 3 games in their 20 games. Now that Ball has turned to the court, he can turn things for his side. Apart from that, the league also lifted a restriction laid on him.

LaMelo Ball entered the league with a brand new tattoo on his neck that read, “LF” which was actually short for his middle name, LaMelo LaFrance Ball. At the same time, he started a clothing brand in 2020 with the same title. So the league asked the star to cover the tattoo, as it was against the league rules for players to display commercial symbols on their body or hair.

Following that, Ball covered his tattoo with a plaster for the games. But it didn’t last long as he strained his ankle within a few days after the league asked the star to cover the tattoo. However, on his return after 48 days, the league has a surprise for the rising superstar.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the league lifted the restriction to cover the tattoo under Ball’s neck, which violated the league’s rules for visible commercial logos. Citing sources, he said, “As LaMelo Ball returns from a six-week absence tonight, the NBA won’t fine him for failing to cover up a tattoo below his left ear that the league had previously deemed a violation of rules against visible commercial logos.”

Ball stepped on the court against the Spurs without covering his tattoo.

Let’s find out more about Ball’s comeback game.

LaMelo Ball goes off on his return

The star didn’t waste any time. He picked up from where he left off from his last game against the Magic. He dropped 11 points in the first quarter alone. The social media buzzed with a particular play where he went up against three Spurs defenders on the paint and dropped a lay-up.

By the end of the first half, Ball dropped 16 points with 3 three points. However, the Hornets are 21 points short of the Spurs. Will he turn it around for his side? Only time will tell.

What do you make of the league’s rules restricting Ball from having the tattoo? Let us know in the comments below.