LaMelo Ball Fined $35K for Flagrant Foul on Bam Adebayo in Play-In Thriller
On Wednesday, Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball received a flagrant foul penalty 2 and was fined $35,000 following a controversial play against Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat. The incident occurred during the second quarter of their Play-In Tournament game on Tuesday, which the Hornets won 127-126 in overtime. Ball, frustrated after having his shot blocked, yanked Adebayo's leg, causing the Heat big man to fall awkwardly. Adebayo sustained a back injury and did not return to the game. NBA executive vice president James Jones characterized Ball's actions as "unnecessary and reckless contact" that posed a significant injury risk. In addition to the flagrant foul, Ball was also fined $25,000 for using profanity during his walk-off interview post-game. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra expressed his discontent, stating that Ball "should've been thrown out of the game," and the league's decision to issue a flagrant 2 indicates they concurred with this sentiment. Despite the fines and the controversy, Ball excelled in the game, scoring a game-high 30 points and dishing out 10 assists in 40 minutes of play. After the match, he expressed regret over the incident and stated he would check on Adebayo's condition. Ball will not face a suspension and is expected to play on Friday when the Hornets face the Orlando Magic, with the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs at stake.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-16