SUMMARY
- Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball will not be fined for his neck tattoo, which features the initials "LF."
- NBA had initially deemed the tattoo a violation of rules against visible commercial logos and requested Ball to cover it during games.
Recently, news came that caught the attention of the NBA community, the NBA will not fine Charlotte Hornets’ star LaMelo Ball for his “LF” neck tattoo. This decision is a major change from the league’s earlier stance.
Ball, who has been out for 48 days due to an ankle injury, is known not just for his skills on the court but also for his unique style off the court. His neck tattoo, which stands for his middle name “LaMelo LaFrance Ball,” became a point of controversy when the league forced its rule against visible commercial logos. The “LF” also represents Ball’s clothing brand, which he launched in 2020.
via Adrian Wojnarowski– “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.”
ESPN Sources: 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. https://t.co/VYXQEo0Ggz
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 13, 2024
Initially, the NBA had asked Ball to cover the tattoo during games, as per its rules. Agreeing with this request, Ball had covered his tattoo with a plaster in previous games. However, this restriction has been lifted upon his return to the court. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the NBA has decided not to fine Ball for showing his tattoo, which was previously thought to be against the rules.
This decision comes as Ball made his much-needed return to the Hornets’ lineup. Ball’s return to the lineup will give hope to the team’s fans and management.
LaMelo Ball returns to Hornets lineup after 48 days
LaMelo Ball’s had an amazing return to the court. After a lengthy 48-day absence due to an ankle injury, the 22-year-old star has made a comeback in the game against the San Antonio Spurs.
Ball wasted no time showing his worth on the court. In the first quarter alone, he scored an impressive 11 points, including a highlight-worthy play where he went up against three Spurs defenders to score a lay-up. By the end of the first half, Ball had totaled 16 points, including three 3-pointers.
Despite Ball’s outstanding performance, the Hornets were 21 points behind the Spurs at halftime. Eventually, the Hornets lost the match with a scoreline of 135-99, with Ball leading the scoring for the Hornets, finishing with 28 points.
Ball’s return will give a boost to the team. The Hornets, currently with a disappointing 8-28 record, sit 13th in the Eastern Conference. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Ball to see if he can turn it around for the Hornets, both in terms of their performance and their standings in the league.