LaMelo Ball fined $100,000 for using anti-gay term in interview after win over Bucks

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball was fined $100,000 Sunday for an “offensive and derogatory comment” he made during a postgame interview Saturday night.

The NBA announced the fine on Sunday afternoon, which is the maximum amount they can hand out for conduct or statements under the current collective bargaining agreement. Ball used an anti-gay term during an on-field interview.

Shortly after the Hornets’ 115-114 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, Ball was asked how the team defended Giannis Antetokounmpo on the final play of the game at the Spectrum Center. Antetokounmpo, who had his first triple-double of the season in the game, had a look at a game-winning bucket from just inside the 3-point line, but his shot barely fell out at the final buzzer. It was then that Ball slipped into the anti-gay term.

Ball had a team-high 26 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the win for the Hornets, who now sit at 5-7 on the year. He shot just 1-of-7 from behind the arc. The 23-year-old is averaging 29.6 points and 6.3 assists per game this season, his fifth with the Hornets. Ball played in just 22 games last season due to an ankle injury.

The Hornets will face the Cleveland Cavaliers next Sunday afternoon, marking the start of a quick two-game road trip.