LaMelo Ball burst onto the scene when he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets as the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. From the moment he stepped onto the court, his charisma and talent were undeniable, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike.
However, it’s not just his skills that have fascinated the basketball world; it’s also his unique style and fashion choices. Recently, the NBA made headlines as they requested Ball to conceal a prominent neck tattoo during games, and many are questioning why only that tattoo.
LaMelo Ball required to cover neck tattoo for logo violation
The NBA has recently informed Charlotte Hornets’ rising star, LaMelo Ball, that he must hide a tattoo on his neck during games due to a violation of the league’s rules regarding the display of corporate logos. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported the news, revealing that Ball had already started covering the tattoo before the team’s game against the Miami Heat on November 14.
The tattoo in question is a red “LF” located just under Lamelo Ball’s left ear, representing LaFrance. This not only stands as his middle name but also serves as the name of his lifestyle fashion brand, which he launched last year. Interestingly, Ball also has a similar tattoo on his left hand, but it isn’t as conspicuous as the one on his neck.
Ball’s representatives argue that the NBA’s enforcement of this rule has been inconsistent, contending that the initials have held significance for him even before the establishment of his “LaFrance” brand. This rule has been applied before, in 2018, when LaMelo’s older brother, Lonzo Ball, was forced to conceal a “Big Baller Brand” tattoo.
The matter was eventually resolved by covering up the “Big Baller Brand” logo with a new tattoo depicting a pair of dice. However, LaMelo Ball’s situation remains unclear. Currently, he will continue to conceal the tattoo during games, but discussions are ongoing between both parties to find a long-term solution, as reported by Wojnarowski.
Ball used a racial slur during WWE appearance when 15
Lamelo Ball, the young basketball player, is no stranger to controversy. Unfortunately, his involvement in several heated situations has landed him in the headlines once again. The incident that occurred during his WWE appearance when he was only 15 years old is being revisited. It was during this appearance that Lamelo used a racial slur, causing outrage among some fans.
This was not the first time Lamelo found himself at the center of controversy. In 2017, he uttered a racial slur on live television, sparking widespread anger. Alongside his older brother Lonzo, the Ball brothers were once regarded as the most disliked athletes in the NBA. Much of the animosity stemmed from their father, LaVar, who often made distasteful comments about other players in the league.
The WWE appearance in 2017 only added to the scrutiny faced by Lamelo Ball as he yelled “Beat that n***a a**” into the microphone during the appearance. This was a crucial year for the Ball family as Lonzo was drafted by the LA Lakers, thrusting them into the media spotlight.
During the live segment of the show, just before his father’s fight began, Lamelo shouted a racially insensitive phrase into the microphone not once, but twice. This understandably sparked immense outrage from some fans.
Lamelo’s mixed heritage made his use of racial slurs particularly distressing for some, as it further perpetuated harmful stereotypes. As he was in the wrestling ring, his remarks could not be ignored, amplifying the impact of his words. While some were deeply bothered by Lamelo’s offensive comments, there were others who downplayed their significance and were not bothered by them.
