The NBA Chiefs have slapped LaMelo Ball with a hefty fine for making an alleged homophobic slur during an interview.
The Charlotte Hornets star made this comment after their exciting victory over the Milwaukee Bucks 115-114 last week.
1
Paul was discussing his team's defensive strategy on the final play of a game that saw Giannis Antetokounmpo miss a two-point attempt.
“We've loaded up — there's no human,” he said.
“This is what we wanted. Raise your hands and live with the results.”
Ball was fined $100,000 for the remark, the maximum amount for a violation under current rules.
The NBA called his comments “offensive and insulting.”
In response to the fine after the Hornets lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, Paul said: “I didn't really mean anything and I don't want to offend anyone.
“I love everyone and I don't discriminate.”
Hornets coach Charles Lee added: “I spoke to Melo and obviously he is very apologetic.
“He and I talked about the seriousness of the situation and how he needs to act in the future.
“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, if someone uses those words and says that out of their mouth, we will make sure that they are held accountable for that,” he added.
Ball was voted the NBA's Rookie of the Year in 2021 and was named an NBA All-Star the following season.
He signed a five-year contract with the Hornets last summer that will pay a whopping $260 million.
